Posted on June 18, 2010.
Racing through time with the BMW M3 From 1995 to 2006, BMW of America BMW M3 racing program North boasted 53 wins in 118 races entered, and 14 championship trophies. The first generation of M3 has swept the race circuits of Europe like a wildfire. Winning the World Touring Car Championship in 1987, eight European Championships and an additional 60 national titles in 1992, the E30 M3 has become a passenger car, the most successful of all time.
While the car was officially sold here, the fans in North America Read about the triumphs of the M3 race with fervor, but reading is one thing - they wanted to see in competition for themselves. Beginning with the introduction of the E36 M3 of the second generation, they got exactly what they wanted - to spare.
Victorious early
BMW North America has launched its first race just days after its incorporation in March 1975. With motor operates BAVARIAN letters at the top of the windshield, the final victory by BMW Motorsport prepared 3.0CSL the 12 Hours of Sebring winner for your twists and turns in the next 30 years.
After the CEP, the 70s ended with the program that brought 320 Turbo BMW move to a more refined, the top model. Affectionately known as the Brick "Flying", the famous cut-throwing fans enjoy racing sports cars with their signature exhaust fire.
The program has also added tons of data to BMW turbo technology - information that will allow a BMW-powered Brabham win the 1983 Formula 1 World Championship. There were a few years FLERY in the late 80s in IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) with the top category prototype BMW GTP.
The expensive program deducted only one victory, but added an invaluable experience for BMW North America. Back to production cars, BMW North America sponsored a pair of E34 M5 to a IMSA Supercar. When the second generation M3 debuted in 1995, the company was ready for a major effort in production car racing.
Both M3 is out of the BMW Team PTG (Prototype Technology Group) race truck at 1995 24 Hours of Daytona was very much like they came straight from the showroom. However, they were surprisingly fast, as long pilot Dieter Quester BMW took pole GTS-2 class.
This was the beginning of a long and fruitful for the second generation M3. When the M3 appeared at Daytona the following year, it was clear that the situation was very serious. The M3 jumped nearly PTG carrier. They were lower, wider and more dynamic.
A second consecutive pole caused a podium finish (third), and the team knew they were finally on the right track. Later in the season, in May, 27 years, Bill Auberlen joined the effort at Lime Rock Park. Auberlen would win more races than anyone in an M3 in North America, and to personify "The Ultimate Driving Machine.
If adding Auberlen was "the tipping point program ', it was Sears Point Raceway in July which was the turning point of the program. The team presented its new, lighter sprint M3, and the new car has led a 1-2-3 sweep BMW. Three more victories attracted BMW 1996 IMSA GTS-2 Manufacturers' title.
The next two years, 1997 and 1998, were probably the most rewarding. After notice of the previous season, the property has said Team PTG BMW M3 GT class racing sports car. Prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, plus six more victories, gave his second manufacturers BMW Championship, the drivers' crown Auberlen, and the title of Team PTG.
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