JACK MITCHELL ‘MORE CONFIDENT’ AFTER JCW CAMPAIGN

Jack Mitchell says he ‘got his confidence back’ following a solid campaign on track in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE this season.

Mitchell was a last minute addition to the grid in the week before the Donington Park season opener after inking a deal with JW Bird Motorsport, having originally been set to compete in the British GT Championship this year.

Despite his late deal, Mitchell grabbed a pair of podium finishes at Donington before a double win at Brands Hatch Indy marked him out as a potential champion.

Although a tricky run of results in the middle of the campaign – and two no scores – ultimately proved costly, three podium finishes in the final meeting saw Mitchell grab third in the end of season standings after a year he insisted had been packed with fun.

“I can’t deny I’m a bit gutted as I wanted to win the title, but it was always going to be hard coming in so late,” he said. “I didn’t even have a deal with a week to go to round one and missed all of pre-season testing, plus there were also some issues with the car that we only found when it was too late in the season.

“However, it’s been a great year and I’ve had a lot of fun. There’s been some good close racing on track, and I’m pleased with the way in which I’ve performed.

“Last year was a difficult one for me in the BTCC with all the variations between the different cars on the grid, but returning to a one-make series allowed me to get my race craft and my confidence back – and I feel it puts me in a good position for whatever I do next.”

What that next step is remains to be seen, although a return to the JCW grid isn’t currently planned.

“It’s hard to know at the moment,” he said. “Returning wasn’t on the cards but you never know what you’ll driving the following year at this stage. For sure, I’ve made a lot friends this year and I’m sure I’d be welcomed back if I did decide to return.”