MOTOR RACING: Mitchell, 17, wins Formula Ford event at Silverstone (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester student races to debut motor racing win

9:01am Wednesday 25th May 2011 in Sport

TEENAGE Cirencester racing driver Ben Mitchell sped to an impressive first win at the recent Silverstone International meeting.

The 17-year-old Cirencester College student, backed by Rest Express, qualified in pole position by over a second in the highly competitive Historic Formula Ford race on the brand new Grand Prix circuit.

In the race itself he kept his head as he was chased to the flag by veteran racer David Wild.

Eventually, Ben took the win by only half a second, but some 15 seconds ahead of ex-Formula 1 driver Ian Ashley.

Back in fourth place came Historic Formula 3 champion Ben Simms.

Ben has now taken a six-point lead in the championship after four rounds.

The next two races take place at Snetterton on June 11, which also happens to be Ben's 18th birthday.