The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Mitchell relishes drive for title
Angus teenager Sandy Mitchell returns to British GT Championship action this weekend, targeting the GT4 title in his 180mph Black Bull Garage 59 McLaren 570S.
Twice a race winner in his 2016 debut season, Mitchell became the series’ youngest victor and shared Rookie of the Year honours with team-mate and fellow Scot Ciaran Haggerty.
Now 17 and legally able to get behind the wheel of a road car – with L-plates – Dundee High pupil Mitchell again partners 20-year-old Haggerty, and the pair hope to hit the ground running at Oulton Park in Cheshire.
“Pre-season testing has gone very well so we’re feeling positive heading into the first round,” he said.
“We identified a couple of things we can improve in relation to the set-up, but overall the tests were excellent.
“Our lap times were good, too. But of course we won’t know where we really stand until the first qualifying session. But we’re feeling quietly positive.”
Mitchell has tested the McLaren at Oulton, Rockingham and Silverstone in the buildup to this weekend’s race.
“It’s been a while since we won the final race of the season at Donington last year so I can’t wait for the race weekend buzz,” added Mitchell, who has added vital backing from Christie Digital and Stampede Global to his list of sponsors.
“Primarily we’re focusing on challenging for race wins right from the start of the season.
“If we manage to consistently push for wins and bag podiums, that will evolve into us challenging for the championship as we get towards the end of the season.
“Obviously the GT4 title is the ultimate goal.
“We’ve got the champions from last year back, so it’s going to be a tough grid, but we’re determined to do everything we can to push for the title.”