TaniaMann and GeorgeMurrells will share driving in the GT4 class of the AvonTyresBritishGTChampionship, confirmed together for OptimumMotorsport’s entry into the class.
The team ran Ryan Ratcliffe and Rick Parfitt Jr. to the class title last season in a Ginetta G50 GT4, but will upgrade to the new for 2014 G55 GT4.
Murrells is no stranger to the British GT Championship or Optimum Motorsport set-up having raced for the team in the Ginetta GT Supercup and as part of the class winning line-up for the 2012 Dubai 24H. In 2012 he was a regular part of Optimum’s team in the GT3 class of the British championship, driving the GT3 version of the G55. He also made two starts in the GT4 class at the Snetterton double-header, winning the first race of the weekend.
In contrast Australian born Mann is new to Ginettas, but has GT racing experience having previously raced in the Pro-Am2 category of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.
“Tania is new to GT racing but no stranger to a powerful GT car having spent a season in the competitive Porsche Carrera Cup GB,” assessed team principal Shaun Goff. “She’s very determined and willing to learn, which is why I’m very happy to welcome George Murrells back to the team as her co-driver with his extensive knowledge with the Ginetta.
Optimum’s G55 becomes the fourth of the new cars on the grid, joining the pair entered by Fox Motorsport and 2013 rivals Century Motorsport. The older Ginetta – which will be performance balanced with the newer car – will continue to be part of the series with Twisted Team Parker.
GT3 class champions Beechdean Motorsport have expanded into the lower class with a single Aston Martin Vantage. ISSY Racing are returning the Lotus Evora to the class, while Team Parker Racing and ABG Motorsport are set to give the BMW M3 and Porsche 911 GT4 debuts in the championship.
