Exeter racing driver heads for Brands Hatch

Up and coming Exeter racing driver Richard Mitchell heads for iconic Brands Hatch circuit this weekend for the HSCC Historic Formula Ford 1600 Championship.

Racing newcomer Richard joined the 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, with second place in the season’s opener at Thruxton Circuit - beating former F1 driver and TV’s FIFTH GEAR presenter Tiff Needell.

The title race for the HSCC Historic Formula Ford 1600 Championship is really hotting up as drivers come back to Brands Hatch for rounds 13 and 14 of 15. Richard currently leads the Championship Table by 19 points ahead of the Silverstone final.

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. Previous race commentator said: 'Great performance from newcomer Richard Mitchell - one to watch and potential champion in his rookie season!'

He says his focus now is on his next race at Brands Hatch this weekend. "I’ve got great support from friends, family and followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I'm looking forward to sharing the remainder of my season with everyone as it happens!"

Richard has been mentioned consistently in AutoSport magazine, the weekly national publication, the motor racing bible! With the first article titled "Young Drivers Showing Promise In Historic Races”

Marcus Pye commented "The startling pace of novice Richard Mitchell in the Historic FF1600 set marked the 22-year-old Devonian out as a potential champion in his rookie season. Having made his debut (unusually with no karting background), Mitchell made full use of a very strong engine to qualify Mike O’Brien’s SpeedSport Merlyn Mk20 second on Britain’s fastest circuit. Undeterred by a spin in the race, Richard picked himself up rapidly to finish fifth and regrouped to go again. Far from being overawed by the company of Tiff Needell in the sequel, he ran with a tight chasing pack and outjostled the 1980 Ensign F1 racer to grab a brilliant second."

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 on rjm1275@googlemail.com