Mitchell adds GT World Europe to 2020 13 | 07 | 2020
SCOTS ENDURANCE RACE winner Sandy Mitchell has confirmed he will contest the inaugural GT World Challenge Europe season. The 20-year-old from Forfar, already committed to the 2020 British GT Championship, will again drive a Lamborghini Huracan Evo GT3. (Related: Mitchell returns to British GT with Black Bull)
Backed by Huntly-based Black Bull Scotch Whisky, Mitchell will share the Vimetco Extrusion/Asterus Lamborghini, prepared by Barwell Motorsport, with former British Touring Car Championship race winner Rob Collard, and Russian sportscar ace Leo Machitski.
While 51-year-old Collard will be new to the European circuits, Machitski has twice been crowned Am Cup Champion in the ultra-competitive GT3 series, which was formerly known as Blancpain Endurance. (Related: Mitchell inducted into BRDC SuperStars)
“It’s going to be great to get back into the Lamborghini GT3 and race on some of the most iconic, fastest and demanding circuits in Europe,” explained Mitchell, part of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse GT3 Junior Program and who has won races in the UK, Europe and America.
“I’m also looking forward to working with Leo and Rob in the hugely competitive Pro-Am Class. Both drivers are vastly experienced in their own fields and I have no doubt we’ll form a strong trio throughout the season.
“I’m delighted to have the continuing support from the team at Black Bull Scotch Whisky, and I’ll be doing everything I can to make sure we have reasons to celebrate this season.” (Related: Mitchell Lamborghini World Vice Champion)
Mitchell, a member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s elite SuperStars programme, will fill the PRO seat in the trio’s Pro-Am category. And the Scot has not only been keeping his racing skills sharp during the extensive lockdown period by racing online in eSports, but won the Custom Racewear iRacing Formula 3 championship.
Mitchell was also a race winner and consistent front runner in the BRDC ESports Series and Isolation ESeries, the latter being broadcast ive on BT Sport throughout the lockdown period. (Related: Mitchell denied Lamorghini World win by 0.137s)
Back in the real world, rather than virtual, the Scot is hoping to repeat his victory in the season’s Blue Riband event, the Spa 24-Hours.
“Last year we took a stunning Silver Cup victory in the Spa 24 Hours,” the Scot continued. “It would be fantastic if we could go one step further this season and win the race outright. But we know that will be a massive task.”
Mitchell, Machitski and Collard will be joined by Rob’s 23-year-old son Ricky for their assault on the Spa 24-Hour race.
“It will be great to work with Ricky again as we were team mates in F4,” Mitchell continued. “He’s already got an impressive track history, so we know we’ll be a strong quartet.” (Related: Mitchell gets Lambo GT3 global role)
Mitchell is continuing his longterm relationship with main sponsor, Black Bull Scotch Whisky. Its chairman, Euan Shand, commented: “The last few months have been an extraordinary time and we’re eager to see Sandy and the team back on the racing track, doing what they do best.
“We’ve supported Sandy’s motorsport career since he was 15 and he has proved to be an extremely skilled driver with real tenacity behind the wheel. We’re excited to see him stepping into the Pro-Am arena for the first time and wish him all the best for the season ahead.” (Related: Mitchell wins Spa 24-Hours Silver Cup)
Mitchell’s Lamborghini GT3, backed by Vimetco Extrusion, Asterus, Vi Holdings and Black Bull Scotch Whisky — the latter will be prominent on the car’s rear wing and front bumper — will make its racing debut at the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Imola on July 25/26.
The four-round endurance series will also race at the Nurburgring, and Spa before the season-finale at Paul Ricard, in southern France, in November.
Related: Mitchell bags back-to-back US podiums
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Jim McGill