2018 Carroll Shelby Tribute

6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2018 Carroll Shelby Tribute

Words By: Brandon J. O'Brien

Images By: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise specified

It has been six year's since the passing of Carroll Shelby. Every year the Shelby American Organization has remembered him by hosting a tribute in his honor at the old Shelby Engine Production shop located in Gardena California.

An interested crowed of listeners gather around Cobra owners Hank Williams and Lynn Park, "Mr. Cobra" discussing the finer points of owning original Cobras.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This year was probably one of the better years for having a nice representation of most of the models, both old and newer, made famous through Carroll Shelby's efforts.   If you are fan of Cobra's, Shelby Mustangs, or even GT 40's there was something there to peak your interest.  

The view many Corvette racers feared.  1964 289 Cobra, CSX 2355.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1965 "427" Cobra, CSX3201 was the first of approximately 100 Cobras produced with the 428 Pl engine producing 385-hp. vs the 427's 425-hp.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Beautiful Red 1966 Shelby GT 350, 6S743.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2011 Shelby GT350.  Image Credit:  2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The "Bullitt" Prototype was on display at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit:  2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Not only is this time taken to focus on the man, his automobiles, and his Foundation it is also a time for Shelby American to show-case new vehicles it is producing at their Las Vegas production facility and announce new projects.

The current 2018 line-up of vehicles produced include the Shelby Super Snake, Shelby F-150, Shelby F-150 Raptor, F-150 Super Snake, and the Shelby 1000 Diesel.

2018 Shelby Super Snake on display at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Shelby Super Snake is newly revised for this year and can be optioned with a 800+ hp Carroll Shelby Engine.  The body has an all-new front fascia assembly including a new hood with divided hood grille and rockers to yield much improved under-hood cooling for the turbo's.  The model comes standard with a Shelby-tuned performance suspension with a track suspension available as an option.  Also available as an option is a widened body to accommodate enhanced tire width.

2018 Shelby F-150 as seen at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Shelby F-150 comes with a 755-hp Carroll Shelby Engine with direct fuel-injection. To accommodate all this power the truck comes with a sport-tuned suspension, 20 in. wheel/tire combination, and 10-speed transmission.  Visually the truck sports a Shelby designed hood, front grill, bumpers, and badging.

The F-150 Super Snake has all of the above features along with a lowered street suspension.

2018 Shelby F-150 Raptor on display at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Shelby F-150 Raptor,  designed for off-road use, has a 525-hp Carroll Shelby Engine and FOX 3" Raptor Stage 2 shock system and 6x wheels/tires.  Exterior changes include Shelby badging, Shelby Ram-Air hood, bumpers and chase rack along with interior upgrades.

The Shelby 1000 Diesel features 1000 lb/ft torque.  Enough to smoke the tires while pulling a trailer laden with a Shelby Super Snake.  The truck features both exterior and interior upgrades.

Two speciality cars were also on display and a third received it's world-wide unveiling.  The Original Venice Crew (OVC) Shelby Mustang GT 350 - Competition Model was announced in 2017.  On display was one of the two prototypes.  

Prototype OVC Shelby Mustang GT 350 - Competition Model on display at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The idea was to build the cars as close to the way it was done in 1965 except for safety items and design features that Peter Brock had on his drawing board at that time but did not have the time or budget to consummate in 1965.  

Only 36 cars will be built by Shelby American and they can be ordered with either the solid rear axle as originally supplied or with the independent rear suspension that was being tested by Ford Advanced Vehicles in 1964/65.  Visual changes include a more efficient front fascia, rear quarter windows, rear brake ducts (both features became standard on the 1966 GT 350), and revised rear window glass without the hump.  Pricing is $249,995.00

The other car on display which had been unveiled earlier this month was the 1967 GT 500 Super Snake Continuation.  Only 10 of these will be produced.  These cars will be built with a special Carroll Shelby 427 engine, 4-speed transmission, Detroit locker, and upgraded interior.  They will be serialed with Shelby serial numbers reserved back in 1967.  Pricing was announced to be $249,995.00

1967 Shelby GT 500 Super Snake Continuation model on display at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The world premier was of the most advanced Shelby American product to be produced to date.  Shelby American announced the limited production of the Shelby Series 2.  Visually based on the 1999 Series 1 this is an all new vehicle. Along with the Series 1 this is the only Shelby street vehicle that was designed from the ground up by Shelby American.  The new Series 2 will be made available either with an aluminum body (only one produced per year) or the "standard" carbon fiber body (limited to 3 per year).  

