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BMW

BMW M Motorsport News, sixth May 2024.

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Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport:

“The BMW M Motorsport teams have celebrated numerous successes worldwide with the BMW M4 GT3, BMW M4 GT4, and BMW M2 CS Racing cars in recent weeks. We have been able to cheer for victories and podiums in Germany, Europe, North America, and Asia. This once again underlines how strong the customer racing programme is internationally at BMW M Motorsport. I congratulate all the winners and look forward to the next successes that we can celebrate together.”

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Italian GT Championship (3rd-5th May): Hesse and Klingmann triumph at Misano.

 

The BMW Italia Ceccato Racing workforce began the Italian GT Championship season at Misano (ITA) with two victories. In the Sunday race, BMW M works drivers Max Hesse and Jens Klingmann (each GER) triumphed with the #7 BMW M4 GT3. At the identical time, within the sister #8 automobile, Pedro Ebrahim (BRA) and Federico Malvestiti (ITA) gained the Pro-Am class. In the primary race on Saturday, Hesse fought for third place till the final lap however then retired resulting from a technical defect. Ebrahim and Malvestiti completed fourth of their class. “This is a victory for the team,” stated Hesse. “The guys did an incredible job rebuilding the car after my accident following the technical defect on Saturday. Thanks to everyone for the fantastic effort!” Klingmann added: “After our big misfortune on Saturday, we managed to turn the weekend around with the victory on Sunday. It was anything but certain that we could even start. We owe this to the great work of the entire team led by Roberto Ravaglia. For me personally, it is the first victory at Misano, which I am very happy about.”

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GTWC America (3rd-5th May): ST Racing and Turner Motorsport have a good time class victories.

Pure pleasure in Florida: At the second race weekend of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, BMW M Motorsport groups celebrated a category victory in each runs. In the primary race at Sebring International Raceway, BMW M works driver Neil Verhagen (USA) and Samantha Tan (CAN) jumped onto the rostrum as third total.

The Team ST Racing duo within the #38 BMW M4 GT3 triumphed within the Pro-Am class – regardless that Verhagen needed to construct a lead over model colleagues from Turner Motorsport, Robby Foley and Justin Rothberg (each USA), resulting from a time penalty. “After the pit stop, I was on a time hunt,” defined Verhagen. “The gap I had to open was five seconds. I had Robby behind me. He also kept me on my toes.” But the lead was sufficient for Verhagen and Tan, who celebrated a particular victory. Last 12 months, the duo gained the second race at Sebring within the Pro-Am class however had to surrender the category victory afterwards resulting from a penalty. “This is the victory of the greatest redemption,” stated Tan a 12 months later. “We came back here to prove something. The team gave us an incredible car, and we made it. It feels really good.”

Foley and Rothberg made it a one-two consequence for the BMW M4 GT3 within the Pro-Am class proper behind them on Saturday. A day later, the Turner Motorsport duo themselves had been the measure of all issues when within the second race, Foley and Rothberg triumphed within the Pro-Am class. Verhagen and Tan fought their manner again impressively after a drive-through penalty within the #38 BMW M4 GT3 and topped an impressive weekend for the BMW M Motorsport groups at Sebring as third. “I think we showed everyone this weekend that our pace is undisputed. Thanks to my team, our fans, and BMW M Motorsport for the support,” praised Tan, who additionally had motive to have a good time within the Pro class. BMW M works driver Bill Auberlen and Varun Choksey (each USA) celebrated a double podium: In each races, they completed third within the #28 BMW M4 GT3 within the class.

 

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GT/GT4/TC America (3rd-5th May): Podium celebrations at Sebring.

 

Justin Rothberg (USA) celebrated a premiere in GT America. In the second race at Sebring International Raceway, the American completed third within the Turner Motorsport #29 BMW M4 GT3 and climbed onto the GT America podium for the primary time. Nicolas Shanny (USA) narrowly missed the rostrum within the GT4 class twice as fourth.

In GT4 America, Zac Anderson and Colin Garrett (each USA) from Team AutoTechnic Racing climbed onto the general podium as second within the #51 BMW M4 GT4. In the Am class, Kris Wilson alongside Paul Sparta (each USA) for Team Random Vandals Racing within the #98 BMW M4 GT4 gained the second run after the duo had already celebrated a podium end with second place within the first race. Matt Million and Ryan Keeley (each USA) completed third within the Am class within the first race within the #53 BMW M4 GT4.

In TC America, Chris Walsh (USA) from Carnus Callas Raceteam was the dominant driver in Florida. In each runs, he triumphed within the #104 BMW M2 CS Racing automobile, relegating his BMW colleague Lucas Catania (USA, Team Rigid Speed) within the #17 BMW M2 CS Racing automobile to second place every time. In the second race, Aaron Kaplan (USA) within the #18 BMW M2 CS Racing automobile accomplished the pure BMW M Motorsport podium in third.

Two weeks earlier, Samantha Tan (CAN) celebrated a podium end at her private season debut in GT America. In the second run on the Long Beach (USA) road circuit, the Canadian steered her #38 BMW M4 GT4 within the GT4 class to second place. In the SRO3 class, Rothberg narrowly missed the rostrum with fourth place in each runs.

 

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ADAC GT Masters (26th-28th April): Köhler and Oosten win on the season begin at Oschersleben.

 

Maxime Oosten (NED) and Leon Köhler (GER) gained the opening race of the ADAC GT Masters final weekend in April, celebrating an ideal begin to the brand new season. In the primary race at Oschersleben (GER), the #54 BMW M4 GT3 of Team FK Performance Motorsport drove from pole place to a commanding triumph. “It was a great start to the season. Maxime did a great job in the first part of the race. For me, it was about managing the lead in the second section. I am very happy about the victory,” Köhler raved after the opening success on Saturday.

In the second race on Sunday, the German-Dutch duo then fought their manner ahead from seventh on the grid, narrowly lacking the second podium end of the weekend with fourth place. Nevertheless, Köhler and Oosten left Oschersleben in second place within the drivers’ standings. Their team-mates Eduardo Coseteng (PHI) and Gregory de Sybourg (SUI) drove the #10 BMW M4 GT3 to thirteenth and tenth locations firstly of the ADAC GT Masters season.

 

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ADAC GT4 Germany (26th-28th April): Piana and Schrey dominate the opener.

