Optimum Motorsport is eager to expand its British GT programme after revealing that PMW Expo Racing’s Graham Johnson and Mike Robinson’s are not part of its 2018 plans.
The Wakefield-based squad announced its GT3 graduation with Flick Haigh and Jonny Adam before Christmas, but there was no mention of 2016 GT4 champions Johnson and Robinson who have never finished outside the class standings’ top-two since making their British GT debut together in 2015.
The team ran PMW Expo’s Ginetta G55 for the first two-and-a-half seasons before switching to a McLaren 570S mid-way through last year. Teething troubles knocked Johnson and Robinson out of the title race, but they rebounded sufficiently to win the final round at Donington and seal GT4 Pro/Am honours.
Optimum last ran a dual GT3/4 programme in 2016 and could do the same again this year now that additional capacity has become available. The exact car and class will depend on drivers, with team principal Shaun Goff eager to speak to anyone interested.
“First of all, I’d like to thank Mike and Graham for a great spell with the team,” he said. “The switch to the McLaren this year was difficult for all of us, but from Silverstone, we made big steps with an unfamiliar car through to the end of the season, where it was the car to beat.
“Donington 2016 is a great memory for me and the team where they took the GT4 title honours, but now we need to look forward and we’re really excited about the Aston Martin programme for 2018 with Jonny and Flick.
“We’ve proved ourselves race winners and we’re now looking to move back to running two cars in the championship - that’s very much our plan for the year. So, I wish Mike and Graham well and I look forward to talking to potential drivers with suitable budgets to run the second car.”
PMW Expo Racing, Johnson and Robinson are expected to announce their 2018 programme later this month.
British GT’s 2018 campaign kicks off at Oulton Park on March 31-April 2. Reserve your tickets here.