Ratcliffe and Parfitt set to rock British GT’s for Optimum Motorsport
Ginetta G40 regulars, Ryan Ratcliffe and Rick Parfitt, will pair up to compete in the 2013 British GT4 Championship with top GT squad Optimum Motorsport. The pair have their sights firmly set on the British GT4 title after signing for the 2013 season.
Ratcliffe and Parfitt cut their teeth in the single make Ginetta Championship, which supports British GT’s, so both know the circuits well. They are confident and ready to take on the best of the British GT4 racers.
Having progressed through the Ginetta Junior and Senior Championship, in which he finished 3rd overall in 2012, Ratcliffe believes the time is right for him to him to now step up to GT4’s. “My aim has always been to race in the GT’s at an international stage,” said Ratcliffe. “Having competed in the single-make Ginetta championships over the last three years, I have gained a wealth of experience. Racing at the Dubai 24hr earlier in the month with Optimum Motorsport has given me plenty of track time and confidence in the GT4 car before the start of the coming season - I can’t wait.”
Rick Parfitt only started racing cars two years ago, having previously been a multiple British Karting Champion, but he has learnt quickly and ended last season as a regular frontrunner claiming three podiums from the last four races. This, coupled with the fact that the pair were team mates in 2012, should ensure that they hit the ground running at the season opener at Oulton Park. “We’ve known each other for a couple of years through the Ginetta Championship, and raced in the same team last year,” said Parfitt. “We get on well off of the racetrack, and have a similar driving style, so hopefully, this should translate into a good endurance partnership. I’m really looking forward to hitting the track as soon as possible.”
Optimum Motorsport boss, Shaun Goff, believes that the pairing will have a great shot at the title. “We’re really looking forward to a strong campaign in British GT’s this year. We have a very strong package and are certainly gunning for the title,” Goff continued, “Ryan and Rick are both quick, which is great. I am really looking forward to working with them.”
Optimum Motorsport plan to run two cars in British GT’s this year, and are currently in talks with several drivers over the two remaining seats. In addition, Optimum Motorsport will continue to run cars in the Ginetta GT5 Championship, GT Cup and Britcar Endurance Championships.
Notes:
Ryan Ratcliffe:
Sponsors: www.groundhog.co.uk - On-site welfare solutions
www.genquip.co.uk
Previous Racing: 2009 SaxMax Championship
2010 Ginetta Junior Championship
2011 Ginetta Challenge
2012 Ginetta GT5 Championship
Rick Parfitt:
Sponsors: Westward Toolbase
Decorative Panels Holdings
Pennine Food Ingredients
Bayfield Recruitment
Previous Racing: Pre-2011 Endurance Karting
2011 Ginetta Challenge
2012 Ginetta GT5 Championship
2013 British GT Championship Calendar
Circuit Start Date End Date Round
Oulton Park 01/04/2013 01/04/2013 Race 1, Race 2
Rockingham 05/05/2013 06/05/2013 Race 1
Silverstone 25/05/2013 26/05/2013 Race 1
Snetterton 15/06/2013 16/06/2013 Race 1, Race 2
Brands Hatch 10/08/2013 11/08/2013 Race1
Zandvoort 06/09/2013 08/09/2013 Race 1, Race 2
Donington Park 05/10/2013 06/10/2013 Race 1
For further information about Optimum Motorsport, visit www.optimum-motorsport.com.
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Ends
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redheadPR
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