Mitchell fired-up for Silverstone returnposted in GT24 | 06 | 2021

    SCOTS ENDURANCE RACER and British GT champion, Sandy Mitchell, this weekend returns to Silverstone — scene of last year’s title-clinching race win — fired-up to repeat his dominant victory in the three-hour race. (Related: Mitchell battles 'Mission Impossible')

    The 21-year-old from Forfar — partnered by team-mate Adam Balon in the No 1 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo, prepared by Barwell Motorsport — heads to the iconic Northamptonshire circuit determined to score a first win in this year’s British GT Championship.

    “I’ve always loved racing at Silverstone, and obviously I have great memories of winning the corresponding Silverstone 500 last season — albeit it was run in November because of Covid — to seal the championship,” Mitchell, personally backed by Huntly-based Black Bull Scotch Whisky, said. (Related: Scot Sandy Mitchell wins British GT Championship)

    “We know the Barwell guys always deliver a fast and reliable Lamborghini, and we know the car suits the circuit, so we’ll be pushing hard to bag our first win of the year.”

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    Mitchell, a Lamborghini factory driver, in addition to being a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s elite SuperStars programme, is also hoping Lady Luck shines more brightly on the duo’s car.

    “In the opening round at Brands Hatch we had a really fast car, but in the race we dropped a lap after Adam was spun into the gravel after contact from a rival car,” the Scot explained. (Related: Mitchell named Lamborghini factory driver)

    “These things happen of course, but we’ve put that result behind us. Now we’re fully focused on making an all-out assault to get our championship bid back on course. (Related: Mitchell extends Tunnock's link)

    “We had a very positive test at Silverstone earlier this month, and everyone in the team was pleased with the pace and times we set. Now we have to replicate that first in qualifying, then in the three-hour race.

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    “It’s the longest race in the championship, which means strategy plays a big part in the outcome. We did something aggressive last year and it paid off. It’s all about anticipating and then reacting to incidents, and in the Barwell boys we have many, many years of experience in managing races.

    “It’s the 10th running of the Silverstone 500 this year. We all know if we get the calls right and we manage to stay out of trouble, we have the pace to be fighting right at the sharp end of the race. Do that, and we’ll be in the mix for the win.”

    Related: Mitchell wins Allan Simonsen Award

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    Jim McGill

     

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