McLaren selects Mitchell and Haggerty to campaign Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse 570S GT4
Scottish duo Sandy Mitchell (Forfar, 16) and Ciaran Haggerty (Johnstone,19) join Blackbull Encurie Ecosse in a two-car assault on the British GT Championship in 2016.
Piloting the recently launched McLaren 570S GT4 car, they will be teaming up with fellow Scot Alasdair McCaig and McLaren GT factory driver Rob Bell in their 650s GT3 car for a full-season campaign as part of the McLaren GT’s development of the GT4 car.
Under the umbrella of Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse, the two drivers set to compete in the British GT’s GT4 championship are both part of the Ecurie Ecosse Young Driver initiative and hold the prestigious SMRC Rising Star status. Sandy Mitchell at just 16 years old is set to be the youngest driver to compete in British GT, but already carries a year’s experience in a national championship after contesting in the 2015 MSA Formula Championship with Arden’s Junior Race Team. Ciaran Haggerty, tipped to be one of the UK’s next big stars also has a year’s experience in a national championship under his belt alongside being crowned Scottish Formula Ford Champion in 2014 at just 17 years old.
Both drivers are fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with McLaren GT factory driver Rob Bell on race weekends as they compete in the toughly contested championship as part of the development of the GT4 car.
Ecurie Ecosse has become one of the iconic names in global motorsport, with a heritage of racing and winning for more than 60 years. The patriotic blue and white racers have claimed victories in some of the world’s most famous names in the sport and taking the British GT title in 2014.
The opening round of the British GT Championship at Brands Hatch, UK over the weekend 16-17 April.
Bas Leinders, Team Manager, Garage 59
“The decision to run the two Ecurie Ecosse Young Drivers was a very easy one. We conducted some pre-season testing and it was very clear from the outset that both Haggerty and Mitchell are stars of the future. Their pace and feedback is very good and of a level we are comfortable they are ready for the challenge. Having Rob in the same team will be a great asset for them to use at their disposal and we hope to see some good results from the new model.”
Hugh McCaig, Patron of Ecurie Ecosse
“It is a fantastic feeling to see two of Scotland’s young superstars take the next step in to top level GT racing. I am sure the GT4 category will be an ideal platform for Ciaran and Sandy to demonstrate their talents with the support of the Ecurie Ecosse Young Drivers Initiative.”
Sandy Mitchell, Driver, Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse
“I am very excited to racing with the Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse in 2016 and to be driving the first ever McLaren 570S GT4 car in the British GT Championship is a real privilege, it is a fantastic car. I am really looking forward to partnering alongside Ciaran and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and made this incredible drive come together along with my sponsors. Thorntons Law, Close Brothers Asset Management, Stirfresh, John Clark Motor Group, The Stag Inn, Tunnocks HBB Geo-Sales and SGM Distribution.”
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