In its inaugural season, the new BMW M3 Racing program entered the winner’s circle this Sunday with a 1-2 finish by the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team at the American Le Mans Series race in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
The No. 90 M3, driven by Joey Hand and Bill Auberlen, achieved the new M3 racing program’s first victory. Teammates Tommy Milner and Dirk Müller in the No. 92 M3 scored their fourth podium finish of the season.
As the race began, starting drivers Bill Auberlen, in the No. 90 M3, and Tommy Milner, in the No. 92 M3, took advantage of their front row starting positions and opened a lead on the GT2 class. Only 15 minutes in, an early yellow slowed the field, but instead of reducing the BMW M3s lead to mere feet, it increased it to almost a full lap as both M3s received a wave-by when the pace car picked up the overall leader. Before the race went green again, both M3s were able to pit for fuel, and Milner picked up the lead through pitstop speed.
At the one hour mark Milner still held the lead over Auberlen, but as the race’s second caution period occurred a “race within the race” began. Pitting both M3s under yellow, the crew of the No. 90 M3 got Hand serviced just a tick of the watch ahead of Müller to take the lead. Unfortunately, too many men over the wall for the No. 92 M3 resulted in a 60 second penalty, putting Müller an additional minute behind Hand, but still in second place.
Pitting a second time under the race’s third caution period, the M3s cycled through two more fast stops for fuel and new Dunlop tires. Today, able to keep the competition in check, the two M3s stayed in front for the remainder the contest to open another winning chapter in the history of BMW Motorsport.
“Previously, I was asked about the best moment of this program and my answer was bringing the new BMW M3s to the grid at Sebring.” said Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsport Manager, “Now, I would give a different answer. We were fast from the beginning of the weekend and brought home the first victory for the program. We have now arrived at a level where we can fight for top honors and that’s what the program was designed to do.”
“It can’t get better than this!” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal, “Great for the team and great for BMW. Everyone did a super job today!”
Round 8 of the American Le Mans Series will be held at Mosport International Raceway on August 30th.
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