Allen to Make GT3 Debut in Optimum McLaren

Photo: Asian Le Mans Series

Optimum Motorsport has signed LMP2 stalwart James Allen to complete its Gold Cup lineup in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup, with the Australian set to make his GT3 debut at this weekend’s six-hour Paul Ricard season opener.

Allen will share the No. 5 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Largim Ali and Mikey Porter, filling up a seat vacancy that resulted in the British squad having a TBA on the Paul Ricard entry list when it was released by SRO Motorsports Group last week.

It will be the 28-year-old’s maiden GT3 start, having previously built up an extensive record in LMP2 competition that includes a pair of class wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“I’m happy to announce that I will be competing in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup with Optimum Motorsport,” said Allen.

“This one came as a bit of a surprise but I could not be more honoured to be trusted to join this program.

“It will be my first season in GT machinery so I’m very excited to be stepping into a completely new category, and Optimum have proven they are more than capable of operating the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo at the highest level.

“Overall I can’t wait to get started at Paul Ricard next week and see what the season brings!”

Similarly to Allen, Danish racer Ali is also making his GT3 debut at Paul Ricard, coming off a race-winning campaign in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe that saw him finish runner-up in the Pro class alongside Oliver Soederstroem.

Out of the three drivers on the No. 5 McLaren, Porter is the only one with previous GT3 experience, having competed with Optimum in January’s Michelin 24H Dubai and 6H Abu Dhabi as well as a one-off International GT Open appearance at Monza last year.