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BMW

IMSA Long Beach: Strong tempo of the BMW M Hybrid V8 goes unrewarded – Turner Motorsport on the GTD podium.

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Long Beach. In the primary dash race of the season within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Long Beach (USA), BMW M Team RLL was unable to realize the hoped-for first podium end of the 12 months after a powerful qualifying. Nick Yelloly (GBR) and Connor De Phillippi (USA) began the 100-minute race from second place however initially fell again throughout their pit cease in a yellow flag interval and later resulting from a broken entrance on the tight avenue circuit in California. While Philipp Eng (AUT) and Jesse Krohn (FIN) within the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 completed in sixth place, Turner Motorsport celebrated a podium within the GTD class .

 

In the third race of the season, following the endurance classics at Daytona and Sebring (each USA), BMW M Team RLL was denied the primary podium of the 12 months 2024 regardless of the sturdy tempo of the BMW M Hybrid V8. In the primary half of the race, Yelloly held his floor within the main group and even took the lead. However, a yellow flag simply earlier than the deliberate pit cease for the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, which introduced the sphere again collectively, resulted in De Phillippi falling again to fifth place. There, he was repeatedly concerned in tight duels, resulting in collisions and in the end a broken entrance that needed to be modified within the pits. A number of laps earlier than the tip, the race for automobile #25 ended after a slip into the tyre obstacles. De Phillippi and Yelloly have been categorized ninth within the GTP class. Eng and Krohn, ranging from ninth place, discovered it troublesome to maneuver ahead on the road circuit however collected essential factors with a sixth-place end.

BMW M works driver Robby Foley and his teammate Patrick Gallagher (each USA) had purpose to have fun. The duo made a powerful comeback within the Turner Motorsport #96 BMW M4 GT3, ranging from seventh place and ending second on the rostrum within the GTD class.

Reactions after the race:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Part one of the first double-header with our BMW M Hybrid V8 in the IMSA series and the FIA WEC unfortunately did not bring the hoped-for first podium of the season. After starting from second place and showing strong pace in the race, the positions of sixth and ninth are disappointing. Nevertheless, it is good to see that our LMDh car is competitive on all tracks and over all race distances in its second year in the IMSA series. We will continue to work hard to reward ourselves with corresponding results. The next opportunity to do so will be in May at Laguna Seca. Congratulations to Turner Motorsport, Robby Foley, and Patrick Gallagher on the podium in the GTD class. I am pleased to see that the circuit in Long Beach continues to be good ground for the BMW M4 GT3 after the last two years’ victories.”

Jesse Krohn (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, sixth place): “The field was so close together that it was extremely difficult to move forward. Due to the yellow flags, the lapping of the GTD drivers, which we had hoped to take advantage of, did not come into play as expected. That is of course disappointing because the performance of the car was much better than the result. At least we took some points. Now we focus on Laguna Seca.”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, ninth place): “The race did not go well. My stint was okay, even though I was unlucky once when lapping and lost a place because of it, but the yellow flag just before our pit stop put us on the back foot. We wanted to make up ground with a late stop, but the regrouping of the field nullified this strategy. We had a very strong car here in qualifying, and we were also among the fastest in the race when we could run freely. Especially in the corners, we were better than our competitors. We will continue to work on improving even further.”

Motorsport

I Want This Aston Martin DBR9 More Than I Want My Next Breath

The early to mid 2000s was an exquisite time for sports-car racing, particularly for those who like GT automobiles. At Le Mans and past, followers had been fortunate to see among the coolest production-based automobiles duke it out. Corvettes, Ferrari 550s and 430s, plus oddballs just like the Saleen S7R amongst them. I do not wish to say that the Aston Martin DBR9 is the good of this bunch, nevertheless it actually is likely one of the coolest automobiles on sale at the moment.

For sale at Girardo and Co. in the UK, this is only one of 10 Aston Martin works automobiles, inbuilt 2006 and campaigned by the BMS Scuderia Italia Team in 2006 and 2007. Chassis quantity 9, this DBR9 nabbed 4 FIA GT podium finishes in its racing profession, and positioned sixth and eleventh in school at Le Mans in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Since 2018, it is loved a second life as a historic racer, and it was just lately refinished in its 2007 Le Mans livery, which celebrated Pirelli’s a centesimal anniversary. Hence the quantity.


