Optimum Motorsport are returning to the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup for the first time in four years this weekend at Oulton Park, entering a sole Ginetta G55 for Ade Barwick.
2013 British GT4 champions Optimum last contested the BTCC support category during its inaugural season in 2011, having also competed in the preceding Ginetta G50 Cup a year prior.
The Wakefield-based outfit ran George Murrells in a G55 in 2011, guiding him to a single race win at Rockingham and a top six championship finish. They also tasted success in the G50 category with Jake Hill.
Since then the team have become one of the top endurance racing teams in Britain, taking class wins in British GT, GT Cup and Britcar Endurance championships, as well as the Dubai 24 Hour and Mugello 12 Hour races.
British GT regular Barwick will be competing in the Supercup for the first time meanwhile, and will be reunited with the car that he, Bradley Ellis, Euan Hankey and Salih Yoluc took to the GT4 class honours at the Dubai 24 Hours earlier this year.
“I’m doing this because I want to do as much racing as I can this year, and this weekend was free,” said Barwick, who will qualify for the AM class in the Supercup
“I love that car; it’s the same one I used in Dubai, albeit in Supercup spec, and I love working with Shaun [Goff, Team Principal]. I tested on the Island Circuit in a test session, and it went alright.
“I come from a sprint background in Caterhams, so that won’t take too much adjustment, but I haven’t ever done a standing-start before, so that will be new to me. I think I’d better get some practice in on that!”
Goff added: “Ade came to us and was interested in running in Supercup, which was something I’d been keen to take a look at again. While the championship is not unfamiliar to us, it has moved on significantly.
“It’s hopefully going to be a very enjoyable weekend though and we’ll be aiming to give Ade an opportunity to continue his winning streak with us.”
