Mitchell returns to BritGT in 2023 25 | 01 | 2023

LAMBORGHINI FACTORY driver Sandy Mitchell will return to the Intelligent Money British GT Championship in 2023 committed to lifting the title for the second time in four years.

The 22-year-old from Forfar, who took the crown in 2020, will again play a key role in the two-car assault by Barwell Motorsport, backed by Huntly-based Black Bull Scotch Whisky. And the Scot will not only pilot one of the team’s new-spec Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2 race cars, but welcomes a new team-mate into the No78 car.

“I’m delighted that this season I’ll be partnered by the very experienced Shaun Balfe in the new Huracan Evo2,” Mitchell, a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, stated. (Related: Mitchell re-writes British GT record books at Spa)

“Shaun has raced in numerous series in the UK, Europe and around the world, and though this will be the first season we’’ll have shared a car together, we both get on really well. I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“I know together we will form a very strong, quick pairing and we head into the season with one aim in mind; that’s to lift the title.”

Mitchell came very close to lifting his second title last season. After winning the British GT Championship’s blue riband race, the three-hour Silverstone 500, he and team-mate Adam Balon battled through the 2022 season to eventually finish runners-up in the title race.

This season, with new team-mate Balfe, the duo head into the ultra-competitive championship buoyed by the fact they will get their hands on the new Huracan Evo2. (Related: Mitchell cruelly denied Spa24H podium)

“This year will be my sixth season both with Barwell, and driving a Lamborghini,” Mitchell, personally backed by Black Bull Scotch Whisky, Thorntons Solicitors, Lamborghini Edinburgh, Tunnocks and Upper Dysart Larder, explained.

“And for the team to have two of the new Evo2 Huracan race cars is a major boost for our campaign. I’ve already tested the car and there are significant improvements over the Huracan Evo I’ve raced for the last couple of years.

“Backed by the strength of the guys in the Barwell team, allied to the new Lamborghini, we head into the season with a very strong package. (Related: Scot Sandy Mitchell wins 2020 British GT Championship)

“We know the grid for the 2023 British GT is as strong as it’s ever been, and it’s great to again be part of a two-car Barwell assault on the championship. The competition is going to be intense. Shaun and I will need to be on it right from the start of the campaign.”

The nine-round championship gets underway over Easter weekend at Oulton Park on April 8-10, and includes races at Silverstone, Donington Park, Snetterton and Brands Hatch spread over seven weekends before finishing on October 21-22. And while the series will not visit Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium this season, it will include the ultra-fast Portimao circuit in Portugal’s Algarve.

“I’ve driven on the Portimao circuit previously, and it promises to be a thrilling, action-packed venue for the British GT cars,” Mitchell said. “I can’t wait to race there in July.

“But before that we need to ensure we start the season strongly at Oulton Park. Being a Lamborghini factory driver in the Pro seat in the Pro-Am category is huge for me personally. I know what it feels like to win the British GT Championship and I’m determined to do everything I can to make sure I win it again in 2023.”

Related: Mitchell named Lamborghini factory driver

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Jim McGill