Von Ryan Racing have announced that they will contest in the Pro category at this year’s Total 24 Hours of Spa with a McLaren MP4-12C GT3.
McLaren Automotive chief test driver Chris Goodwin will return to the team, having contested the same event for them last year, and will be joined by former team-mate Rob Barff and ex Formula One driver Bruno Senna, whom he manages.
Last year Goodwin and Barff narrowly missed out on a podium in the Pro-Am category at the legendary circuit, finishing just 30 seconds away from third place after an entire day’s racing.
However, this year expectations will be even higher as the team is led by former McLaren Formula One team manager Dave Ryan with the support of Leon Price and Dragon Racing.
On the line-up, Goodwin said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to tackle my favourite race again with Von Ryan Racing, and it’s great to be back in the car sharing with Rob Barff. He has been racing with the team throughout the season, and has been one of the quickest and most consistent drivers on the grid.”
He continued: “Of course, I’m really looking forward to racing with Bruno as well. We have worked together for many years now, but we have never actually driven together before so this will be a new experience for both of us. It should be a fun weekend!”
Meanwhile Senna explained: “I have really enjoyed the experience of racing in GTs so far this season, but this will be my first race in a McLaren. Obviously it is a brand that my family has close links with, and I am really honoured to have the chance to have the opportunity to race the 12C GT3 in the 50th year of the team at one of my favourite race circuits.”
Rob Barff, who has already contested the opening three rounds of the Blancpain Endurance Series with the team this year, said: “The Total 24 Hours of Spa is a truly incredible event. It is the ultimate test of a car and a team in terms of durability and endurance.”
He continued: “I am very much looking forward to teaming back up with Chris after our strong result last year, and the addition of Bruno as our third driver puts us in a really strong position. The opposition is truly world class, but I am optimistic we can mount a credible challenge.”
