Optimum secures dominant British GT Donington victory with McLaren

Optimum Motorsport concluded its British GT campaign in style this weekend (23-24 September) with a dominant victory in the GT4 category in the #501 McLaren 570S. This sealed the Pro-Am title and moved the team second in the overall GT4 drivers' standings in what was a fantastic weekend for the team.

Team Principal Shaun Goff

“We had pretty much the perfect weekend, proving that the change of manufacturers was the right call at the mid-point of the season. I was expecting to have a good result here but it exceeded our expectations.“We won the race, the Pro-Am championship and ended up second in the overall GT4 championship. We have put in the hard work and really made big strides over the last few weeks to understand the car and make the setup changes to give both drivers really what they need. This provides the foundations for a championship challenge next season with McLaren."

Graham Johnson

“It was lovely to lead a race again, it’s been a long time! We made it hard for ourselves in the team this year as we had a really good idea of changing the car halfway through the season when we were already second in the championship! I can’t believe we’ve come second overall in GT4 which is fantastic and real credit to how we pulled it all together.”

The race

Having tested extensively ahead of the final round of the championship, the team were confident of a strong showing having made great strides with McLaren setup. Graham Johnson duly lined up in third position on the grid, quickly making up ground and moving into the lead after ten laps. From this point, it was a case of managing the gap to the car behind.The second stint saw Mike Robinson exit the pits with a 13-second cushion over the#72 McLaren of Mackay in second position. The battle was on with title rival Joe Osborne narrowing the gap until a spin ended his challenge. This left Robinson with a good margin at the front of the field, something he maintained to the chequered flag.With their first win in the McLaren complete, the result saw the duo vault from sixth in the GT4 overall championship to second, whilst also claiming the Pro-Am title. More importantly, the team head into the off-season with the knowledge that they will be championship contenders in 2018.

British GT - Donington on Social Media

@OptimumMSport Hi team, I took this yesterday during the rain storm. https://t.co/nHgHzwvbEt

— Alan Kenny (@Kenster79) September 22, 2017

It's P3 and fastest GT4PA for Graham! Mike's turn next @DoningtonParkUK #DoningtonDecider @BritishGT pic.twitter.com/U1yYHvGoEj

— Optimum Motorsport (@OptimumMSport) September 23, 2017

Who’s ready for today’s @BritishGT #DoningtonDecider at 13:30? #501 @OptimumMSport 570S GT4 will start from P2 in GT4. #100 @Garage_59 P4. pic.twitter.com/b6F8D42utf

— McLaren GT (@McLaren_GT) September 24, 2017

Incredible win today for the #501 @OptimumMSport 570S GT4 in the @BritishGT #DoningtonDecider! Congratulations to the whole team. ???? pic.twitter.com/b84Ln6aqjQ

— McLaren GT (@McLaren_GT) September 24, 2017

Our out-going GT4 champs Graham Johnson & Mike Robinson also end 2017 on a high by claiming theirs and @OptimumMSport's first @McLaren_GT ???? pic.twitter.com/i42tpPqOsn

— ????????British GT???? (@BritishGT) September 24, 2017

Great preparation for next season #BritishGT pic.twitter.com/yYKMklAp0M

— Optimum Motorsport (@OptimumMSport) September 24, 2017