 

At the opening weekend of the ADAC GT4 Germany at Oschersleben (GER), Gabriele Piana (ITA) and Michael Schrey (GER) within the #2 BMW M4 GT4 had been unbeatable. Already in qualifying on Saturday, the duo from Team Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport distanced the competitors by greater than four-tenths – after which additionally secured the victory within the first race. Their team-mates Leon Wassertheurer and Tim Reiter (each GER) within the #3 BMW M4 GT4 accomplished the double podium for BMW M Motorsport on the season begin in third.

Piana and Schrey additionally triumphed within the second race, celebrating the second race victory of the weekend in Saxony-Anhalt. Their team-mates Reiter and Wassertheurer had began Sunday from pole place however needed to retire whereas main with injury to the wheel suspension.

Nevertheless, the BMW M Motorsport groups additionally celebrated an impressive total consequence on Sunday. Behind Piana and Schrey, 4 extra BMW M4 GT4s secured top-ten finishes. For FK Performance Motorsport, Leyton Fourie (RSA) and Max Rosam (GER) within the #46 automobile completed fifth and relegated their automobile #47 team-mates Tom Edgar (GBR) and Joseph Warhurst (GBR) to sixth place. Behind them, Markus Eichele (GER) and Phillip Wiskirchen (GER) competed within the ME Motorsport #66 BMW M4 GT4, adopted by Mohan Ritson (GBR) and Gianni van de Craats (NED) in automobile #48, one other duo from FK Performance Motorsport, ending eighth.

 

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Thailand Super Series (3rd-5th May): Victory for Jesse Krohn and AAI Motorsports.

 

The Thailand Super Series season started final weekend on the Chang International Circuit in Buriram (THA). The AAI Motorsports workforce, with the help of BMW M works driver Jesse Krohn (FIN), competed with two BMW M4 GT3s. In the 2 races, there was one victory and three different podium finishes to have a good time. Krohn and his driving colleague Chun Hua Chen (TPE) gained the second race in an thrilling end with a 0.074-second lead. In the primary run, the duo completed second on the rostrum. With two second locations within the Am class, Betty Chen and Jun San Chen (each TPE) additionally had a profitable begin to the season.

 

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Super GT Series (3rd-5th May): Bruno Spengler competes at Fuji.

 

BMW M works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) supported Team Studie on the first endurance race of the season within the Japanese Super GT Series at Fuji (JPN). In the #7 BMW M4 GT3, he alternated with Niklas Krütten (GER) and Seiji Ara (JPN) through the three race hours. The trio began from ninth place and crossed the end line in eleventh place after 107 laps.

 

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British GT Championship (26th-28th April): Challenging weekend at Silverstone.

 

At the second season occasion of the British GT Championship at Silverstone (GBR), BMW M works driver Raffaele Marciello (SUI) alongside John Ferguson (GBR) achieved a top-ten end. At the normal monitor within the south of England, the Team RAM Racing duo within the #15 BMW M4 GT3 completed ninth. BMW M works driver Dries Vanthoor (BEL) completed thirteenth alongside Darren Leung (GBR) within the #1 BMW M4 GT3.

Their teammates from Team Century Motorsport, Lewis Plato (GBR) and Carl Cavers (GBR) within the #22 BMW M4 GT3, adopted in 14th place. BMW M works driver Dan Harper (GBR) completed the race within the #14 BMW M4 GT3 alongside Michael Johnston (GBR) in seventeenth place. In the GT4 class, Ian Gough (GBR) and Tom Wrigley (GBR) steered the #29 BMW M4 GT4 to tenth place.

 

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ESET Cup Series (26th-28th April): Class victories at Lake Balaton.

 

At the ESET Cup Series race weekend on the brand new Balaton Park Circuit (HUN), BMW M Motorsport drivers celebrated three class victories. In the D4 GT4 class, Antal Zsigo (SVK) in his Trevor Racing #500 BMW M4 GT4 triumphed in each the primary and second races forward of Rudolf Beno (SVK) within the #444 BMW M4 GT4 from Team Aries Racing. In the Endurance Race, Beno alongside Richard Gonda within the #444 BMW M4 GT4 gained the D4 GT4 class forward of Zsigo. Team Trevor Racing’s Stefan Rosina (SVK) celebrated second place within the total classification close to Lake Balaton in his #24 BMW M6 GT3.

 

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British Touring Car Championship (26th-28th April): Podium celebrations at Donington Park.

 

Three races, three podiums. BMW groups skilled a profitable begin to the British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park (GBR). In the primary two races, Jake Hill (GBR) within the #24 BMW 330e M Sport completed third twice. When the 30-year-old needed to accept fifth place within the third run, one other BMW consultant stepped up when sfter fourth and fifth locations within the first two races, Colin Turkington (GBR) climbed onto the rostrum as second within the closing race. His Team BMW team-mate Adam Morgan (GBR) completed seventh within the second and third races. Hill and Turkington left the primary cease of the BTCC season in third and fourth locations within the total standings, with BMW main the producers’ standings.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Establishes Hydrogen Headquarters to Accelerate Advancement of Fuel Cell Technology

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  • H2HQ groups to guide NA area’s efforts to analysis, develop, commercialize and promote gasoline cell and hydrogen-related merchandise
  • Renovated facility offers a refreshed workplace workspace, with plans so as to add options sooner or later, together with a versatile microgrid, buyer training middle and extra

GARDENA, Calif. (May 1, 2024) – Reaffirming its dedication to assist gasoline cell and extra hydrogen-related merchandise and know-how towards a hydrogen financial system, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) in the present day introduced that it’s renaming the TMNA R&D California workplace as its new North American Hydrogen Headquarters (H2HQ). The workplace workspace on the new H2HQ was not too long ago redesigned for its groups working from analysis and improvement to commercialization planning and gross sales of hydrogen-related merchandise and applied sciences. There are plans so as to add key options to the H2HQ campus sooner or later comparable to a versatile microgrid, sustainable buyer training middle and extra.

“Toyota has developed hydrogen fuel cell electric solutions for more than three decades, and we will continue to advance this scalable, zero-emission technology as part of our electrified portfolio,” stated Ted Ogawa, President and CEO, Toyota Motor North America. “Renaming this facility as North American Hydrogen Headquarters represents our leadership in fuel cell development creating real-world products to help reduce carbon emissions.”

Last yr, Toyota Motor Corporation reorganized its hydrogen enterprise in Japan to create what it calls “Hydrogen Factory” with the thought to deliver all hydrogen-related work beneath one location and speed up customer-oriented product improvement and manufacturing in gasoline cell or hydrogen-related merchandise. Then, Toyota Motor Europe introduced its personal “Hydrogen Factory” with the purpose to additional develop Toyota’s hydrogen enterprise and stimulate wider roll-out of hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructure throughout Europe.

