Optimum Motorsport will return to the International GT Open grid at Spa-Francorchamps with Morgan Tillbrook and Ben Barnicoat leading its Pro-Am challenge in the GT Open 500.
The Wakefield-based team will field its #27 McLaren GT3 Evo for the Belgian endurance event, as it continues preparations for a busy GT3 programme. Tillbrook and Barnicoat already share a full-season British GT Championship commitment this year, and the Spa outing gives the pair another valuable opportunity to build momentum at one of Europe’s most demanding circuits.
Optimum strengthens Spa programme
Optimum Motorsport has built a strong relationship with GT Open since joining the series in 2017. During that period, the team has secured seven race wins and established itself as a regular contender across different GT Open formats.
Moreover, the squad converted that experience into major silverware in 2023, when Sam de Haan and Charlie Fagg delivered Optimum’s first GT Open overall title. That success followed the Pro-Am crown claimed two years earlier with Iribe-Millroy under the Inception Racing banner.
As a result, Optimum returns to the championship with proven knowledge, recent Spa success and a competitive McLaren package.
Shaun Goff, Team Principal, Optimum Motorsport, said: “GT Open has been an important championship for us since 2017, and winning the title in 2023 was a proud moment us. Morgan and Ben are an incredibly strong Pro-Am partnership, and the GT Open 500 presents an excellent opportunity ahead of the British GT round at Spa in June. Our recent 12 Hours win at Spa showed demonstrated what the McLaren is capable of, and we’re confident heading into this event.”
Tillbrook makes GT Open debut while Barnicoat brings international pedigree
Morgan Tillbrook will make his GT Open debut at Spa-Francorchamps with proven race-winning form from British GT competition. The 43-year-old has already won in British GT, including at the Ardennes circuit, and that experience should help him settle quickly into the GT Open 500.
Moreover, Tillbrook arrives with an established team-mate in Ben Barnicoat. The pair already share a full British GT Championship campaign with Optimum Motorsport this season, so the Spa event gives them another chance to strengthen their partnership in the #27 McLaren GT3 Evo before British GT returns to the same venue in June.
Barnicoat also brings significant international experience to the Pro-Am entry. The 29-year-old Lexus Factory Driver has built an impressive sportscar record, with IMSA GTD Pro honours, class victories at Le Mans and Sebring, and recent outings with Optimum Motorsport at Bathurst and the Gulf 12 Hours. As a result, his pace and technical feedback should add further strength to Optimum’s Spa challenge.
As Barnicoat relishes another opportunity to race at one of Europe’s most famous circuits, he said: “Racing at Spa is always a privilege. It’s one of Europe’s most iconic circuits so it’s great to be back here with Morgan and Optimum. GT Open has some strong competition this year, but the team won this championship not too long ago, so I know we are going to be strong and fighting at the front.”
McLaren package gives Optimum confidence
Optimum will run the #27 McLaren GT3 Evo, a car the team knows well from its wider GT3 commitments. The squad also enters the event with fresh confidence after a recent 12 Hours victory at Spa, which underlined the car’s strength around the Belgian circuit.
Although the GT Open 500 will bring a strong field and a different competitive rhythm, Optimum has the experience to respond quickly. In addition, the team’s previous championship success gives Tillbrook and Barnicoat a strong platform as they prepare for the weekend.
Spa outing builds towards British GT return
The GT Open 500 gives Optimum Motorsport, Tillbrook and Barnicoat a useful competitive stop before their British GT Championship round at Spa in June. The event should help the pairing refine set-up direction, driver changes and race rhythm in familiar machinery.
Ultimately, Optimum’s return to GT Open combines championship-winning history with a strong Pro-Am pairing and proven McLaren speed. Consequently, the Wakefield-based squad will head to Spa-Francorchamps aiming to fight at the sharp end from the start.
