Mike Newton
Encyclopedia
Mike Newton is a British
businessman and racing driver. He is the founder and CEO of the AD Group of companies. He races in the Le Mans Series
and 24 Hours of Le Mans
in cars prepared by the RML Group. Newton was named Britain's Top Entrepreneur by Management Today magazine in 2005.
in 1977. In 1985, he took part in his first circuit race in Formula Ford
. He was a regular competitor in Champion of Oulton Park
Formula Ford series from 1985 through 1997, and had top three championship finishes between 1995 and 1997. In 1999, he finished sixth in the Bathurst 500
. In 2001 he finished first in class at the 6hr Langstreckenpokal (VLN
) at the Nurburgring on the Nordschliefe in an ex-Dick Johnson ATCC Falcon EL, and repeated that feat at the 2002 Grand Am Finale GTS Class in a Saleen S7R at Daytona.
In 2002 Newton made his GT debut at both the Daytona 24 Hours and British GT in a Porsche 996 GTR with Graham Nash Motorsport.
In 2003 he made his debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans
, racing a Saleen S7-R for Graham Nash Motorsport alongside Thomas Erdos
and Pedro Chaves
, the car being sponsored by some of Newton's companies. The team finished sixth in the GTS class. Newton and Erdos also raced the car in the FIA GT Championship
.
For 2004 Newton and Erdos continued to race the Saleen in FIA GT for RML. They also raced in the Le Mans Series
for the team in an MG-Lola EX257
. They also raced the car at Le Mans, but retired from the race. In 2005 the team moved from the LMP1 category to the LMP2 category, winning the class at Le Mans and finishing second in the Le Mans Series. They repeated this feat in 2006. In 2007, Newton and Erdos won the Le Mans Series LMP2 category.
In 2010, Newton, Erdos and Wallace finished third in the LMP2 Class at Le Mans in a Lola HPD Coupe, and Newton and Erdos won the Le Mans Series LMP2 Drivers Title, with RML winning the LMP2 Team title, accompanied at different races by both Andy Wallace
and Ben Collins
.
In 2008 Newton was elected Vice President of the British Motorsport Marshals Club. Newton has been a BRDC member since 2008.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
businessman and racing driver. He is the founder and CEO of the AD Group of companies. He races in the Le Mans Series
Le Mans Series
The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season...
and 24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
in cars prepared by the RML Group. Newton was named Britain's Top Entrepreneur by Management Today magazine in 2005.
Racing career
Newton began in motorsport as a marshalMotorsport marshal
Motorsport marshals contribute to more enjoyable, more efficient, and safer motor racing. They are responsible for the safety of competitors and are stationed at various points of danger around race tracks to assist them in case of any collisions, accidents or track problems...
in 1977. In 1985, he took part in his first circuit race in Formula Ford
Formula Ford
Formula Ford is a single seater, open wheel class in motorsport which exists in some form in many countries around the world. It is an entry-level series to motor racing....
. He was a regular competitor in Champion of Oulton Park
Oulton Park
Oulton Park Circuit is a motor racing track in the small village of Little Budworth, Cheshire, England. It is about from Winsford, from Chester city centre, from Northwich and from Warrington with a nearby rail connection along the Mid-Cheshire Line. It occupies much of the area which was...
Formula Ford series from 1985 through 1997, and had top three championship finishes between 1995 and 1997. In 1999, he finished sixth in the Bathurst 500
1999 Bob Jane T-Marts 500
The 1999 Bob Jane T-Marts 500 was the 37th and last touring car endurance race run by the Australian Racing Driver's Club at the Mount Panorama Circuit, which had included the Bathurst 1000...
. In 2001 he finished first in class at the 6hr Langstreckenpokal (VLN
VLN
The VLN, properly the Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring is an organisation of motorsport clubs of which each hosts one event of a ten-race series held on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the "VLN Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring"...