The unveiling of the Aluminum bodied Shelby Series 2 at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Front view of the Aluminum bodied Shelby Series 2 unveiled at the 6th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The buyer will have a choice of custom engine options from the Carroll Shelby Engine company attached to a 5 or 6-speed transaxle.  The suspension is based on the push rod system used in Formula 1.  All of this is mated to a honey comb aluminum chassis.  Pricing for the Carbon Fiber version will be $349,995.00 and the Aluminum bodied version will be $849,995.00.  Think of it this way - with such limited production, the value can only go up.   

In place of the Oldsmobile Aurora V8 Shelby American has been testing a Carroll Shelby Engine in Series 1 CSX 5249. Note the Formula 1 Push Rod front suspension components.  Image Credit: 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Tribute seems to get better each year.  This year there were more varied cars both on display, in and around the building and also along the street.  Assuming there will be a 2019 Tribute it will be held on May 18th.  It's not too early to put a reminder into your smart phone.

TAGS: Carroll Shelby, Carroll Shelby Tribute, Cobra, 289 Cobra, 427 Cobra, GT 350, GT 500, Motor Driven Images, Raptor, Shelby, Shelby Tribute, Shelby Series 1, Shelby Series 2, Shelby 1000 Diesel, Super Snake, Series 1, Series 2 

BMW M5 Competition Announced For 2019

2019 BMW M5 Competition.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW M GmbH

BMW M5 Competition Announced For 2019

Words By: Brandon J. O'Brien

Images By: BMW M GmbH unless otherwise specified

BMW M GmbH has unveiled the most powerful BMW M5 sedan ever.  "The new 2019 BMW M5 Competition Sedan raises the bar for performance, agility, and precision within it's class. With engine output increased to 617 hp, sharper response times, and enhanced chassis tuning."

2019 BMW M5 Competition.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW M GmbH

Along with the recently announced M2 Competition Coupe, BMW M GmbH has created a new product category, M Competition. This was due, in part, to the popularity of model-specific M Competition packages (M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe and Convertible, and M5 Sedan) that were ordered by M buyers.  According to BMW M GmbH, "Some 40 percent of all previous-generation BMW M5's sold worldwide were equipped with the optional M competition package."

From the first E30 M3 Coupe BMW M GmbH has been known to make the "M-version" more than a step above it's standard BMW model.  Now we will view the M Competition as more than a step above the "standard-spec" BMW M model it represents.

2019 BMW M5 Competition.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW M GmbH

The 4.4-liter V8 now generates 617 hp at 6,000 rpm.  Peak torque stands at 553 lb-ft between 1,800 and 5,860 rpm.  Almost 200 rpm wider than the standard BMW M5.  The car jumps from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.

Specially designed engine mounts optimize responsiveness and cornering characteristics.  Due to this, spring rates were raised from 3,312 lbs/in (standard-spec M5) to 5,139 lbs/in and the chassis was lowered by seven millimeters.  The task of delivering all of this power to the road is handled by an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with three driver modes available; efficient, sporty, ultra-high performance.  This is coupled to the standard 2019 BMW M xDrive system.

Increased negative camber at the front axle enhances the car's ability to absorb lateral forces through high-speed corners.  Fitting the toe links with ball joints instead of rubber mounts has resulted in more precise wheel guidance at the rear axle.

Along with the internal, never seen changes, the M5 Competition will have specially developed light-alloy wheels, High-gloss black finishes on the door handles, mirror bases and mirror triangles, and the mesh of the M grills.  High-gloss Shadow Line trim is featured on the door window surrounds and B-pillar trim.

