Mitchell confirms 2019 Blancpain GT3 bid 30 | 10 | 2018
SCOTS TEENAGER SANDY MITCHELL has today confirmed he will return to race in the Blancpain GT Endurance Series, Europe’s leading sportscar championship, next season. The 18-year-old from Forfar will again be backed by Huntly-based Black Bull Whisky in his bid to win the Silver Cup. (Related: Mitchell bags third in Euro GT3 Silver Cup)
And the young Scot, who won at the Paul Ricard Circuit in the South of France earlier this year, before finishing second in the Spa 24Hours, will drive the brand new 2019 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo.
The Black Bull-sponsored car will continue to be race-prepared by Barwell Motorsport. (Related: Mitchell gets Lamborghini global role)
Mitchell, part of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse GT3 Junior Program and a member of the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club Rising Star scheme, is determined to improve on his third-place finish overall in this season’s Silver Cup.
“I’m really happy with the experience and results I achieved in my first season stepping up to GT3 racing, and competing on major European circuits in the Blancpain championship,” Mitchell said.
“I’ve gained a huge amount of experience and knowledge throughout this debut season, and it’s fantastic to be in a position where I can confirm I will be returning to the series in 2019. (Related: Mitchell claims maiden Blancpain GT win)
“But for the unfortunate bad luck we experienced in the opening two races at Monza and Silverstone earlier this year, we’d have lifted the Silver Cup. Winning the cup in 2019 is my primary goal, and it’s an objective I strongly believe is achievable.”
And Mitchell — whose two teammates have yet to be confirmed — is looking forward to continuing his longterm relationship with Black Bull Whisky, and developing further his links with his other sponsors and Barwell Motorsport.
“Next year will be the fourth year Black Bull Whisky has supported me, and I have to thank Euan Shand, the company’s chairman, for continuing to back my career,” the young Scot continued.
“Obviously I’m also looking forward to delivering the positive results for my other principal sponsors, and it will be terrific to further develop my relationship with the team at Barwell.”
Mitchell’s plans for 2019 were also welcomed by Euan Shand, Chairman of Black Bull and Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky.
“2018 was a great year for Sandy and the Barwell team, with the win at Paul Ricard and second in the Spa24 Hours,” Shand said. “We are delighted to confirm our support for Sandy and the team again with our award-winning Black Bull whisky brand.
“We look forward to the season ahead and the global brand awareness that comes with the Blancpain GT Series.”
Mitchell, who drove a Huracan GT3 this season, has already tested his new, upgraded Huracan GT3 Evo model. The Scot was invited to test the new Evo as part of his status of being a Squadra Corse Junior Driver, and put the car through its paces at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona following the season finale.
Related: Mitchell bags Spa 24-Hours podium
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Jim McGill