As the 2024 race season begins, with their first race taking place in France this Month, we’re taking the chance to learn more about Ensign Motorsports. Unveiling their roster for the upcoming 2024 European Classic F3 Championship earlier in the year, Ensign Motorsports are proudly presenting Richard Mitchell as their selected driver. Hailing from Devon, near Buckfast Abbey, Richard boasts an extensive racing background, initially securing a Championship win during his debut season in the fiercely competitive field. His racing journey spans diverse modern and historic disciplines, complemented by roles as an ARDS Instructor and renowned stunt driver in various film and TV productions.
Devon-born driver Richard Mitchell is at the wheel again in 2024.
A graduate in Motorsport Engineering from Oxford Brookes University, Richard earned the 2013 Institute of the Motor Industry Awards’ Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award from HRH Prince Michael of Kent. Beyond his racing pursuits, Richard serves as the PA to the CEO of Buckfast Abbey and professionally sings as the Cantor to the Monastic Community of Benedictine Monks at Buckfast, as well as contributing his vocal talents to the nationally acclaimed Abbey choir.
Championship winning vehicles, meticulously restored.
John Harrison, Ensign Motorsports’ Team Manager, revealed that Richard will be competing in the 2024 European Classic F3 Championship behind the wheel of the meticulously restored 1982 Ralt RT3, a championship-winning car. This iconic vehicle has undergone an extensive chassis-up restoration and engine rebuild The team will be showcasing its original and striking ‘Credit Agricole’ livery, which pays homage to the 95-year-old French Bank, a distinguished entity within the Credit Agricole Group and recognized as the premier Retail Bank in the European Union.
What’s in store for those racing the European Championship?
The European Championship will encompass renowned circuits in France, the UK, and Belgium, featuring a highly competitive field of drivers, many of whom are former championship winners. The spectacular calendar includes circuits like Paul Ricard, Dijon, Magny-Cours in France, and the two fastest circuits in Great Britain – Thruxton and Silverstone on the GP layout. The championship will conclude with a prestigious race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, with the Formula 3 cars set to perform in the support race to the internationally attended Spa 6-hour historic race weekend.
Ensign Motorsports going from strength to strength in 2024.
During the 2023 racing season, the team showcased their expertise with the 1973 Ensign Formula 3 LNF3 car at the Thruxton Historic and Silverstone Finals. Piloted by professional racing driver Karl Jones, the team achieved remarkable class victories at both circuits.
For 2024, in addition to the Ralt RT3, Ensign Motorsports will also field a 1954 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 Le Mans in the 2024 Equipe Pre’63 Series. Piloted by Team Manager John Harrison and his son-in-law, co driver Jim Turner, this historic vehicle adds another exciting dimension to the team’s diverse racing portfolio. The 2024 motorsport season promises to be an exhilarating showcase of Ensign Motorsports’ legacy, seamlessly blending heritage with modern racing excellence across multiple iconic racing series.
Ensign Motorsports and Winslade Park Exeter
Ensign Motorsports have a very long-standing association with Winslade Park. In fact, John used to play Squash in the early 80’s when the park was part of London & Manchester Assurance. Today, John is a long-standing tenant, and the team often bring the vehicles over to the site for photo shoots in front of the beautifully (and sustainably) restored manor house and grounds. We all wish the team the very best of luck in the 2024 race season and hope to see some trophy photo shoots taking place in future months.
Follow Richards racing journey on Instagram @richmitchracing
Photography by Michal Jagoda @mj_promedia
