Tillbrook and Barnicoat to Spearhead Optimum's GT Open Return at Spa

Optimum Motorsport is pleased to confirm its return to the International GT Open with Morgan Tillbrook and Ben Barnicoat contesting the GT Open 500 at Spa-Francorchamps on 15–17 May 2026. The pairing, who are already committed to a full British GT Championship campaign together this season, will pilot the team's #27 McLaren GT3 Evo in the Pro-Am class.

The Belgian endurance event marks a significant moment for the Wakefield-based squad, who have been regulars in GT Open since 2017. That long-standing commitment to the series was rewarded in 2023 when Sam De Haan and Charlie Fagg delivered the team's maiden GT Open championship title.

The upcoming 500km race also represents Optimum Motorsport's first Pro-Am class entry since Andrew Gilbert and Fran Rueda contested selected rounds during the 2023 season, with Tillbrook and Barnicoat now tasked with adding to the team's silverware at a circuit where success has come recently.

Last month, Optimum Motorsport claimed a dominant victory at the Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps, part of the 24H Series, with the same McLaren GT3 Evo platform—and on Michelin tyres, the same rubber used in GT Open competition. Freddie Tomlinson, Salman Owega, and late call-up Harry George—who stepped in after Tillbrook withdrew due to illness —secured pole position before converting it into a commanding win, underlining the team's pace and preparation as they embark on a busy season of racing.

A proven race winner in British GT, including at the famed Ardennes circuit, Tillbrook will be making his GT Open debut alongside Lexus Factory Driver, Ben Barnicoat—whose global sportscar pedigree includes IMSA GTD Pro honours, class victories at Le Mans and Sebring, and recent outings with Optimum Motorsport at Bathurst and the Gulf 12 Hours—the duo form one of the strongest Pro-Am pairings on the GT Open 500 grid.

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."

Ben Barnicoat 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."

The International GT Open 500 at Spa-Francorchamps takes place across 15–17 May 2026.

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