Optimum Motorsport has confirmed its return to the International GT Open with Ben Barnicoat and Morgan Tillbrook contesting the upcoming Spa 500km on 15-17 May.
The duo, who are already racing the full 2026 British GT Championship season together, will share the team’s Pro-Am class-entered #27 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo at the second GT Open race meeting on this year’s schedule.
It will be the team’s first Pro-Am class entry in GT Open since Andrew Gilbert and Fran Rueda competed in selected rounds during the 2023 campaign.
Concurrently, Sam de Haan and Charlie Fagg delivered Optimum their first GT Open championship title that same year, including a win at the Ardennes circuit.
“Racing at Spa is always a privilege,” said Barnicoat. “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.”
Optimum also took victory last month at the 12 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, an event which is part of the Creventic-run 24H Series.
As Tillbrook prepares for his GT Open debut, he and Barnicoat aim to win more silverware for the Wakefield-based team.
Team principal Shaun Goff added, “GT Open has been an important championship for us since 2017, and winning the title in 2023 was a proud moment for 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 what the McLaren is capable of, and we’re confident heading into this event.”
Image courtesy of Optimum
