Exeter racing driver takes Formula Ford title

Exeter racing driver newcomer Richard Mitchell returns triumphant from iconic Brands Hatch Circuit last weekend crowned HSCC Historic Formula Ford 1600 Champion 2015.

Remarkably in his first season of racing Richard has won one of the most competitive Championships in Historic Racing.

Driving Speedsport's blue Merlyn Mk20, Richard claimed the Championship with two thrilling and superbly controlled drives at Brands Hatch.

Never having driven the Brands Indy Circuit before, Richard scorched to Pole Position with a stunning 51.8 second lap time. He led the first race for half the distance before wisely settling for a very close second place at the end of 23 hot laps, with just 43-thousandths of a second in it, a thrilling finish.

In the second race he followed the same pattern, finishing a fine third which established a 27 point margin over his nearest competitor, meaning he cannot be beaten with the one remaining race at Silverstone – the home of British Motor Racing - on October 17th and therefore clinching the title.

Richard joined Silverstone based Speedsport team this year with virtually no previous racing experience. Despite that, he was straight on the pace and has won four of the first nine races, was second at Thruxton Circuit - beating former F1 driver and TV’s FIFTH GEAR presenter Tiff Needell, crucially scoring second and third place this weekend at Brands Hatch.

With average speeds over 100mph in the classic single seaters, Richard 22, former Exeter Cathedral Chorister and Teaching Assistant at Exeter School is studying Motorsport Engineering at Bridgewater College, Somerset. Race Commentator and AutoSport journalist Marcus Pye earlier in the season said: 'Great performance from newcomer Richard Mitchell - one to watch and potential champion in his rookie season!'

Richard commented “What an incredible first season of racing, with great professional support from all the team at Speedsport, sponsors, friends, family and all my followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I am so very grateful.”

Asked about his future driving prospects Richard further commented “Achieving the title in my first season, Formula 4 is definitely the one to aim for, as ever all incumbent on Team & Race Sponsorship, beyond that Le Mans. I am now even more determined and driven to aspire to greater heights in motor racing!”

Richard drives a 1972 Merlyn Mk20 Formula Ford in the HSCC Historic Formula Ford Championship, prepared by Speedsport Promotions, based at Silverstone.

For more information including the full race calendar, sponsorship opportunities including videos & photos can be found at www.richardmitchellracing.com He can be followed on Twitter on @RichMitchRacing and on Facebook and Instagram as RICHARDMITCHELLRACING and on his Youtube channel. Richard can be contacted mailto:rjm1275@googlemail.com