2019 BMW M5 Competition lightweight wheels.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW M GmbH

2019 BMW M5 Competition front end gloss-black accents.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW M GmbH

The interior has subtle changes from the standard-spec M5.  The black seat belts have a striped pattern in BMW M colors. A distinctive "M Competition" graphic appear in the instrument cluster upon start up. Although not mentioned, it is assumed that the door sill will display "M5 Competition".

2019 BMW M5 Competition interior.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW M GmbH

The kidney grille surrounds feature high-gloss black accenting as does the detailing for the rear bumper cover.  This forms a color-coordinated composition with the tailpipes in black chrome.  Both the rear spoiler and "M5 Competition" truck lid logo are also finished in high-gloss black.

Pricing has yet to be announced and there is no mention as to whether the model will be a limited edition.  Due to the popularity of the M Competition packages sold with the previous M5 it would make sense that this model will not be limited.




TAGS: @The_EDJE, BMW, BMW M, BMW M GmbH, M5, M5 Competition

BMW M4 GT4 Debuts In North America

James Clay in for first pit stop after battling at the front of the field for first part of the #BMWChallenge @continentaltire. Back out in 8th @OptimaBatteries - Image Credit: BimmerWorld (2018)

BMW M4 GT4 Debuts In North America

Words By:  BimmerWorld

Image Credits By: BimmerWorld (2018)

Curated By: Brandon O'Brien

The January 26th BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona will provide the opening act for the 56th annual Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend as privateer and professional racers from all over the world begin another season of sports car racing in North America. The four-hour race is the opening round of the 2018 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.

For a seventh consecutive year as title sponsor, BMW of North America, LLC will support the race with BMW Motorsport Director, Jens Marquardt giving the start command as Grand Marshal,  Franciscus van Meel, President, BMW M GmbH will wave the green flag to start the race and the pace car duties will be performed by the all-new 2018 BMW M5 Sedan. 

The No. 82 BMW M4 GT4.  Image Credit: 2018 BMW Group USA

The new BMW M4 GT4 will debut in the GS class at the race in the capable hands of BMW privateer teams. Entries from Classic BMW Motorsports and BimmerWorld Racing are expected. BimmerWorld is also planning to race the lone BMW ST class entry with their well sorted BMW 328i.

The No. 81 Bimmerworld BMW 328i.  Image Credit: 2018 BMW Group USA

“BMW of North America’s title sponsorship of the BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona is one of the hallmarks of our customer racing program in the USA,” stated BMW of North America Motorsport manager Victor Leleu. “We are proud to wave the green flag on the first professional sports car race in North America and are excited for the debut US race for our new M4 GT4.”

The No. 72 CLASSIC BMW M4 GT4.  Image Credit: 2018 BMW Group USA

The four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona takes the green flag at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 26th and will be broadcast Feb. 10th at 8:00 a.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.




TAGS: BMW Endurance Challenge, Daytona, BMW, BimmerWorld, M4, GT4, BMW of North America Motorsport, 2018, IMSA, Continental Tire, SportsCar Challenge,  Brandon O'Brien

BMW M8 GTE Has Strong Debut At Daytona

BMW Team RLL as they pose for the pre-event photo before the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona. Image Credit: BMW Group USA (2018) 

BMW M8 GTE Has Strong Debut At Daytona

Words By:  BMW Group USA
Image Credits By: BMW Group USA (unless otherwise specified)
Curated By: Brandon O'Brien

The new BMW M8 GTE kicked off at the season opener of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in Daytona (USA) this weekend. At the Daytona International Speedway, Jesse Krohn (FIN), John Edwards (USA), Nick Catsburg (NED) and Augusto Farfus (BRA) finished seventh in GTLM class after 773 laps, sharing driving duties at the wheel of the number 24 car. Their team-mates, Alexander Sims (GBR), Connor De Phillippi (USA), Bill Auberlen (USA) and Philipp Eng (AUT) came ninth with the second car entered by BMW Team RLL. The number 67 Ford GT claimed victory in the 24-hour race.

