Mitchell targeting Monza GT3 success 12 | 04 | 2019

    SCOTS LAMBORGHINI ENDURANCE RACER, Sandy Mitchell, heads to Monza this weekend for the opening race of the European-based Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup. (Related: Mitchell bags pole position and podium on US race debut)

    Twelve months after making his debut in the series at the home of the F1 Italian Grand Prix, the 19-year-old from Forfar, backed by Black Bull Whisky, is determined to win the coveted Silver Cup having finished third in 2018. (Related: Mitchell confirms 2019 Blancpain GT3 bid)

    “My first season competing in the Blancpain Silver Cup was hugely positive, with a win at Paul Ricard, second in the Spa 24-Hours and third overall,” stated Mitchell, who heads to Italy just days after scoring a podium and pole position on his debut in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Championship, in Alabama.

    “Last year was my first season racing a GT3 Lamborghini. Now I’m ready to step-up again and move to the next level. I’m more experienced, faster and fitter, and I can’t wait to return to European action.” (Related: Mitchell to make US race debut)

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    Mitchell, part of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse GT3 Junior Program and a member of the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club Rising Star scheme, will again drive the Black Bull whisky-backed Lamborghini, prepared by Barwell Motorsport.

    And the young Scot is grateful for the continued backing of all his sponsors, including local companies InverTay Homes, Thorntons, Close Brothers, Stirfresh, Provisio Funding and Montrose-based Celurca Investments. 

    Two of the UK’s most popular household names, Manchester-based Duerr’s and iconic Scots brand Tunnock’s, have also continued and increased their backing, as has global company Christie Digital. Two new backers, Equinox Design and Flaunt (Modular Event Solutions), have also committed to the 2019 season. (Related: Mitchell bags third in Euro GT3 Silver Cup)

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    “Without the combined backing of all my sponsors, many of whom have supported me for a number of years, none of this would be possible, so I have to say a huge thank you to them, especially Euan Shand at  Black Bull Whisky,” Mitchell said.

    In addition to this weekend’s three-hour race Monza, the ultra-competitive five-round Blancpain Championship also visits Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Barcelona and the iconic Belgian circuit of Spa-Francorchamps for the 24-Hour race.

    This year Mitchell will be partnered by English duo James Pull and Jordan Witt, and the Scot is determined to not only add to his list of race wins, but also claim the title.

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    “I think we have a very strong driver line-up this year,” Mitchell continued. “We’ve tested at Portimao, Paul Ricard and Silverstone, and we’ve gelled together really well. More importantly, we’re all quick.

    “This year we’re in the latest GT3 Lamborghini Huracan Evo, which has an updated aerodynamic package and suspension, plus it’s certainly more drivable, so we know we have a fast car.

    “But we also know the competition in the Silver Cup has increased for 2019. There are more top teams, established drivers and superfast cars on the grid, so we’ll have to deliver our A-game at every race weekend. And that starts this weekend at Monza.”

    Related: Mitchell claims maiden Blancpain GT win

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    Jim McGill

     

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