BMW

GTD PRO podium for the BMW M4 GT3 – Technical issues set again BMW M Hybrid V8s.

Daytona. At the season opener of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA sequence), the Daytona 24 Hours (USA), the BMW M Team RLL missed the hoped-for podium finishes with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Although the 2 LMDh vehicles had been capable of sustain with the pace of their rivals and keep within the main group of the GTP class till into the evening, technical issues then set each prototypes again. Paul Miller Racing had purpose to have fun. The North American BMW M Motorsport crew completed third on the rostrum within the GTD PRO class .

 

For the BMW M Team RLL, the second 24-hour race in Daytona with the BMW M Hybrid V8 initially went in line with plan. Both automobile #24 with drivers Philipp Eng (AUT), Jesse Krohn (FIN), Augusto Farfus (BRA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL), in addition to the sister automobile with Connor De Phillippi (USA), Nick Yelloly (GBR), Maxime Martin (BEL), and René Rast (GER), held robust pace and stayed within the main group till late at evening. However, each crews then had unhealthy luck with technical difficulties.

The #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 stopped on the observe as a result of digital issues, however may have returned to the race shortly as solely the steering wheel wanted to get replaced. Unfortunately, there was a mishap with the restoration crew whereas towing the automobile again to the pit, which value further time, Ultimately, the BMW M Team RLL misplaced 13 laps as a result of unlucky incident.

The #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, which had even been within the lead at one level, suffered a leak within the gearbox cooler. Later on, a brake change was crucial on the rear axle, which led to a complete of 15 laps behind.

Paul Miller Racing confirmed a powerful comeback from twelfth place within the GTD PRO class and even led the race for lengthy stretches within the #1 BMW M4 GT3. In the ultimate hours of the race, nevertheless, the crew was unable to compete for the win as a result of an issue throughout a pit cease, but it surely was sufficient for drivers Madison Snow, Bryan Sellers, Neil Verhagen (all USA), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) to take third place on the rostrum. In the GTD class, Turner Motorsport additionally had a powerful comeback, however Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher, Jake Walker (all USA), and Jens Klingmann (GER) fell far behind as a result of a mechanical defect on the oil pump drive.

Reactions after the race:

Franciscus van Meel (CEO BMW M GmbH): “Luck was not with the diligent. We were well prepared for the race beforehand and started with a good feeling. Accordingly, we are now disappointed with this result. But it is what it is. We have two more big races with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in Qatar and Sebring in the next six weeks. Now it’s about implementing everything we didn’t achieve here in Daytona and coming out on top.”

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Looking at our results this weekend is, of course, very disappointing. But we have shown that our BMW M Hybrid V8 could keep up with the competition and even led at times. If you compare that to our debut a year ago, we have made huge strides in the right direction in terms of performance. Unfortunately, we had technical issues during the night with both cars, which should not happen in such a race. We now have to analyze these precisely to ensure that we are better prepared for the upcoming races. It is also a shame that Paul Miller Racing with the BMW M4 GT3 had problems at the end and fell back to third place in the GTD PRO.”

Jesse Krohn (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, seventh place): “I feel for everyone on the team who worked so hard for this event. We definitely deserved a better result. For me personally, it was a fantastic experience. I had an incredible amount of fun in my first race with the new car and learned a lot. I am convinced that we could have achieved a very good result without our problems.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, eighth place): “That was not the race we wanted. Until the race, we had actually had a positive week here in Daytona, but unfortunately, luck was not on our side. You cannot afford technical problems like the ones we had in such a race. We have to learn from that with a view to Sebring.”

Neil Verhagen (#1 BMW M4 GT3, Paul Miller Racing, third place GTD PRO): “My first 24-hour race in Daytona and my first start in an IMSA race – that was a great experience. I was in the best possible team, and we led the race for long stretches. Unfortunately, some problems late in the race put the win out of reach. Nevertheless, we still made it to the podium. We can be proud of that. Generally, a podium in Daytona is, of course, a reason to be happy, but when you were so close to the win, it hurts not to reach it in the end.”

