Optimum Adds Second McLaren in The Bend Partnership

Photo: Optimum Motorsport

Optimum Motorsport has added a second McLaren 720S GT3 for the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS in an all-Australian lineup as part of a partnership with The Bend Motorsport Park.

The Australian racetrack’s chairman Yasser Shahin is one of the three drivers in the Pro-Am entry, and will be joined by Nick Foster and Martin Berry.

Foster and Berry will also compete in an Optimum McLaren throughout the Intelligent Money British GT Championship season, as previously announced.

Optimum’s other GTWC Europe entry was announced last month as a Pro lineup with Rob Bell, Joe Osborne and Ollie Wilkinson.

Foster drove for Attempto Racing in GTWC Europe last year and won the California 8 Hours with HubAuto Corsa, while 2017 Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific champion drove a Rinaldi Racing Ferrari in the Am Cup in 2019.

Shahin’s experience largely comes from Australia but he did compete at the Total 24 Hours of Spa last year. His involvement in Optimum’s lineup brings a The Bend livery for the McLaren.

“It was always our intention to field two cars in GT World Challenge Europe and to do this as part of the McLaren Customer Racing program is a big step for us as a team,” said team principal Shaun Goff.

“With entries in both the Pro-Am and Pro championship, I’m looking forward to the season ahead where I believe our pre-season preparation will stand us in good stead.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Yasser to the team; we aim to give him the best tools in the business to get the job done.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.