Mitchell was involved in WA motorsport from 1960s, starting out at Caversham before a driving career that carried over to Wanneroo in the 1970s.
After retiring from racing he became a key administrative figure, overseeing a change in financial fortune for the WA Sporting Car Club as president.
He was also heavily involved in what was then known as the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (now Motorsport Australia) as a well-regarded steward.
Mitchell’s legacy in motorsport continues through son Rob, a keen competitor and trusted scrutineer, and grandson Chris, a handy racing driver that has since turned his hand to media and broadcast and is best known as the infield voice of Perth Motorplex.
The WASCC released this statement paying tribute to Noel Mitchell.
It is with much sadness that the WA Sporting Car Club marks the recent passing of life member and former President, Noel Mitchell.
Buy tickets
Noel began racing in a Cortina GT at Caversham in 1965. He raced and hillclimbed in the car quite successfully, making the shift to Wanneroo and competing in the car until he retired from racing in 1972.
Shortly after his retirement from driving, Noel took up the role of president of the WASCC.
This was an extremely tumultuous time for the club with the expense of the shift to Wanneroo along with a downturn in entries and general income for the club having created a dire financial situation.
It seemed for sometime that the WASCC was going to sink into bankruptcy. Along with Bob Biltoft and Patsy Hills, Noel was instrumental in developing and implementing several successful strategies which saved the club and laid a foundation for future financial stability.
We all owe a great debt to Noel for his foresight and management skills which led to a period of great success for the club which we continue to enjoy today.
Noel also took on a role as CAMS steward in the mid 1970s – a role which he held for 30 years.
A familiar face at most CAMS-sanctioned events during the period, Noel was renowned for his outstanding knowledge of the National Competition Rules, his fairness and correctness and his overall professional and approachable demeanour.
To Rob and his family we extend our sincerest condolences. Noel’s was a life well lived and his contribution to Western Australian motorsport will forever be remembered.
Discussion about this post