Robby Foley (#96 BMW M4 GT3, Turner Motorsport, 14th place GTD): “We actually drove a smart race all the time and always stayed in touch with the top. We had a car that could have fought for the win in the GTD class. Unfortunately, we had the technical problem exactly at sunrise. The guys repaired it very quickly, but with 15 laps behind, we were, of course, out of the race for a top placement. Now I’m looking forward to making up for it at the next race in Sebring.”

BMW

IMSA: BMW M Team RLL kicks off second GTP season – 13 BMW M works drivers to start out at 24 Hours of Daytona.

Daytona. Season two for the BMW M Hybrid V8 within the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA sequence) begins on 27th/28th January with the spotlight initially, the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA). Eight BMW M works drivers will begin for BMW M Team RLL within the two LMDh vehicles. In the qualifying session on the conclusion of the ‘Roar before the 24’, the take a look at weekend instantly earlier than the race, Connor De Phillippi (USA) drove the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 to the fourth beginning place. In the #24 sister automotive, Jesse Krohn (FIN) was eighth. Five extra BMW M works drivers can be in motion within the two BMW M4 GT3s which compete within the GTD classes.

 

De Phillippi was 0.366 seconds off pole place with a qualifying time of 1:33.022 minutes and has a superb begin place for the race from the second row. He shares the cockpit with Nick Yelloly (GBR), Maxime Martin (BEL), and René Rast (GER). Alongside Krohn, Philipp Eng (AUT), Augusto Farfus (BRA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) will drive the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8.

For the Paul Miller Racing group, three BMW M works drivers will take the wheel of the #1 BMW M4 GT3 within the GTD-PRO class. Madison Snow, Neil Verhagen (each USA), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) type a quartet with Bryan Sellers (USA). They begin from place twelve of their class. Robby Foley (USA) and Jens Klingmann (GER) are a part of the Turner Motorsport crew within the #96 BMW M4 GT3 within the GTD class and, along with Patrick Gallagher and Jake Walker (each USA), begin from place 16 of their class.

The 24-hour race begins on Saturday, 27th January, at 13:40 native time (19:40 CET). On Friday, 26th January at 13:45 native time (19:45 CET), the BMW M Endurance Challenge takes place. At the season opener of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, 5 BMW M4 GT4s are on the beginning grid of the 4-hour race.

Quotes earlier than the race:

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW M Team RLL): “We arrived at last year’s Rolex 24 having just finished giving birth to the BMW M Hybrid V8 programme in the last quarter of 2022. While I was generally pleased with our performance – one of the cars staying on the lead lap until the 22nd hour – this year we arrive at Daytona better prepared. If that preparation translates into increased reliability, we can expect a very good Rolex 24.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, 4th beginning place): “In qualifying we had the best car of the whole weekend. We are satisfied that we have made a good step in the right direction. There is still some optimisation to be done here and there, but I am happy for the team about the significantly better result compared to last year. We are slowly but surely getting to where we need to be to close the gap. The race is long, and a lot can happen. We are ready for the action.”

Jesse Krohn (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, 8th beginning place): “This is not the place where I wanted to end the session. I didn’t get everything together for a fast lap after we had focussed on race speed and not on qualifying in the test sessions. Of course, it would be better to start further ahead, but we definitely have a much better car for the race than the start position suggests. I think we are very well prepared.”

BMW M Motorsport starters at a look:

 

GTP:

 

#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL:

Philipp Eng (AUT)

Jesse Krohn (FIN)

Augusto Farfus (BRA)

Dries Vanthoor (BEL)

#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL:

Connor De Phillippi (USA)

Nick Yelloly (GBR)

Maxime Martin (BEL)

René Rast (GER)

GTD PRO:

#1 BMW M4 GT3, Paul Miller Racing:

Bryan Sellers (USA)

Madison Snow (USA)

Neil Verhagen (USA)

Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)

GTD:

#96 BMW M4 GT3, Turner Motorsport:

Robby Foley (USA)

Patrick Gallagher (USA)

Jake Walker (USA)

Jens Klingmann (GER)

BMW

2023 IMSA season finale: BMW M Team RLL finishes seventh and eighth in eventful Petit Le Mans – GTD podium for Turner Motorsport.