) at the Nurburgring on the Nordschliefe in an ex-Dick Johnson ATCC Falcon EL, and repeated that feat at the 2002 Grand Am Finale GTS Class in a Saleen S7R at Daytona.
In 2002 Newton made his GT debut at both the Daytona 24 Hours and British GT in a Porsche 996 GTR with Graham Nash Motorsport.
In 2003 he made his debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
, racing a Saleen S7-R for Graham Nash Motorsport alongside Thomas Erdos
Thomas Erdos
Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:...
and Pedro Chaves
Pedro Chaves
Pedro António Matos Chaves is a Portuguese racing driver.Chaves was the second Portuguese Formula Ford Champion, in 1986, starting an international career in 1987 in the British Formula Ford Championship...
, the car being sponsored by some of Newton's companies. The team finished sixth in the GTS class. Newton and Erdos also raced the car in the FIA GT Championship
FIA GT Championship
The FIA GT Championship was a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation at the behest of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The championship was mostly concentrated in Europe, but throughout the years has visited other continents including Asia and South...
.
For 2004 Newton and Erdos continued to race the Saleen in FIA GT for RML. They also raced in the Le Mans Series
Le Mans Series
The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season...
for the team in an MG-Lola EX257
MG-Lola EX257
The MG-Lola EX257 was a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International for the MG car company for their attempt to compete again at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in...
. They also raced the car at Le Mans, but retired from the race. In 2005 the team moved from the LMP1 category to the LMP2 category, winning the class at Le Mans and finishing second in the Le Mans Series. They repeated this feat in 2006. In 2007, Newton and Erdos won the Le Mans Series LMP2 category.
In 2010, Newton, Erdos and Wallace finished third in the LMP2 Class at Le Mans in a Lola HPD Coupe, and Newton and Erdos won the Le Mans Series LMP2 Drivers Title, with RML winning the LMP2 Team title, accompanied at different races by both Andy Wallace
Andy Wallace
Andrew or Andy Wallace may refer to:*Andy Wallace , music producer*Andy Wallace , race car driver*Andy Wallace , keyboard player...
and Ben Collins
Ben Collins
Ben Collins or Benjamin Collins may refer to:* Ben Collins * Ben Collins * Ben Collins , former Ubuntu Linux kernel lead, former Debian Project Leader...
.
In 2008 Newton was elected Vice President of the British Motorsport Marshals Club. Newton has been a BRDC member since 2008.
24 Hours of Le Mans results
| Year | Class | No | Tyres | Car | Team | Co-Drivers | Laps | Pos. | Class Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 71st Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on June 14 and 15 2003.-Race:After three consecutive wins, the Audi factory team officially did not field a team, although several privateers did use R8 chassis... |
GTS | 64 | Saleen S7 Saleen S7 The Saleen S7 is a limited-production, hand-built, high-performance American supercar developed jointly by Steve Saleen for the initial concept and direction, Hidden Creek Industries for resources and initial funding, Phil Frank for the body and interior CAD design and development, and Ray Mallock... -R Ford Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK... 7.0L V8 |
 Graham Nash Motorsport Ray Mallock Ltd.Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began... |
 Pedro ChavesPedro Chaves Pedro António Matos Chaves is a Portuguese racing driver.Chaves was the second Portuguese Formula Ford Champion, in 1986, starting an international career in 1987 in the British Formula Ford Championship...  Thomas ErdosThomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... |
292 | 28th | 6th | |
| 2004 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 72nd Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on June 12 and 13 2004.-Race:With the end of the Bentley project, there were no official factory teams at this years race, theoretically leaving it open to anyone... |
LMP1 | 25 | MG-Lola EX257 MG-Lola EX257 The MG-Lola EX257 was a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International for the MG car company for their attempt to compete again at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in... MG (AER Advanced Engine Research Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England... ) XP20 2.0L Turbo I4 |
Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began... (RML) |
Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... Nathan Kinch |
256 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2005 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 73rd Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on June 18 and 19 2005.This race marked the record 7th victory for Tom Kristensen, including his 6th straight.-Race:... |
LMP2 | 25 | MG-Lola EX264 Judd Judd (engine) Judd is a name brand of engines produced by Engine Developments Ltd., a company founded in 1971 by John Judd and Jack Brabham in Rugby, Warwickshire, England... XV675 3.4L V8 |
Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began... (RML) |
Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... Warren HughesWarren Hughes Warren Hughes is a race car driver from Newcastle, England. His wife's name is Roz, and they have 2 sons. After a promising junior career, Hughes raced in touring car and sports car racing.... |
305 | 20th | 1st | |
| 2006 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 74th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place over June 17–18, 2006.-Pre-race:Prior to this race the ACO redeveloped the area around the Dunlop Curve and Dunlop Chicane, moving the Dunlop Curve in tighter to create more run-off area, while also turning the Dunlop... |
LMP2 | 25 | MG-Lola EX264 AER Advanced Engine Research Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England... P07 2.0L Turbo I4 |
Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began... (RML) |
Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... Andy Wallace |
343 | 8th | 1st | |
| 2007 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 75th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France from 16–17 June 2007. Four classes of cars raced together, with each class having honors for its highest finishers... |
LMP2 | 25 | MG-Lola EX264 AER Advanced Engine Research Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England... P07 2.0L Turbo I4 |
Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began... (RML) |
Andy Wallace Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... |
251 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2008 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 76th Grand Prix of Endurance, taking place on 14–15 June 2008 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The test day was on June 1. The race was attended by 258,000 spectators... |
LMP2 | 25 | MG-Lola EX265 MG (AER Advanced Engine Research Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England... ) XP21 2.0L Turbo I4 |
Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd. Ray Mallock Ltd., also known as RML Group, is a motorsports racing team and engineering company. In 2010, RML is engaged in the Le Mans Series as well as being the works Chevrolet team in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.-Early history:Ray Mallock began... (RML) |
Andy Wallace Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... |
100 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2009 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 77th Grand Prix of Endurance, an endurance auto race run over 24 hours. It took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and was organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest over June 13–14, 2009 and was started by Fiat and Ferrari chairman Luca... |
LMP2 | 25 | Lola B08/86 Lola B08/80 The Lola B08/80 is a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International. It is effectively the LMP2 version of the larger Lola B08/60; they are the first closed-cockpit sports prototypes built by Lola since the T92/10 of 1992... Mazda Mazda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales... MZR-R 2.0L Turbo I4 |
RML |
Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:...  Chris DysonChris Dyson Chris Dyson is a professional sports car racing driver and team owner of Dyson Racing.Dyson made his professional racing debut in the 2001 Grand American Road Racing Championship season, driving a Riley & Scott Mk III in the final two races of the season. In 2002, he finished second in the... |
273 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2010 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 78th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also known as the Grand Prix of Endurance. The race took place on 12–13 June 2010 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and was organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . Fifty-six cars participated in the... |
LMP2 | 25 | Lola B08/80 Lola B08/80 The Lola B08/80 is a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International. It is effectively the LMP2 version of the larger Lola B08/60; they are the first closed-cockpit sports prototypes built by Lola since the T92/10 of 1992... HPD Honda Performance Development Honda Performance Development, Inc. is a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. which was establish in 1993 and is based in Santa Clarita, California... AL7R 3.4L V8 |
RML |
Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... Andy Wallace |
358 | 8th | 3rd | |
| 2011 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 79th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on 11–12 June 2011 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest... |
LMP2 | 36 | HPD ARX-01d HPD Honda Performance Development Honda Performance Development, Inc. is a subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. which was establish in 1993 and is based in Santa Clarita, California... HR28TT 2.8L Turbo V6 |
RML |
Thomas Erdos Thomas Erdos Thomas "Tommy" Erdos is a Brazilian auto racing driver. He has raced for most of his career in Great Britain and Europe, where he currently resides in Buckinghamshire England with his wife and two children.-Early career:... Ben Collins |
314 | 12th | 4th | |