BMW M1 Procar Revival.

Sport, art, sound - Lauda is first across the line. Hockenheim (DE),
19th July 2008. After 30 years, the BMW M1 Procar Series made its
comeback to the circuit today, Saturday, with a host of big names and a
host of fun. Ten celebrity-manned examples of the close to 500 hp
mid-engined racers delivered the first of two show races on the
Hockenheimring as part of the support programme of the German Formula
One Grand Prix. In the words of three-times World Champion Niki Lauda:
“It was such a hoot. We were allowed to drive how we wanted, we didn’t
have to hold back on the pace. Actually, we should have been chasing
Jochen Neerpasch in the M1 Art Car, but he didn’t get off to a proper
start. And that gave me a clear run ahead. I’m going to have to
seriously reconsider whether my career really is over! It was great
fun.” “I’ve always wanted to race against Niki Lauda,” said a grinning
BMW Sauber F1 Team test driver Christian Klien, who was also behind the
wheel of one of the legendary models. The Austrian, born some time
after the M1 Procar, was surprised at the calibre of these classics:
“It’s amazing the handling these cars already had back in the 80s. Even
today they feel quite advanced. And as for the sound, it’s out of this
world. You’re sitting right in front of the engine, and at 10,000 revs
it’s awesome. You really get a sense of the car’s sheer power. I can’t
wait for the next race!” The second show race will be held on Sunday
shortly before the start of the Grand Prix. RTL commentator Christian
Danner was scuffling with Lauda at the front of the field – “But in the
end I deferred to the World Champion,” joked the ex-Formula One driver,
“partly because I was being distracted by my co-driver Tim Mälzer,
who wouldn’t stop talking about cooking.” Indisputably the most
valuable car on the track, the Art Car designed by Andy Warhol was
driven by Jochen Neerpasch, one of the granddaddies of the most
spectacular single-make competition in the history of motor racing.
Neerpasch, who headed BMW Motorsport GmbH at the time, dreamed up the
Procar Series together with Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley to feature
within the relatively relaxed F1 format at the time. The revival marks
the 30th anniversary of the M1 as the first vehicle to be created
independently by the former BMW Motorsport GmbH. In 1979 and 1980, the
Procar Series thrived on the one hand on the sheer appeal of the car,
but equally by giving young drivers a chance to pit their skills
against the top Formula One drivers of the day. The five fastest in F1’s
Friday practice were each granted a seat in the cockpit of an M1, the
works cars coming under the technical direction of Ron Dennis. A
further 15 cars were manned by eager young racing talents. “It was a
matter of huge pride to be allowed to race against the established
stars,” recalls Marc Surer, who was also involved in the Procar show
race, along with veterans Dieter Quester, Harald Grohs and His Royal
Highness Prince Leopold of Bavaria. Despite a problem with the clutch
at the start, Jochen Neerpasch relished the experience: “It’s
marvellous that it all got off the ground. We will also publish a book
to mark the 30th anniversary. It means I’ve been steeped in three
decades of motor racing lately, which was also an interesting experience
for me personally. A great deal happened during that time.” Neerpasch’s
co-driver in the Warhol M1 was none other than Frank Stella. The
72-year-old artist summed up the event: “The BMW M1 Procar Revival here
in Hockenheim was amazingly good fun. It was an honour for me to be
able to drive in this wonderful and unique Andy Warhol BMW M1 Procar.
The car, the crowds, the whole ambience – it really was fantastic
experience. Compared to 30 years ago, motor racing today hasn’t changed
significantly, but everything round about it is completely different.
Sport and art have one key thing in common: in the end it comes down to
satisfaction. My philosophy is: always give of your best. Sometimes I’m
surprised at what turns out, at other times I’m disappointed. Out here
on the race track it’s very hard not to be thrilled.” Stella himself
also designed an Art Car – a BMW 3.0 CSL which competed in the 1976 Le
Mans marathon. Latest photos at www.press.bmw-motorsport.com Contact on
site: Manfred Grunert, +49 151 122 185 17