Road Atlanta. The 2023 season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA series) concluded with an eventful 26th running of the Petit Le Mans endurance race at Road Atlanta (USA). In the ten-hour race, marked by numerous accidents and numerous deployments of the BMW XM Safety Car, the two BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8 prototypes finished in seventh and eighth positions in the new GTP class. Turner Motorsport secured a podium finish in the GTD class with the BMW M4 GT3.

After ten hours filled with incidents, the race ended behind the safety car. The #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, driven by Connor De Phillippi (USA), Nick Yelloly (GBR), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), finished in seventh place. Directly behind them was the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, which had Augusto Farfus (BRA), Philipp Eng (AUT) and Marco Wittmann (GER) alternating at the wheel.

The Petit Le Mans race marked the end of the debut season for the BMW M Hybrid V8. In the nine races held in the new GTP class of the IMSA this year BMW M Team RLL secured five podium finishes with the vehicle, including a victory in the six-hour race at Watkins Glen (USA).

In the GTD class, Turner Motorsport concluded the season with a podium finish. Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher and Michael Dinan (all USA) secured second place on the Petit Le Mans podium in the #96 BMW M4 GT3. Their teammates, Bill Auberlen, Chandler Hull and Thomas Merrill (all USA), finished seventh in the class in the #97 car. Unfortunately, Paul Miller Racing, which had already secured the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in the GTD class before the season finale and also were the first team to win the IMSA Sprint Cup back-to-back, had a stroke of bad luck. The #1 BMW M4 GT3 driven by Bryan Sellers, Madison Snow and Corey Lewis (all USA) was involved in an accident that was not their fault. After an extended repair break, the team initially resumed the race but eventually had to retire. Paul Miller Racing celebrated no fewer than five GTD wins this season.

Quotes after Petit Le Mans.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport: “Today it certainly wasn’t the result we had hoped for. In the first nine hours, things were looking very promising for us, and at times, we were right up there competing for the lead and a top result. Unfortunately, we were set back in the closing stages due to numerous yellow flags, and we couldn’t achieve the positions we had set out for. This also means we didn’t end up where we had hoped to be in the championship. It was a disappointing conclusion to the season, but we can look ahead positively. In nine races, we made it to the podium five times, which is a great record. A big thank you to everyone who made this possible. Now the work continues at home, and we’re hoping for a strong start to the 2024 season in Daytona.”

Bobby Rahal, Team Principal BMW M Team RLL: “Overall, the season was pretty successful. We had five podiums, including the victory at Watkins Glen. When we look back where we were a year ago it has been crazy and we reacted well to the challenges we had. Like it is in every first year, there was a lot to learn and we learnt a lot. Thanks to everyone for their hard work. Now we are looking forward to next season and it will be a very exciting year.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “So Petit Le Mans is in the books. It was definitely not the result we wanted and not the result we could have gotten. We just did not play it aggressive enough at the end when it counted, unfortunately. I feel sorry for the guys. Everybody worked so hard all year. We can be proud of the results we achieved this season. We will come back next year and fight even harder.”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “It has not been the ideal end to the season. During the race we were theoretically leading the championship so we are a bit disappointed now, obviously. But one thing I have to say is: we still got five podiums through the year, including one win, and I feel we maximized as much as we could throughout the season. So a big credit to BMW M Motorsport and the entire BMW M Team RLL for working so hard, because after Daytona we did not think that we would be able to achieve what we did.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “It obviously did not end how we wanted in regards of the championship. We were going for the win for the #25 boys, for Nick and Connor. In the end I think we just ultimately did not have the pace in comparison to other cars. But we gave everything out there today. We really did not leave any stone unturned. It has been a pleasure to join the team again for the last event of the year. Of course we are a bit disappointed, but nevertheless the guys can be proud of what they achieved this season.”

Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “It was definitely a lot of fun. Driving the car on this track is truly unbeatable. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the result we all hoped for, especially for our sister car. It looked promising for the championship for a long time, but, sadly, it didn’t work out in the end. However, we can be proud of what we’ve achieved this year. The progress has always been positive, and we can build on that. Thanks to everyone who was involved in this.”

Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I think we tried. First of all, we finished the race trouble-free with both cars. Today we just did not have the pace. We tried on the strategy, on the fuel saving. The team was very much on it, but in the end we just did not have enough. But it is okay. It was the first season in the GTP class. Now we go back home, we learn and then we should come back next year much stronger.”

Marco Wittmann (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “In the end, we can be proud of how the year went for us. When we started in Daytona, we probably did’t think that we could be very successful over the season. The team managed to secure five podium finishes. Of course, we had hoped for a different outcome in the final race. It looked promising for a while, but, ultimately, we didn’t quite have the pace compared to our competitors, who were faster over the course of the race. Consequently, there was nothing more to gain for us in the final stages. Even the yellow flags didn’t change that. We have to acknowledge that the competition did a better job this weekend. For us, it means taking the lessons and coming back stronger next year.”

BMW

Grand finale of the inaugural IMSA GTP season for BMW M Team RLL at Petit Le Mans: Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly in contention for the driver’s title.

Munich. BMW M Team RLL is set to wrap up the first season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for its BMW M Hybrid V8 racing cars at this weekend’s Petit Le Mans in Road Atlanta, USA. The team aims to secure a second GTP class victory and potentially clinch the driver’s title. BMW M works drivers Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) currently sit in fourth place in the GTP driver’s championship, just 38 points behind the leader. They hope to achieve another strong finish to add to their successful season, which already includes one victory and five podium finishes.

For the 10-hour Petit Le Mans race, De Phillippi and Yelloly will be joined by fellow BMW M works driver Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) in the cockpit of the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8. Marco Wittmann (GER) will team up with fellow BMW M works drivers Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Philipp Eng (AUT) in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 with the goal of securing the car’s first podium.

In the GTD class, three BMW M4 GT3s will be competing. Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow (both USA), with their #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3, have already clinched the title with five victories this season. They will be joined by Corey Lewis (USA) at Petit Le Mans. Turner Motorsport will enter two GTD class cars: the #96 BMW M4 GT3, driven by Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher (both USA), will also feature Michael Dinan (USA), while Thomas Merrill (USA) will share duties with regular pairing Bill Auberlen and Chandler Hull (USA) in the #97 car.

Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta begins on Saturday, October 14th at 11:40 local time (17:40 CEST).

Quotes ahead of Petit Le Mans:

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW M Team RLL): “There is no question that our GTP program was a significant endeavor for BMW M Team RLL, BMW M Motorsport, and everyone involved with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The victory at Watkins Glen was undoubtedly a highlight, and achieving five podiums so far with the number 25 car is a great accomplishment. Comparing where we were just one year ago when we started with this new formula to our recent test at Road Atlanta in preparation for Petit Le Mans, we have made significant progress. Historically, Petit has been a good weekend for us, so we can’t help but be optimistic.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and the finale at Petit Le Mans is going to be one last fireworks show. We recently had a great two-day test and feel well-prepared. With nearly 60 cars on a 70-second lap, it’s going to be a hectic race, and we all have one goal in mind—to win!”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I have tested at Road Atlanta but haven’t raced there yet, so I am looking forward to Petit Le Mans. Connor and I are in the fight for the driver’s title, so everything is on the line. After Daytona and our disappointing day, I wouldn’t have expected our season to go so well, but BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team RLL have provided us with a car and strategy that has kept us in contention for the rest of the season.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m very excited to be back with Connor and Nick at my favorite circuit in the US for the season finale. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the number 25 BMW M Hybrid V8, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the car has developed this season. I hope to quickly get up to speed and give the boys the best chance at a win and the championship.”

Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Our test at Road Atlanta a couple of weeks ago went well. We tried out many things and found the car in a very good state. The combination of this track and car is phenomenal, and I can’t wait for ten hours of racing.”

Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “We had a very successful test at Road Atlanta recently, so we are looking to finish the season with our best performance.”

Marco Wittmann (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m really looking forward to the season finale at Petit Le Mans. It’s been a while since Sebring, but it’s always a pleasure to race with our LMDh car and the BMW M Team RLL crew. I hope we will have a good and successful weekend to finish the first GTP season on a high note for Augusto, Philipp, myself, and also to support the sister car as they are still in the fight for the title.”

BMW

IMSA: BMW M Team RLL takes podium finish at Indianapolis – Paul Miller Racing wins GTD title.

On the penultimate race weekend of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Indianapolis, BMW M Motorsport teams had reason to celebrate. Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly finished third in the 2-hour and 40-minute race in the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, securing a podium spot. This marks their fifth podium finish in the GTP class debut season. In the GTD category, Madison Snow and Bryan Sellers clinched the GTD title with a third-place finish in the #1 BMW M4 GT3, defending their Sprint Cup championship from 2022.

While De Phillippi and Yelloly made their way to the podium starting from seventh position, their teammates in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 faced technical issues. Philipp Eng had to pit after just nine laps due to problems with the car. The electric problems persisted, and Eng and Augusto Farfus were ultimately classified as tenth in the GTP class. De Phillippi and Yelloly are currently in fourth place in the IMSA series standings, 38 points behind the leaders, ahead of the season finale in Road Atlanta on October 14th.

In the GTD category, Snow and Sellers secured the championship win before the season’s end. Their third-place finish at Indianapolis was enough to become champions in both the GTD overall standings and the Sprint Cup. They had a total of five class victories in the #1 BMW M4 GT3, the most of any team in the GTD class. At Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans in October, they will have the chance to win the Endurance Cup title as well. At Indianapolis, the two BMW M4 GT3s from Turner Motorsport finished fifth and seventh in the GTD category.

Here are some reactions from the drivers after the race:

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, 3rd place): “We really gave it everything we had today. Our strategy and car preparation were on point, and I’m proud of everyone on the team. Nick’s first stint set us up well, and the team had great strategy. I just had to finish strong.”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, 3rd place): “We knew it would be important to stay clean throughout the race, and we managed to do that. Turn one was tricky, but we made it through and then focused on navigating through traffic. The team did a fantastic job with the strategy. Connor drove excellently, and I’m thrilled to continue our podium streak.”

Madison Snow (#1 BMW M4 GT3, Paul Miller Racing, 3rd place GTD class): “It feels great to wrap up the championship here at Indy. Petit Le Mans is a long race, and knowing that we can just enjoy racing is a relief. Paul Miller Racing put in a lot of hard work, and we knew that if we gave our absolute best this weekend, we could relax the next. Indy has been amazing.”

Bryan Sellers (#1 BMW M4 GT3, Paul Miller Racing, 3rd place GTD class): “We led a significant portion of the race, but couldn’t match the #57 or the #78. Our goal was to beat the #27, keep an eye on the points situation, and let go of the pursuit for the race win. It’s difficult, but we accomplished our goal in the end.”

BMW

BMW M Team RLL aiming for podium finish at the IMSA GTP race in Indianapolis

The BMW M Team RLL is gearing up for the penultimate round of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which will take place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, also known as ‘The Brickyard’ from 15th to 17th September. The team’s goal is to secure a podium finish with their new BMW M Hybrid V8 at the Indianapolis race. The #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, which has already claimed victories at Watkins Glen and podium finishes at Sebring, Long Beach, and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, will be driven by Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly. Meanwhile, Augusto Farfus and Philipp Eng will share driving duties in the #24 car.

Recently, the team conducted a two-day test at the Speedway with drivers De Phillippi, Colton Herta, and Jesse Krohn. The test concluded with the #25 and #24 BMW M Hybrid V8s topping the timing sheets. Eng, Farfus, and Yelloly also completed ‘Driver In Loop’ tests to further enhance the team’s race performance at Indianapolis.