H2HQ will drive North American-led hydrogen initiatives and assist the localization of worldwide hydrogen-related applied sciences and merchandise that embrace light-duty gasoline cell functions, heavy-duty gasoline cell alternatives, stationary gasoline cell energy era, port car functions and extra. The facility already offers spectacular analysis and improvement property, together with Toyota’s largest dynamometer (1.2 MW), a scalable take a look at bench for stationary functions, and a hydrogen fueling station able to offering gasoline for each light- and heavy-duty autos. Moreover, as a part of its plans to stay and develop gasoline cell management, NA H2HQ will probably be residence to a number of new tasks within the coming years.

“I’m very pleased that Toyota is building on its longstanding commitment to California by locating its North American hydrogen headquarters here in the Golden State,” stated California State Senator, District 29, Josh Newman. “The work done there, along with green hydrogen initiatives throughout the state, is propelling California toward a dynamic, clean-energy economy which will also reduce carbon emissions and foster environmental stewardship while extending California’s leadership in this important space.”

Construction has begun on a versatile microgrid that options vitality sources out there in the present day, together with a 230-kW photo voltaic photovoltaic system, a 1-MW stationary proton change membrane (PEM) gasoline cell generator, 325-kW stable oxide gasoline cell (SOFC), and an onsite 500-kWh battery vitality storage system. The microgrid is designed to assist the campus’ vitality wants, permitting it the flexibility to function off-grid. The system is anticipated to be totally operational by 2026.

“California has ambitious goals to achieve clean air, carbon neutrality and a vibrant economy. Toyota’s investment to expand their research and development of hydrogen fuel cell technology in our state is an example of the innovation that will accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emissions transportation options, particularly as we decarbonize the goods movement sector,” stated CARB Chair Liane Randolph.

In the longer term, Toyota’s plans for the brand new North American Hydrogen HQ will embrace a sustainable training middle, out there for excursions by reservation. The middle will probably be a spot for individuals to be taught extra about Toyota’s imaginative and prescient of sustainability and the function that hydrogen will play.

30+ Years of Development
From creating one of many world’s first mass market passenger gasoline cell electrical autos within the Mirai, to making use of and scaling the know-how now to different functions that may profit from zero-emissions, together with heavy-duty transport, power generation systems, and others, Toyota’s analysis and improvement with hydrogen gasoline cell know-how spans greater than 30 years.

For a lot of that point, the Gardena workplace supported or initiated a variety of gasoline cell electrical tasks. To share some latest examples, the Fuel Cell Development (FCD) group was instrumental in supporting the event of Toyota’s light-duty Mirai, launched again in 2015, and the group collaborated with trade companions to assist assist infrastructure progress by the state of California.

In 2017, to deal with decarbonization efforts at native ports, Toyota’s FCD group helped show the scalability of gasoline cell know-how after it acquired a Class 8 truck and fitted it with a gasoline cell electrical powertrain consisting of two Mirai fuel-cell stacks. This effort then led to a collaboration with PACCAR’s Kenworth model to construct 10 proof-of-concept vehicles, vehicles used to assist the “Shore to Store” ZANZEFF venture that proved the viability of hydrogen-powered gasoline cells as a zero-emission powertrain in heavy-duty functions. PACCAR and Toyota later agreed in 2023 to pursue commercialization of the venture, with Toyota supplying the gasoline cell powertrain kits from its Kentucky plant as a Tier 1 provider.

Most not too long ago, Toyota has demonstrated a non-automotive alternative for hydrogen-powered gasoline cell know-how in stationary energy era. Toyota and TRD partnered to construct a stationary unit to offer electrical energy at occasions the place it was not available, launching the primary public activation at an LPGA Tour cease the place the unit supported the facility wants of the occasion stage and sound system. The resolution supplied clear, quiet energy that was confirmed to capably substitute conventional diesel turbines. Last yr, Toyota constructed a 1MW gasoline cell electrical generator for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado to assist microgrid testing on the facility. And lastly, earlier this yr, Toyota collaborated with Kohler on a prototype stationary generator to offer backup emergency energy for Klickitat Valley Health hospital in Goldendale, Washington.

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been part of the cultural cloth in North America for greater than 65 years, and is dedicated to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility by our Toyota and Lexus manufacturers, plus our greater than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota instantly employs greater than 63,000 individuals in North America who’ve contributed to the design, engineering, and meeting of almost 47 million automobiles and vehicles at our 13 manufacturing crops. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will start to fabricate automotive batteries for electrified autos. With extra electrified autos on the street than every other automaker, Toyota presently provides 27 electrified choices.

For extra details about Toyota, go to www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

BMW

ROWE Racing finishes 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on the rostrum – Three BMW M4 GT3s within the prime six.

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Nürburgring. The BMW M Motorsport groups ROWE Racing and RMG efficiently accomplished crucial race weekend on the Nordschleife earlier than the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (GER). During the 24h Qualifiers, all three BMW M4 GT3s accomplished many laps and picked up precious information. In addition, there was racing success within the 4-hour race on Sunday. Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) drove the #98 ROWE Racing automotive to a second-place end on the rostrum. The sister #99 automotive and the BMW M Team RMV #72 BMW M4 GT3 completed in fourth and sixth locations, respectively.

The 24h Qualifiers consisted of two races, every 4 hours lengthy. On Saturday, the BMW M Motorsport groups targeted on set-up work. Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), and Charles Weerts (BEL) have been the highest-placed crew as tenth within the #72 BMW M4 GT3. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) completed twelfth within the ROWE Racing automotive #99. The #98 BMW M4 GT3 retired after an unavoidable collision however made up for it with the rostrum end on Sunday. The race weekend was notably precious for Weerts and Marciello, as each accomplished their first races within the BMW M4 GT3 on the Nordschleife and have been capable of full many laps. Marciello additionally celebrated his first podium as a BMW M works driver.

At the 24h Qualifiers – additionally rounds three and 4 of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS – quite a few different classes have been current alongside the GT3 automobiles. BMW M Motorsport groups achieved a complete of 9 class victories within the two races.

Reactions after the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers:

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): “Our team and our drivers did a very good job this weekend. Despite the unprovoked retirement in the race on Saturday, we covered many kilometres and gained valuable insights about the new tyres. Our drivers were able to get used to the Nordschleife and the tuning again. We have already got into a good groove with Raffaele Marciello. Thanks to the good work of the team and some lucky circumstances, we were rewarded with a podium on Sunday, the second within eight days after our victory in the GT World Challenge Europe. It’s a nice reward for the intensive work in the past weeks.”

Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW M Team RMG): “Overall, it was a good test run for the 24-hour race. On Saturday, we still had some things to sort out with the set-up and couldn’t keep up with the lead. Things went better on Sunday, although we had a slight collision in the first corner of the race and had to repair the car during the first stop. Charles Weerts has integrated very well into our team and was able to complete many valuable laps this weekend.”

Raffaele Marciello (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “We can be very happy with the podium today. Our pace was good, and we had a good strategy. The main goal this weekend was to prepare ourselves as well as possible for the 24-hour race because that’s where it really counts. Of course, you can never be one hundred percent perfectly prepared for such a special race, but I think we are in a good position.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#99 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “Fourth place is a good result to end the weekend. We may not have had the fastest car, but our pit stops were great and ultimately got us to this position. Of course, the preparation for the 24-hour race was the main focus, and we ticked all the boxes on our list. That also applies to me personally. It was my first time this season on the Nordschleife, and I was able to complete many laps which helped me a lot. I feel very well prepared.”

Charles Weerts (#72 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team RMG): “It was a good weekend for us, where we could finish both races without major problems. As a team, we are still finding the perfect tuning for the new tyres. That worked out much better on Sunday than on Saturday. Personally, I learn something new with every single lap on the Nordschleife and am gathering many valuable experiences. Things are already going quite well, but I can certainly continue to improve.”

BMW

Curtains up in Phillip Island: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off the 2024 WorldSBK in Australia.

Phillip Island. The ready time is over. BMW Motorrad Motorsport and its two WorldSBK groups are set to start the 2024 season of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) this coming weekend (twenty third to twenty fifth February). The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team options new addition Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) as the brand new teammate of Michael van der Mark (NED). Scott Redding (GBR) has switched throughout the BMW household to the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team because the teammate of Garrett Gerloff (USA). Once once more, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit southeast of Melbourne (AUS) hosts the season opener.

 

To conclude the season preparation, each groups and the 4 manufacturing unit riders had a take a look at day on Tuesday. This was utilised for fine-tuning the BMW M 1000 RR Superbikes for the primary race weekend of the yr. Additionally, evaluation was performed on how the brand new asphalt of the Phillip Island monitor impacts the setup.

The first free practices will happen on Friday. Superpole and race one will observe on Saturday, with the Superpole Race and race two scheduled for Sunday.

 

Quotes forward of the Phillip Island spherical.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “The final results of the test day are a bit difficult to assess. The last minutes of the test felt like a qualifying session, but we were consistently up front throughout. That was very encouraging. I believe that in race trim, Michael, Scott, and Garrett will be further up the grid than they are now in the test rankings. Additionally, Garrett faced setbacks due to a few technical issues. Making a prediction for the race is extremely difficult because we definitely have issues with the tyres. We simply can’t sustain them over the race distance. This is not unique to us; it’s a challenge for our competitors as well. There will be discussions with Pirelli in the next couple of days. I don’t anticipate completing the full race distance; there might even be a flag-to-flag race. Since the decision is pending, no predictions can be made. It could either be a highly strategic, tyre-preserving race, or there might be two consecutive sprint races. Overall, it’s gratifying that this is the third consecutive test where we are at the forefront. Our package is working, and I expect strong results without providing a precise prediction.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I have to admit that I was really scared before I came here because this is not a track that suits my style. In addition, it was the first time for me to ride here with the BMW M 1000 RR. But I tried to do my best in every session. On this track, you need more grip to ride the bike. The old surface did not offer so much grip but on the new one, I was feeling too much grip and the bike was feeling really good. It was working really well and we made a very good lap time with the SC0 tyre. In general, the bike is working really well with the SC1 tyre and we found a very good set-up. I am happy, but that was just testing and in the last ten minutes, everyone pushed for good lap times, including me. We did a very good one, we finished in P1. This is good but I am focused on the race because I am working for the race and we will see. It looks like it could be a flag-to-flag race because the tyre is destroyed after ten laps, but we will see – in general, I am happy!”

Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “I am happy that obviously we were able to get the tyres here and actually do some testing because the track surface is quite a lot different so it was good for us to see what is the limit of the tyres, which is quite complicated for everybody at the moment. I’m sure Pirelli and WorldSBK will do the best job they can to make it good for the race weekend. From my side, I enjoy the circuit now with this surface. I really love this track but last year with the track surface and the tyres it was not enjoyable, it was quite scary, but now you can relax and really enjoy the track, which is nice. We did not try too many things, we just worked on bike set-up for me to get confidence and feeling. That was the main goal, just to try and enjoy the bike which I am doing much more now. I am happy. I feel that we’ve got a good enough base that we can fine tune in the race weekend. Now we will go into the first round and see how it goes.”

Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It was nice to finally get out on track here. It is always great to ride this track. I am really enjoying it. The new surface gives a lot of grip and we feel also that the bike has improved a lot over the year. Our main focus was to work on the basis of the bike which is very good. Now Phillip Island is all about tyre life so we tried to find some solution to make the tyre last. It’s not’s easy but we are working on it. At the end of the day I tried to push for a time attack but I had a red flag on my lap. The final position in the standings is not where we want to be but we were on a good lap. I am looking forward to the race weekend, I think that we are quite strong and as I said, it is all about managing the tyres and that what is we have to do.”

Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “I was really looking forward to ride here around Phillip Island but it has been a tough final test day for us. We had some technical issues that cost us a lot of time and we could not use the test as we had planned. It’s frustrating when you have to sit in the garage while the others are doing their laps, but better we have these issues now and can solve them than if they come at the race weekend. Now we have a couple more days to work and prepare and then we are ready to kick off the season. We have seen that the BMW M 1000 RR can be fast here at Phillip Island, and that makes me confident that we can be back stronger on Friday when we open the weekend with FP1.”

BMW

With a brand new addition to the crew, BMW M Motorsport embarks on an formidable 2024 Automotive Gaming season.

Munich. BMW M Motorsport is coming into the 2024 Automotive Gaming season with three BMW M groups. This yr, the drivers will once more compete for titles in essentially the most prestigious and top-class racing sequence within the digital motorsport world on quite a few related platforms. While BS+COMPETITION and Team Redline are already heading into their fourth season alongside BMW, a brand new crew, MOUZ, is making its debut as a part of the BMW M Motorsport household. 

