BMW Motorsport News – Issue 03/16.

Whether in the DTM, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship or in countless other racing series: week after week, BMW teams and drivers around the world do battle for points, victories and titles. Away from the track too, members of the large BMW Motorsport family around the world are also creating headlines. The “BMW Motorsport News” allows us to provide you with a regular, compact and informative summary of all the goings-on. This way, you are always up to speed.

 

IWSC: First races for the BMW M6 GLTM and the BMW M6 GT3.

This week, Daytona (US) was the scene of many notable firsts for BMW Motorsport: As part of the first event in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC), both the BMW M6 GLTM and the BMW M6 GT3 took part in their first races. The BMW M6 GTLM, car number 100 entered by BMW Team RLL, started this 24-hour race from third on the GTLM grid. The sister car, number 25, began this marathon event from sixth position. Both BMW M6 GT3s from the Turner Motorsport team also underwent their first endurance test under race conditions in the GTD category. The IWSC season opener had not yet concluded at the copy deadline.

 

ICTSC: BMW Performance 200 opens the 2016 season.

In Friday’s BMW Performance 200, the first round of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (ICTSC) at Daytona International Speedway (US), the top-finishing BMW in the field was the Street Tuner class number 65 BMW 328i of Brent Mosing (US), Tim Probert (US) and Justine Piscitell (US) in 15th. 2004 Formula BMW USA Junior Billy Johnson (US) and Scott Maxwell (CA) took the overall victory, driving their Ford Shelby.

 

24h Spa: Motorsport documentary “No Limits - Impossible is just a word” celebrates its premiere in Germany.

A unique documentary premiered in German cinemas on Friday 29th January.  “No Limits - Impossible is just a word” opened the SNOWDANCE film festival in Landsberg (DE).  This 60-minute film tells the story of BMW Brand Ambassador Alex Zanardi (IT) who, alongside BMW DTM drivers Timo Glock (DE) and Bruno Spengler (CA), took on one of the biggest challenges in motorsport: the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (BE).  It was the first time that Zanardi, a double amputee, had ever shared a cockpit with able-bodied drivers.  In order to allow the three thoroughbred racers to even take part in the 2015 race, the engineers at BMW Motorsport modified a BMW Z4 GT3 to meet their requirements. The in-depth, breath-taking and emotional sports documentary was produced by Tim and Nick Hahne (both DE), better known as STEREOSCREEN. Their feature-length film “24 hours – ONE TEAM. ONE TARGET” ensured they became household names among motorsport fans around the world. Their latest work “No Limits” will be available on demand around the world from 1st February in 4K Ultra HD.  

 

BMW M235i Racing: Separate cup class in the DMV GTC.

The domain of the BMW M235i Racing continues to grow, as teams can compete in an ever-increasing number of racing series with BMW Motorsport’s customer racing car. As of 2016, the DMV GTC will also include a specific BMW M235i Racing Cup class. Each race weekend will feature one practice, two qualifying sessions and two 30-minute races. In addition, a 20-minute qualifying and a 60-minute race can be contested in the DUNLOP 60. The car can be driven by either one or two drivers. There has already been great interest in the new class. The cost-efficient and competitive BMW M235i Racing offers the perfect route into circuit racing, particularly for young drivers such as those making the step up from karting. The minimum age for entrants in the DMV GTC is 16 years. The 2016 season comprises a total of eight race weekends and kicks off on 8th/9th April in Misano, Italy, before moving on to Hockenheim (DE), the Red Bull Ring (AT), the Nürburgring (DE), Hockenheim (DE), Zolder (BE) and Most (CZ). The season finale is scheduled for 7th/8th October in Hockenheim. BMW Sports Trophy participants are awarded points for their achievements in the DMV GTC