Shaun Balfe will join forces with Mark Lemmer’s Balfe Motorsport to drive with Sandy Mitchell in the 2023 Intelligent Money British GT Championship, the Leatherhead-based team has announced.
Balfe made his British GT debut in 1999 at the wheel of a Marcos Mantis. He finished third in 2019 GT3 drivers standings, driving alongside Rob Bell.
Shaun Balfe has his sights set firmly on the GT3 title in 2023 with Barwell.
“Having competed against Barwell for several years, I’d always seen them as the ones to watch, the team that consistently delivers results,” he said. “So being part of historically what’s been an ultra-successful team, a team that’s stayed loyal to the exciting Lamborghini brand and adding Sandy, a team-mate that despite his relatively still growing experience has already won a British GT Championship and consistently competes with top level Pro drivers, then I’m clearly very excited and motivated to help keep Barwell in the top tier of BGT.”
2020 Champion Sandy Mitchell has driven with Adam Balon over the past two seasons, finishing second and third in the standings. The 22-year-old lifted the title the season prior with Rob Collard.
Mitchell is looking forward to teaming up with Shaun Balfe.
“I’m delighted that this season I’ll be partnered by the very experienced Shaun Balfe in the new Huracan EVO2,” he said. “Shaun has raced in numerous series in the UK, Europe and around the world, and though this will be the first season we’’ll have shared a car together, we both get on really well. I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“I know together we will form a very strong, quick pairing and we head into the season with one aim in mind; that’s to lift the title.”
Barwell team principal Mark Lemmer added: “I’ve known Shaun for as long as I can remember and he’s quick, professional and focused. Plus he has motorsport DNA running through his veins which makes him a perfect fit for Barwell. Across the team we now have four great drivers and an exciting new car so we really can’t wait to get stuck in!”
The 2023 Intelligent Money British GT Championship gets underway at Oulton Park on April 8 – 10 but the full grid will be unveiled at the pre-season Media Day at Donington on March 14.
