Mitchell set for Daytona24H debut 17 | 01 | 2022

    SCOTS ENDURANCE RACER Sandy Mitchell will make his debut in America’s Blue Riband 24-hour race, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, later the month. It will also mark the Scot’s first appearance in the USA’s prestigious IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. (Related: Mitchell commits to 2022 British GT Championship)

    The news comes hot on the heels of the 21-year-old from Forfar finishing fifth, just 0.602secs off fourth, in the second running of the Virtual Le Mans 24-Hours at the weekend. The Scot, who did multiple stints throughout the 24-hour race, also took the final 60-minute stint in the No49 Oreca LMP2 car run by top United Arab Emirates racing team, Yas Heat, closing a 25s gap to the P4 car to less than a second at the chequered flag. (Related: Mitchell storms to Spa24H podium)

    Now Mitchell, the 2020 British GT champion and Lamborghini factory driver, heads to Florida believing his new American team has the potential to mix it at the front of the gruelling race at Daytona. (Related: Scot Sandy Mitchell wins 2020 British GT Championship)

    The Scot will partner Lamborghini development driver Corey Lewis, and fellow Americans Jeff Westphal and Robert Megennis in the No39 Peregrine Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo, prepared by CarBahn Motorsports (pictured below). The crew will contest the ultra-competitive GTD class in the 61-car field of the 60th running of the Daytona on January 29/30.

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    “I feel we have a strong line-up for the GTD class,” Mitchell, who has previously tasted success in the US winning races in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series in 2019, stated.

    “It’s always a great feeling going into a 24h race, and with our line-up we head to the start line prepared to win. We know in a 24h race anything can happen, but a good bit of strategy at the right time, allied to good pace, can propel you to be one of the main contenders. (Related: Mitchell seals top-three British GT place)

    “We have two very good Silver drivers in Corey and Robert — a requirement for the GTD class — plus the Gold experience of Jeff. The average pace, performance and experience of the four drivers, in my opinion, and in one of the fastest cars in the class, is a huge positive.”

    Mitchell, personally backed by Huntly-based Black Bull Scotch Whisky, and a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s elite SuperStars programme, is also looking forward to experiencing the daunting high-speed 3.56-mile Daytona 24 circuit — which includes an infield road section allied to the high-speed banking of the oval — at the famous International Speedway.

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    “It’s a race that I’ve always wanted to do since moving into GT racing,” the Scot explained. “It’s one of those big ‘Bucket List’ GT races. And I’m buzzing to be back racing in the States again.

    “Daytona’s a unique circuit with the Nascar-style bankings and the infield sections. It’s something I’ve done quite a bit of work on on the simulator. Now I’m really looking forward to getting out there and seeing what it’s all about in real life. I think it’ll be pretty cool.” (Related: Mitchell fastest at Donington British GT)

    And the Scot’s position in the team was welcomed by Peregrine Racing team boss Mark Siegel.

    “We’re thrilled to have Sandy, who is a Gold status driver, join us at Daytona,” Siegel said. “Sandy and Corey bring a  ton of experience and on-track success with the Huracan. This feels like a killer driver line-up.”

    Mitchell, who flies to the States on January 19, will have time to acquaint himself with his new team, car and circuit in the traditional Roar Before the Rolex 24 testing and qualifying in the week building up to the race which starts on January 29.

    Related: Mitchell named Lamborghini factory driver

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    Jim McGill

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