 

The Esports crew MOUSESPORTS (MOUZ), based in Berlin (GER) in 2002, is without doubt one of the most profitable gaming organisations on this planet and now enriches the versatile digital BMW M Motorsport line-up. The inside introduction of MOUZ came about at first of the yr. In early February, BMW M Motorsport invited its three BMW M groups to a Media Day on the coronary heart of BMW in Munich (GER).

In a convergence of various worlds throughout the BMW cosmos, along with the media manufacturing of photograph and video materials, the drivers and crew officers, within the presence of BMW M works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN), got a tour of the BMW M Motorsport headquarters and the BMW Group’s mum or dad plant in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. However, the main target of the occasion was on enjoyable, in addition to the assembly and mutual alternate throughout the BMW M Motorsport household.

BMW M Power Tour in collaboration with iRacing.

A brand new thrilling challenge has emerged from the profitable collaboration between BMW M Motorsport and the simulation platform iRacing, the BMW M Power Tour. The sequence is aimed on the massive and passionate iRacing neighborhood.

Starting in mid-March, over ten weeks, there will likely be common racing occasions from Tuesday to Thursday that includes varied BMW M racing automobiles from the iRacing portfolio. This contains not solely the present flagship fashions, the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M4 GT3, but in addition historic icons just like the BMW Z4 GT3.

Comments on the 2024 digital racing programme of BMW M Motorsport:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We are pleased to be able to start the new automotive gaming season this year with a strong programme. This underlines the high importance that virtual racing continues to enjoy as a solid pillar alongside our global motorsport commitments. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for all the teams and drivers!”

 

Timo Brückner (Project Lead BMW M Motorsport Automotive Gaming): “The fact that we were able to further strengthen our already strong line-up of teams with our long-standing partners Redline and BS+COMPETITION by adding the new BMW M Team MOUZ makes us proud and lets us look forward to the new season with great anticipation and confidence. Together, we want to fight for victories and championships in the biggest and most exciting racing series of the virtual motorsport world in 2024.”

 

Florian Haasper (Team Principal BMW M Team BS+COMPETITION): “Our partnership with BMW M Motorsport is already entering its fourth year in 2024. It is in the DNA of BS+COMPETITION to represent the legendary colours of BMW M in the most important virtual races in the world – and on many different platforms such as iRacing, Rennsport, Assetto Corsa Competizione, or Gran Turismo. Together we work not only to be successful on the track. Together with BMW M Motorsport, BS+COMPETITION wants to reach new target groups, excite them for racing, and captivate them with exciting storytelling. The Zebras are ready for another successful Esports year!”

 

Atze Kerkhof (Director BMW M Team Redline): “Over the years, we have built a fantastic relationship with BMW M Motorsport, and we feel honored and excited to start the 2024 season with this partnership. With many exciting races on the calendar and a refined team composition, we aim for nothing less than victories. 2024 will be another crucial year for virtual racing, and we are grateful to be able to dive into this phase together with BMW M Motorsport.”

 

René Lannte (COO BMW M Team MOUZ): “With BMW M Motorsport, we have found the ideal partner for our ambitions in virtual racing. For years, BMW M Motorsport has been engaging in various ways in the field of virtual motorsport and knows how to connect the real and digital worlds. This commitment has had a significant influence on the rapid development of the genre. Together, BMW M Motorsport and MOUZ want to present the topic of automotive gaming to a broader audience, stage exciting stories around the stars of virtual motorsport, and show development opportunities around the topic of automotive gaming. With almost 22 years of pioneering work, MOUZ has shaped the world of Esports, and therefore the progressive attitude and passion of BMW M Motorsport in virtual racing quickly convinced us. Thanks to our similar mindsets, we are confident that we can advance automotive gaming sustainably. Our partnership will enable us to transfer the excitement and enthusiasm of real motorsport into the digital world. We are M – We are MOUZ.”

 

Tony Gardner (President of iRacing.com): “We are thrilled to team up with BMW M Motorsport again for the BMW M Power Tour in 2024. As part of its commitment to virtual racing and Esports as a whole, BMW M Motorsport has long been one of the partners who have supported us most committedly. We are excited to see how the sim racers will embrace the new approach of the BMW M Power Tour, where a different BMW M Motorsport model is in the spotlight each week.”

 

Race calendar BMW M Power Tour.

 

12-14 March: BMW M Hybrid V8, Sebring International Raceway

19-21 March: BMW M4 GT4, Nürburgring Grand Prix

26-28 March: BMW Z4 GT3, Okayama International Circuit

2-4 April: BMW M8 GTE, Red Bull Ring

9/11 April: BMW M Hybrid V8, Suzuka GP

16-18 April: BMW M4 GT3, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve

23-25 April: BMW Z4 GT3, Motorsport Arena Oschersleben

30 April – 2 May: BMW M8 GTE, Brands Hatch GP

7-9 May: BMW M Hybrid V8, Laguna Seca Raceway

14-16 May: BMW M4 GT3, Misano World Circuit

21-23 May: BMW M4 GT4, Nürburgring Nordschleife

28-30 May: BMW M Hybrid V8, Circuit des 24 Heures

BMW

Preparing for WorldSBK 2024: BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK groups full intensive testing schedule at Jerez de la Frontera.

Jerez de la Frontera. Three groups, six BMW Motorrad Motorsport manufacturing unit riders; the primary check session of the yr noticed BMW Motorrad Motorsport kick off the crucial section of preparations for the 2024 season within the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) with an enormous line-up. The official assessments at Jerez de la Frontera (ESP) on Wednesday and Thursday not solely featured the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team with Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) and Michael van der Mark (NED) and the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team with Garrett Gerloff (USA) and Scott Redding (GBR) on the circuit. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport Test Team was additionally in motion with Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) and Bradley Smith (GBR).

 

The two days of testing in southern Spain additionally represented the primary alternative to go up in opposition to WorldSBK rivals, as all producers had been participating. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK groups and the check crew loved good situations at Jerez de la Frontera, with loads of sunshine and delicate temperatures. They had been capable of full a complete testing schedule. The focus was on set-up work in a variety of areas comparable to chassis and electronics, in addition to evaluating newly developed parts.

An additional two days of testing are scheduled for early subsequent week at Portimão, Portugal. Phillip Island in Australia would be the location for ultimate testing on nineteenth and twentieth February. That can be adopted by the season-opener there from twenty third to twenty fifth February.