The seventh place finishing BMW M8 GTE during a nighttime stint in it's inaugural race at daytona.  Image Credit: 2018 BMW Group USA

Both cars showed great reliability and managed to complete the tough endurance classic without major technical issues in the maiden race appearance for BMW Motorsport’s new GT flagship car. No other new BMW GT race car has ever been more reliable on its debut. This was the good news for all involved at BMW Motorsport and in BMW Team RLL. Considering the given Balance of Performance (BoP), it was obvious, even before the start of the race, that the two BMW M8 GTE cars would be out of contention for top positions. More important was the fact that the new car was able to master the challenge of a 24-hour race from the word go.

 “Our BMW M8 GTE successfully completed its baptism of fire here at Daytona,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “To finish such a tough debut race with both cars after 24 hours without major technical problems is something we can be more than proud of. Everything has been said with regards to the reasons for the gap in performance compared to the competition. The car couldn’t show its true potential yet. That’s why BMW and IMSA will continue their productive and open talks and have agreed to find an appropriate BoP assessment for the upcoming events starting with Sebring, allowing the BMW M8 GTE to show its true performance for the benefit of the series, BMW and all of our fans.”

  

BMW and IMSA have been working together for years in a very positive and constructive manner. The BoP system is an integral part of global sports car racing including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. BMW and IMSA will continue productive, open talks and have agreed to find an appropriate BoP assessment for the upcoming events starting with Sebring (USA), allowing the BMW M8 GTE to show its performance for the benefit of the series, BMW and the fans.

The spectators were treated to a kind of unusual season opener. The anticipated rain didn’t come on Sunday. Only a heavy shower at the start of the sixth hour brought extra action in the pit lane. In addition, many teams suffered punctures over the course of the 24 hours of racing. Apart from that, relatively few incidents occurred, with only four full-course cautions. Never before were more laps completed at Daytona than in this year’s edition of the race.

The ninth place finishing BMW M8 GTE at Daytona.  Image Credit: 2018 BMW Group USA

In the sixth hour, the four drivers of car number 25 suffered a blow, when the BMW M8 GTE’s right front tyre burst after Auberlen hit debris on the track. Following 30 minutes of repair works, the BMW NA Brand Ambassador was able to rejoin, 17 laps behind the leaders. A strong result was impossible after that early setback. More repair pit stops followed as a result of that incident. Ultimately the number 25 BMW M8 GTE took the chequered flag in ninth after 731 laps.

The drivers of car number 24 delivered a consistent and flawless performance, trying to get the maximum out of the race under the given circumstances. Final-stint driver Edwards crossed the line in seventh.

TAGS: BMW, BMW Motorsport, BMW Group, BMW Group USA, Daytona, IMSA, M8, M8 GTE, WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, Brandon O'Brien

Heroes Of Bavaria - 75 Years Of BMW Motorsports

2000 William FW22 Formula 1 car driven by Ralf Schumacher on display at the Heroes of Bavaria exhibit.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMWUSA Group

Heroes Of Bavaria - 75 Years Of BMW Motorsports
Words By:  Brandon O'Brien
Image Credits: BMW GROUP USA unless otherwise specified

For those that live or plan on visiting the Tacoma, Washington area this summer they can view a number of BMW's iconic racing cars. The Heroes of Bavaria exhibit opens in May at the LeMay - America's Car Museum. The brainchild of the BMW Car Club of America (CCA) Foundation last year. The exhibit proved to be very popular with BMW enthusiasts from the east coast and Europe.

The Heroes of Bavaria exhibit comprises cars from private collections and the BMWUSA Classic Collection celebrating the history of BMW racing from the 1930's to 2017.

