The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Teenage Angus racing star seals Donington podium place with Sir Chris Hoy –
Teenager steers Scots to second place finish
Teenage Angus racing star Sandy Mitchell delivered a scintillating LMP3 Cup debut to bag a podium place with teammate Sir Chris Hoy.
The Angus 17-year-old won the opportunity to partner the Olympic cycling legend in the United Autosports Ligier JS P3 through the Sport Insure young driver initiative after topping a public vote from a shortlist of 10 of the UK’s best young racers.
The Letham teenager fully vindicated his selection with a storming stint in Saturday’s one-hour race to take the five-litre 420bhp V8 machine to second place.
Hoy was involved in a tight tussle throughout his opening spell and Mitchell took over in sixth spot at the midway spot.
The British GT youngster then went on a charge through the field to second at the chequered flag in a United Autosports one-two.
Mitchell was also just a shade off race winner and United Autosports professional driver Matt Neil’s fastest lap.
In yesterday’s second race, 41-yearold Hoy qualified in second place and grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the rain-soaked season finale.
But he spun the car in the treacherous conditions, before delivering a fine recovery drive for the handover to the Courier Country youngster, who held fifth position before a crash involving the lead car of series champions Ecurie Ecosse brought a halt to the race.
Mitchell said he was thrilled to have been given the opportunity to drive the car and partner the famous fellow Scot.
“Finishing on the podium on my LMP3 debut is a dream. I can’t thank United Autosports, Sport Insure and Chris enough.
“I had a good drive and really enjoyed every minute of it,” added Sandy.
“The second race was a bit tougher, it was very wet and you had to be really careful out there.
“It’s been a steep learning curve but I really have taken so much from the experience and am so grateful to have been given the opportunity,” he said.
Mitchell returns to Donington this weekend for the final round of the British GT championship in the Black Bull Garage 59 McLaren 570 GT4.