 

Quotes after the Jerez de la Frontera check.

Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “Overall, it was a good test. We were able to sort out a few problems that we had which is good. All in all it was just really nice to get on the bike again after two months of not riding and to finally do some laps. I am really excited to head to Portimão and keep trying to get faster. I feel like we have an idea of what we want to try and change at Portimão and then we should be good to go for the season. I am happy with this test, happy to reunite with my team and looking forward to riding again in a few days.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “These two days of testing have been very positive for me, especially as I am still learning the bike on every lap and I am improving. Especially on these two days we have learnt a lot and we improved some things. We tried many new parts. Sometimes they worked well, sometimes not, but this is normal. We just try to find a good set-up and good parts. In general, it has been a very positive test. I did not expect to ride a 1:38 lap time. I’m very surprised because for me the bike is still new, I am still learning and usually my plan is to do a mid 1:39 maybe, but yesterday I started straight away with a 1:39 and I believe that I also could have made a 1:38 yesterday. Today I finally made it and I am very happy about it because I see the potential of the bike and this is very good for me. Now we keep working hard and we just need to find my set-up. And after that we will start fighting.”

Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “So, the first two days of testing this year are completed. On day one I was feeling pretty sick. It has been difficult but we have been able to do some laps and find some feeling with the bike. It was just about settling with the new team and blowing the cobwebs away. Coming into day two I felt a lot better and then we worked a lot with the bike to get my confidence and my feeling. We played a little bit with the set-up and tested a few new parts from BMW and I was reasonably happy with the steps that we made for my confidence on the bike. I am looking forward to Portimão next and see if the set-up also works on another circuit.”

Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It has been a busy test; two perfect days with amazing weather, so it was great for testing and I really enjoyed riding again. We’ve been trying to test a lot of different set-ups and different parts on the bike.  They have been quite busy days but I really enjoyed it. We are still trying to improve the bike, and are getting better and better. Also myself, my riding has improved so I am quite happy with it. We learnt a lot and I’m looking forward to Portimão. It’s one of my favourite tracks so I can’t wait to go out there and keep working.”

NewsNew

2024 DAKAR RALLY: STAGE 9

The 2024 Dakar Rally continues to be a Honda dream occasion with the group’s sixth stage victory right this moment. Teammates Adrien Van Beveren, Ricky Brabec and Pablo Quintanilla went 1-2-3 on the day and now occupy three of the highest 4 spots general. Ricky Brabec continues to have close to good rides from day after day, all the time near the entrance however by no means getting a stage victory and due to this fact by no means having to begin first. His lead within the general standings has now grown to 7 minutes, though Hero’s Ross Branch received’t let go of second general and is the one fly within the Honda ointment.

Ricky Brabec

Ricky Brabec: “Today was possibly one of my only shots to make a big push and try to make a bit bigger gap than forty or fifty seconds so I gave it my all today. I think tomorrow we’re probably going to have to open but if I can clean up I think we’ll be set free. In the 2020 Dakar I pulled a gap early on and this has definitely been the most stressful race of my life because it’s so close. Anyway, with a few more days to go, let’s keep the hopes up and keep charging.”

Jacob Argubright

Jacob Argubright: “Little bit of a bittersweet day for me. Rode really well and finished P15… but I missed my first waypoint ever and the penalty put me back to P23. I still had a really fun day on the bike so I’m going to continue bringing that energy into the last 3 stages!”

Kyle McCoy

Kyle McCoy is the U.S. service veteran who’s driving in his third Dakar. Currently, he’s working twelfth within the Originals By Motul classification, which permits no exterior help. On social media, he lately posted his account of a harrowing incident on Stage 7: “I came over the crest of a very large dune right as the cars caught up to us in the mid pack. When I came to the bottom of the dune I dropped the bike in the sand. I was in the main line of traffic when this happened (which I normally avoid for this reason) so I rushed to pick it up and get going. Only the bike didn’t start. I ran up the dune as fast as possible on all fours clawing at the sand to mark my position with my helmet right as one of the lead cars was coming at me. Then I ran back down as cars and bikes came through all around me. It took me a while until it was quiet and I realized I couldn’t hear the fuel pump when I pressed the starter. All this happened in a very chaotic,sweaty and loud way. Then a nice French man came on the phone from Paris to my bike and asked if I was okay. I said yes it was mechanical. He then asked “How long will it take you?” What??!!!! I stated I had no thought. 5 min later he stated it once more after which once more till I shouted to the good French man I wanted him to close up. I stated it with extra direct language than that :)… he was simply doing his job although. I then remembered it’s often the gasoline tank selector (entrance to rear) if you don’t hear the gasoline pump and there’s a bypass created by BAS Dakar that I had on me. I took it aside and plugged it in and voila. I’ve finished some aggravating issues (like all of us) however this was high 5 in my life. The high and low had been so excessive I can’t specific it in phrases.”

STAGE 9
1. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 04H 36′ 46”
2. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 00′ 32”
3. PABLO QUINTANILLA, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 04′ 19”
4. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 06′ 34”
5. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY+ 00H 06′ 59”
6. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 08′ 13”
7. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM+ 00H 09′ 57”
8. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 10′ 06”
9. STEFAN SVITKO, SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM + 00H 12′ 28”
10. BRADLEY COX, BAS WORLD KTM RACING TEAM + 00H 12′ 54”
23. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 00H 32′ 10”
80. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 02H 45′ 35”
96. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 03H 28′ 19”

STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 9
1. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 40H 53′ 49”
2. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY + 00H 07′ 09”
3. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 11′ 26”
4. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 13′ 46”
5. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 28′ 12”
6. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 35′ 12”
7. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 49′ 09”
8. DANIEL SANDERS, RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING + 00H 59′ 47”
9. STEFAN SVITKO, SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM + 01H 23′ 49”
10. MARTIN MICHEK, ORION – MOTO RACING GROUP + 02H 20′ 35”
68. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 21H 19′ 44”
77. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 24H 13′ 18”
92. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 53H 31′ 25”

BMW

BMW M Sports Trophy: BMW M Motorsport honours probably the most profitable non-public groups and drivers of the season.

Munich. For the 61st time, BMW M Motorsport honoured probably the most profitable non-public groups and drivers for his or her performances in BMW race automobiles all over the world on the BMW M Sports Trophy Awards final Saturday. Turner Motorsport topped the workforce rating this time, whereas Michael Schrey (GER) triumphed within the driver rating. BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel congratulated the winners on website and likewise paid tribute to the long-standing GT3 workforce Walkenhorst Motorsport, which can face a brand new problem in 2024 and can solely symbolize the BMW M Motorsport colors with the BMW M4 GT4.