It is worth noting that the BMW Team RLL has a history at ‘The Brickyard’. Team Principal Bobby Rahal, for instance, won the Indy 500 in 1986. Additionally, De Phillippi and Farfus emerged victorious in the 8 Hour Intercontinental GT Challenge race at Indy in 2020, driving a Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW M6 GT3 alongside Nick Catsburg. Yelloly also secured a second-place finish in the team’s sister BMW, co-driving with David Pittard and Marco Wittmann.

In the GT Daytona class, BMW M4 GT3s will be competing. Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow, who have already clinched five victories this season, lead the GTD class points with the #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3. Turner Motorsport will also field two BMW M4 GT3s, driven by Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher, as well as Bill Auberlen and Chandler Hull.

The race at Indianapolis, which lasts for two hours and forty minutes, will commence on Sunday, 17th September at 12:10 local time.

Here are some quotes from key figures ahead of the Road America race:

Bobby Rahal, BMW M Team RLL Team Principal: “Indy is an iconic place. We tested there recently and it went very well. As is every IMSA race we go to, it will be a tough fight. If we have the pace at Indy as we did at other fast circuits like Watkins Glen, I have every reason to believe we’ll have a good weekend.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “The Speedway is always a special place to race, and I’m aiming to continue the success I’ve had there. Last month, we had a productive test, and the BMW M Hybrid V8 has undergone testing in Europe, which has been valuable. I’m excited to be back on track after the summer break to continue chasing race wins.”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I was not there for the GTP test, but I understand it went very well. I hope we can hit the ground running and secure another good result for BMW.”

Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m very excited to finally get the chance to race at Indianapolis. Indy is often referred to as the ‘world centre of racing’ and an incredibly iconic track. I can’t wait to turn my first laps in the BMW M Hybrid V8 there and hopefully secure a podium finish with my teammate Augusto. I believe we’ve deserved it. We’ve been on an upward trajectory in the past few races, but unfortunately, we had a bit of bad luck at Road America. A podium finish for us or the sister car would be a boost for all of us. However, I’m feeling positive. I’ve heard that the Indy test went very well. I’m looking forward to my next race with BMW M Team RLL and hoping for a strong result.”

Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “The team showed good pace in the test, which gives us hope for a strong weekend. I did race the Indy road course in 2020 with Connor and Nicky Catsburg, and we won the 8-hour Intercontinental GT Challenge. It will be good to be back at Indy.”

BMW

IMSA: Both BMW M Hybrid V8 cars retire at Road America – Paul Miller Racing celebrates class win with BMW M4 GT3.

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Road America was a disappointment for BMW M Team RLL. Both BMW M Hybrid V8 cars had to retire early. Connor De Phillippi had a collision with the wall in car #25, forcing him to retire. Philipp Eng had to park the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 due to technical issues. Paul Miller Racing, on the other hand, celebrated a class win in the GTD category.

After their retirements, the #24 BMW driven by Eng and Augusto Farfus and the #25 car driven by De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly were classified in ninth and tenth positions in the GTP class. As a result, De Phillippi and Yelloly lost their second place in the overall standings. In the GTD class, Madison Snow and Bryan Sellers took a dominant victory. Bill Auberlen and Chandler Hull finished sixth in the #97 BMW M4 GT3 of Turner Motorsport, while their teammates Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher ran out of fuel and were twelfth.

The next GTP race will take place on September 17th in Indianapolis. The GTD class will compete at the VIRginia International Raceway on August 27th before that.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed disappointment with the retirements but remains confident for the next race in Indianapolis. He congratulated Paul Miller Racing for their victory in the GTD class and praised the performance of the BMW M4 GT3.

Philipp Eng, driver of the #24 BMW, had a collision with a Porsche that cost him time. He also mentioned the issue with the electronics and expressed the need for further investigation.

Connor De Phillippi, driver of the #25 BMW, spun during the formation lap but was able to continue. However, an altered car balance caused him to lose control and hit the wall. He apologized to the team but believes they will come out stronger from this experience.

Madison Snow and Bryan Sellers, drivers for Paul Miller Racing, expressed satisfaction with their performance and emphasized the importance of careful management on the newly resurfaced race track.

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