Barwell Steps Up to Pro Class With Sprint Entry

Barwell Motorsport will compete for overall victories in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup for the first time, launching a Pro entry spearheaded by Lamborghini factory driver Sandy Mitchell.

Mitchell will team up with Hugo Cook aboard the No. 78 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2, starting with the season opener at Brands Hatch on May 3-4.

It marks the first time that the Mark Lemmer-led squad has fielded a Pro entry in GTWC Europe, having been a mainstay of the series various classes through the years, including multiple class wins in the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.

While factory ace Mitchell has raced for the team since 2018, Cook will make his team debut. The Silver-rated driver made his GTWC Europe debut last year, competing with both GRT Grasser Racing Team and CSA Racing.

“It’s no secret this is a big season for me, but I undoubtedly feel ready for it,” said Cook.

“My first experience of the GT World Challenge last year was a real learning curve, mostly because I lacked stability, driving for three different teams in two different makes of car.

“Being with Barwell this year for both GTWC and British GT will be a fantastic experience as it means I get to maximise my mileage in the same car and form some real bonds within the team, which I couldn’t do last year.

“GTWC is just a huge championship to be a part of because there’s more of everything, with loads of professional teams and drivers and some huge grids.

“Small mistakes get punished much more and you have to execute race weekends perfectly to bring results.

“Working alongside Sandy in both championships will be brilliant. He’s a top driver with great speed and experience and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can learn from him.

“Together I believe we can achieve some great results this year.”

In addition to its Pro effort, Barwell will field a second car in Sprint Cup that features a lineup entirely comprised of North American drivers.

Reigning 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 class winner Bijoy Garg will share the No. 76 car with Christian Bogle for the full, ten-round schedule, while European Le Mans Series LMP3 race winner Adam Ali joins for the endurance rounds.