 

“It is a decades-long tradition at BMW M Motorsport to offer the private teams and drivers the big stage they deserve as ambassadors of BMW and BMW M around the world at the end of each racing season through the BMW M Sports Trophy Awards,” stated Franciscus van Meel. “I thank all participants for their loyalty and dedication and congratulate the winners very warmly. Especially the first-placed Turner Motorsport and Michael Schrey, who have contributed significantly to an overall very successful season for the BMW M Motorsport family. At the same time, I wish Walkenhorst Motorsport, which will face a new challenge in the GT3 sector in 2024, all the best! We will always remember the shared victories – especially the triumph at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps – and look forward to continuing to work together in GT4.”

Between 2013 and 2023, Walkenhorst Motorsport competed with BMW M Motorsport GT3 automobiles. In 2018, the workforce celebrated the most important success in its historical past with the 24-hour victory at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) with the BMW M6 GT3. Walkenhorst Motorsport has additionally represented the colors of BMW M Motorsport excellently within the DTM and different high-class GT racing sequence. In 2023, the workforce gained 5 season races of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) with the BMW M4 GT3 and secured the title within the NLS Speed Trophy. In addition, they gained the GT title within the Asian Le Mans Series. Walkenhorst Motorsport completed fourth within the BMW M Sports Trophy workforce rating.

This time, Turner Motorsport from North America topped the workforce rating. Thanks to sturdy outcomes with the BMW M4 GT3 within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsAutomobile Championship and the Fanatec GT World Challenge America, in addition to title wins with the BMW M4 GT4 within the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the IMSA VP Racing SportsAutomobile Challenge, the workforce of Will Turner prevailed with 1,165 factors. BimmerWorld Racing and Adrenalin Motorsport adopted intently behind in second and third place.

Michael Schrey triumphed within the driver rating with 912 factors, primarily resulting from his title win within the GT4 European Series. He was additionally profitable within the NLS. Second place within the driver rating went to his teammate at Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport within the GT4 European Series, Gabriele Piana (ITA). Third place went to Chandler Hull (USA).

“Congratulations to all BMW M Motorsport teams and drivers who have celebrated successes this season – especially to the winners of tonight’s awards,” stated Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport. “We look back on a fantastic season for our race cars. The BMW M4 GT3 has won titles in the IMSA series, the GTWC Europe Gold Cup, British GT, Italian GT, NLS, and the Asian Le Mans Series, and has won major individual events such as the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the 24 Hours of Dubai, 9 Hours of Kyalami, and 8 Hours of Indianapolis. The BMW M4 GT4 has won titles in the GT4 European Series, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, the GT4 Asia, and the GT4 America. In addition, we have seen great brand trophies with the BMW M2 CS Racing. A very special congratulations goes to Adrenalin Motorsport for their sixth consecutive overall NLS victory – what an incredible achievement! I can’t wait to watch our teams and drivers strive to top this outstanding record again in 2024.”

BMW M works driver and BMW SIM Racing ambassador Bruno Spengler (CAN) offered the awards, which for the primary time additionally included the popularity of one of the best contributors within the BMW M SIM Trophy, the digital counterpart to the BMW M Sports Trophy. Those sim racers had been honoured who had been most profitable in digital BMW M race automobiles.

NewsNew

2024 FMF KTM FACTORY OFF-ROAD TEAM ANNOUNCED: ALL NEW LOOK & EXPANDED PROGRAM

Both KTM factory supported off-road teams have a new look for 2024. The main team riders are still the same but will be in Alpinestars gear while the Landers team will have some new riders and in Moose Racing gear. Below is the official photos and information from KTM Factory Racing:

MURRIETA, Calif. – With a seasoned lineup for 2024, the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team heads into the new season with five returning riders to once again contest the nation’s top offroad championships in the premier division. For the first time ever, KTM will extend its factory efforts to include the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers, which will focus on GNCC’s XC2 250 Pro and WXC classes to provide a steppingstone for young riders into the premier XC1 class.

Representing FMF KTM Factory Racing on the west coast is the dynamic duo of Dante Oliveira and Mateo Oliveira, both competing in the AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) and AMA West Hare Scrambles Series (WHS), while Ben Kelley and Johnny Girroir will lead the charge in the Grand National Cross Country Championship (GNCC) on the east coast. Additionally, Kelley will enter the AMA National Enduro Series and Girroir in the AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Series. In addition, Trystan Hart will wear his number one plates across the AMA U.S. Hard Enduro and AMA EnduroCross Championships in search of a two-peat in 2024.

Tim Weigand, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’re thrilled to announce the return of Trystan Hart, Ben Kelley, Johnny Girroir, Dante Oliveira, and Mateo Oliveira to the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team for 2024. These five exceptional riders epitomize the champion’s mindset, showcasing unwavering dedication and unparalleled work ethic. Their commitment to excellence, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of greatness, defines the essence of our team. As we continue this journey together, we eagerly anticipate achieving new milestones and clinching numerous championships in the upcoming season.”

Fresh from leading Team USA to the World Trophy victory and claiming an individual podium result at the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), Dante Oliveira is in the form of his career and will defend his NGPC and WHS titles, to be teamed on the west coast with ISDE Junior World Trophy individual winner Mateo Oliveira – both to be equipped with the 2024 KTM 450 XC-F.

Dante Oliveira: “For 2024 I am feeling strong and ready to go racing! I’m going to work on being the best I can be to finish on top.”

Mateo Oliveira: “It’s a new year coming up and we maintain the same goals, to win races after learning a lot in 2023. I’m excited to keep working and make 2024 a good one!”

After finishing third this season with two victories to his credit, Kelley will be aiming to reclaim the GNCC Championship that he won in 2021, while also contesting the NEPG Series. In GNCC he will partner with Girroir, who will also defend his U.S. Sprint Enduro Series title, and they will be on board the 2024 KTM 350 XC-F on the east coast once again.

Ben Kelley: “I’m excited for the 2024 season, sticking with KTM and I’m super-proud of that. It will be our second year with this current bike and that will be positive for us, so I think we will be in a much better spot coming into the new year. Hopefully I can come in healthy, we still have a few months to get prepared, and I really want to get the GNCC title back, as well as to get back competition in the Enduros. I’m focused and want to give it my all.”