1977 E21 BMW 320 Turbo IMSA Group 5 car campaigned by David Hobbs.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW Group USA

The Display Includes:

1. 1937 BMW 328 Roadster
2. 1961 700 RS (First built 700 RS)
3. 1965 BMW 1800 TI/SA
4. 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Group 2 Rally (#6 Rauro Aaltonen/John Davenport)
5. 1977 E21 BMW 320 Turbo IMSA Group 5 (#2 David Hobbs)
6. 1981 March-BMW 812 Formula 2 (#5 Christian Danner)
7. 1981 March-BMW M1/C IMSA (#2 David Hobbs/Marc Surer)
8. 1986 BMW 635i (#1 John Player Special)
9. 1987 E30 M3 Korman Firehawk Series (#28 Davy Jones)
10. 1992 E36 BMW M3 GTS-3 IMSA (#07 Valvoline)
11. 1994 E36 BMW 320i Super Touring (#2 Paul Morris)
12. 1994 E34 BMW M5 Bridgestone Supercar (#2 David Donohue)
13. 2000 Williams FW22 Formula 1 (#9 Ralf Schumacher)
14. 2011 E92 BMW M3 GT IMSA Champion (#56 Joey Hand/Dirk Mueller)
15. 2015 E89 BMW Z4 GTLM IMSA (#25 Auberlen/Werner/Farfus "BMW NA 40th Anniversary") 16. 2017 F13 BMW M6 GTLM IMSA (#25 Bill Auberlen/Alexander Sims/ Kuno Wittmer "Bill Power")

1981 March-BMW M1/C IMSA car campaigned by David Hobbs and Marc Surer.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW GROUP USA

1981 March-BMW 812 Formula 2 car campaigned by Christian Danner.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW GROUP USA

1994 E34 BMW M5 as driven by David Donohue in the Bridgestone Tire Series.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW GROUP USA

American LeMans Series  GTLM class winning 2011 E92 BMW M3 GT driven by Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller.  copyright 2018 BMW GROUP USA

2015 E89 BMW Z4 IMSA GTLM car.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW GROUP USA

For more information on Heroes of Bavaria go to: americascarmuseum.org.

For it's second major exhibit the BMW CCA Foundation is preparing an exhibit titled THE ICON: 50 Years of the 2002 which will open in May at the BMW CCA Foundation Museum in Geer, South Carolina.





TAGS: BMW, March, ALMS, GTLM, GT, Bridgestone Tire Series, Formula 2, IMSA, Heroes of Bavaria, BMW CCA Foundation Museum

Mid-Ohio's Home Course Advantage Pays Off For BMW Team RLL

 2018 Mid-Ohio Acura Sports Car Championship 2nd Place GTLM Class winners; Conner De Phillippi and Alexander Sims.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW Group USA

Mid-Ohio's Home Course Advantage Pays Off For BMW Team RLL
Words By: Brandon J. O'Brien
Image Credits: 2018 BMW Group USA unless otherwise specified

After a disappointing showing at the Bubba Burger Sports Car Grand Prix at Long Beach, BMW Team RLL was able to qualify on the GTLM pole for the Acura Sports Car Championship at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

John Edwards was able to post a qualifying time of 1:17.853 minute in the No. 24 BMW M8 GTE while his team-mate, Alexander Sims, driving the No. 25 BMW GTE secured a third place starting position with a 1:17.932 minute lap.

The GTLM Class Pole Sitting BMW M8 GTE at Mid-Ohio.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW Group USA

Team Principal, Bobby Rahal said, "This is certainly a nice turnaround from Long Beach, isn't it? I think both cars are working really well on the Michelins but it is going to be very close tomorrow and we cannot relax."

Unfortunately, on the opening lap Edwards got held up and forced off track when Robert Alon spun his LPM2 Oreca prototype.  Both Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber took advantage and moved their Porsche 911's into 1st and 2nd.

Up to the first pit-stops Alexander Sims maintained 3rd Place for the No. 25 BMW M8 GTE. Conner De Phillippi took over and re-entered the race in sixth just ahead of the No. 24 sister car driven by Jesse Krohn.  De Phillippi did a long middle-stint that allowed him to cycle up to the head of the GTLM pack.  When he pitted for a second time he lost the lead to Laurens Vanthoor's No. 912 Porsche but was able to re-enter the foray just ahead of Richard Westbrook's No. 67 Ford GT, closely followed by Jan Magnussen's No. 3 Corvette C7.R and Joey Hand's No. 66 Ford GT.