Johnny Girroir: “I’m excited to get the 2024 season started! I am feeling healthy, am in a good position, and am ready to go!”

This past season was a remarkable one for Canadian international Hart, picking up a third-straight U.S. Hard Enduro title, as well as delivering a first career EnduroCross crown. As part of his recent multi-year extension with FMF KTM Factory Racing, he will ride a 2024 KTM 300 XC-W in Hard Enduro, before transitioning across to the razor-sharp 2024 KTM 350 XC-F when he heads into the tight confines of EnduroCross competition.

Trystan Hart: “2023 was a great year for us and it’s going to be hard to top those results that we achieved. The team and I are definitely going to give it our all and work hard together to hopefully hold onto our championships.”

Newly-introduced for 2024 is the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers squad under the management of Chris Landers, which will be based on the east coast and features an exciting three-rider roster that includes the youthful combination of Angus Riordan – who was runner-up in GNCC XC2 this past season – and Grant Davis, alongside reigning ISDE Women’s World Trophy Champion Brandy Richards.

All three riders will be on the 2024 KTM 250 XC-F throughout the season, with Riordan entering GNCC XC2 in addition to his U.S. Sprint Enduro Series Pro 2 title defense, while Davis will also contest GNCC alongside the NEPG Series in NE Pro2. Richards, meanwhile, is setting her sights on success in GNCC and the AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Series within the WXC and Pro Women categories.

Angus Riordan: “I’m feeling good and am excited to get the show on the road with this new team at FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers. We have some new goals in place and are ready to get after it in 2024!”

Grant Davis: “I am pumped for the 2024 season to get started! I am feeling better than I’ve ever felt on the bike and am ready to go.”

Brandy Richards: “Super-excited for 2024, riding for FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers. To go back east will be quite the change from what I am used to, so I am excited to get out there and to get in the mix.”

Chris Landers, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers Manager: “We’re headed into 2024 with a new look, a new plan, and the new FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers. It’s going to be really good to have Gus, Grant, and Brandy on the team, as well as our elite amateur program with Chase Landers and Cooper Jones. We’re really looking forward to getting things going and are excited for the opportunity to work with KTM.”

Antti Kallonen, Director of Offroad Racing: “KTM is the leading manufacturer in offroad racing and it is our goal to keep it that way, and to keep progressing every year. With that, we are very pleased to see the current FMF KTM Factory Racing Team managed by Tim Weigand remain the same with the championship caliber riders, aiming to win the major offroad championships in the States and on the world stage. Something new for this year to progress within our programs, we are expanding our factory efforts in GNCC to include XC2 250 Pro riders and a WXC rider to represent FMF KTM Factory Racing. It will be managed and overseen by Chris Landers, who we are looking forward to working with on this new partnership. It is to make sure we have a pathway to success for young riders in their career, all the way from youth to amateurs, and the highest level of GNCC. Overall, with the entire FMF KTM Factory Racing Team consisting of west coast and east coast riders, we are looking forward to a strong and successful 2024 season.”

ToyotaUk

Team Toyota: The Rebelle Rally Rundown

Team Toyota ventured into the Mojave Desert for the Rebelle Rally, a unique women’s off-roading challenge, where they put their skills to the test over 1,400 miles of rugged terrain. The challenge pushed the teams to rely solely on traditional navigation methods, with no modern technology like GPS or electronic devices.

This year, 12 Toyota employees made up six formidable pairs of drivers who showcased their driving and navigational prowess, providing valuable insights into the real-world usage of Toyota trucks. The teams operated a fleet of six Toyota vehicles, ranging from some of the company’s most popular off-road options.

Read on to learn more about the Toyota teams that conquered the 2023 Rebelle Rally.

Heather Eich and Allison McGowan
Team 183, comprising Allison McGowan and Heather Eich, claimed the Runner-up Rookie of the Year title. They navigated the rally in a 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro Hybrid, customized by various Toyota departments, including Service Parts and Accessory Development, Product Engineering Tilt Lab, and CALTY Design Research. Both McGowan and Eich, from Toyota Motor North America R&D, showcased their driving and vehicle maintenance skills, having prepared extensively for the event by participating in trainings and internal driving courses.

“When you break it down, there are a lot of skills learned from the Rebelle Rally that can transfer to our work at Toyota and vice versa,” said Eich.

Kara Yde and Susann Kazunas
This year, Susann Kazunas and Kara Yde teamed up to represent the Toyota Tundra Team. The experience provided them with valuable insights into the off-roading capabilities and functionality of Toyota trucks, enhancing their understanding of customer interests.

“I have a newfound understanding of how our trucks are used in the off-roading space,” said Kazunas.

Rie Iida and Silve’a Perelta
Rie Iida and Silve’a Perelta, driving a 2022 Tundra TRD Pro, demonstrated their commitment as they tackled the rally. Iida, a powertrain analyst at TMNA R&D Gardena in California, was inspired to participate in the event after working on an off-road roundtable discussion with organizers of the Rebelle. Perelta, a fuel cell division supervisor, had no prior off-roading experience and underwent extensive training for the rally.

Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy
Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy, Team 152, had a strong performance at the rally, securing a stage win and a top-five placement. Both have been competing together since 2021 and have excelled as a team with wins in previous events.

“The Rebelle Rally this year had new challenges that really put our skills to the test,” said Barber.

Sandra Li and Myra Padda
Sandra Li and Myra Padda, in the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro, earned the honor of Rookie of the Year for their impressive performance at the rally. Both engineers brought diverse experiences to the challenge, pushing themselves to excel in an unfamiliar terrain.

“The rally this year was definitely challenging with a lot of curveballs, enduros and technical trail,” said Padda. “As a driver, I really focused on Emily’s reminder about ‘Take care of your third teammate – AKA the vehicle.’”

Ai Keskeny and Karli Raimondo
Ai Keskeny and Karlie Raimondo, Team 195, with little off-roading experience, took on the challenge with enthusiasm. Their background in vehicle design provided them with a unique perspective as they navigated the rugged terrain in a 2019 Tacoma TRD ORP (Off-Road Package).

The 2023 Rebelle Rally was an exciting, challenging rally for all Toyota teams, with no mechanical issues and all teams excelling with tire placement and having no flats. With another successful rally in the books, some drivers are already looking ahead to next year.

“Rebelle Rally is an opportunity for personal growth and independence, to connect with a supportive and genuine group of women, to appreciate nature and the world around us, and so much more,” said Brophy. “It has given me the confidence that I can achieve anything, and that’s why I keep coming back.”