The 2nd Place finishing GTLM BMW M8 GTE at Mid-Ohio.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW Group USA

De Phillippi was able to easily stay ahead of this trio and focused on closing the gap to first. With 10 minutes remaining he had successfully closed the gap to 1.5 seconds but was not able to consummate a pass for the lead in the remaining time.

This is what Bobby Rahal had to say after the finish, "For sure it was a good day for us. Connor and Alexander did a super job. We got bogged down in traffic and decided to run long with their car. Our second pit stop was faster because we did not have to put so much fuel in and we could put soft Michelin tires on. Everyone else had twenty more laps on their tires and I think that and the lighter fuel load is really what made the difference. Connor ended up in the seat and drove very well. I feel bad for John and Jesse. They got stuck in a fuel window and we really could not do too much with it. A shame really but after Long Beach where we were uncompetitive, it feels good.”

Unlike Long Beach, the GTD cars were racing along with the Prototype and GTLM cars.  BMW NA Ambassador Bill Auberlen co-drove the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GT3 with Dillon Machavern.  Machavern started the car in the fifth GTD starting spot and Bill Auberlen finished the race in 6th position.

The top three by class for the first race at Mid-Ohio since 2012 were;

Prototype:
1st - Acura DPi No. 7 co-driven by Helio Castroneves and Ricky Taylor
2nd - Acura DPi No. 6 co-driven by Juan Pablo Montoya and Dave Cameron
3rd - Mazda DPi No. 77 co-driven by Oliver Jarvis and Tristan Nunez

The overall race winning No. 7 Acura DPi as seen at Long Beach.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

GTLM:
1st - Porsche 911 RSR No. 912 co-driven by Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor
2nd - BMW M8 GTE No. 25 co-driven by Alexander Sims and Conner De Phillippi
3rd - Corvette C7.R No. 3 co-driven by Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia

The GTLM race winning Porsche 911 RSR as seen at Long Beach.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

GTD:
1st - Lexus RC F GT3 No. 14 co-driven by Kyle Marcelli and Dominik Baumann
2nd - Acura NSX GT3 No. 86 co-driven by Alvaro Parente and Katherine Legge
3rd - Lamborghini Huracan GT3 No. 48 co-driven by Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow

Also participating at the Mid-Ohio weekend was the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge series which took to the track on Saturday for the Mid-Ohio 120. BMW participates in this series in the Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST) Classes.  The No. 82 BimmerWorld Racing BMW M4 GT4 co-driven by Tyler Cooke and James Clay was able to achieve a podium finish behind two Ford Mustang GT4's.  In ST Class,  Nick Galante and Devin Jones were able to race to a 3rd Place in Class in their No. 81 BimmerWorld Racing BMW 328i behind two Mini's.

BMW file photo of the No. 82 BimmerWorld Racing M4 GT4.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW Group USA.

BMW file photo of the No. 81 BimmerWorld Racing 328i.  Image Credit: copyright 2018 BMW Group USA

The next IMSA WeatherTech race will take place on Sunday June 2nd at Detroit's Belle Isle Park Raceway.  

The next IMSA Continental SportsCar Challenge be on the weekend of June 30 - July 1 at Watkins Glen for the "Continental 240 At The Glen".

TAGS:  Acura DPi, Acura NSX GT3, Alexander Sims, Bill Auberlen, BimmerWorld Racing, BMW, BMW M8 GTE, BMW M6 GT3, BMW M4 GT4, BMW 328i, BMW Team RLL, Chevrolet C7.R, Conner De Phillippi, Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge  Earl Bamber, Helio Castroneves, Jesse Krohn, Joey Hand, John Edwards, Juan Pablo Mantoya, Lamborghini Huracan GT3, Laurens Vanthoor, Lexus RC F GT3, Mazda DPi, Nick Tandy, Porsche 911 RSR, Ricky Taylor, @The_EDJE