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

BMW M8 GTE Races To First Podium Finish At Sebring

GTLM BMW Team RLL Drivers, Bill Auberlen, Alexander Sims, and Conner De Phillippi Celebrating Their 2nd Place Finish at Sebring.  Image Credit: 2018 BMW Group

BMW M8 GTE Races To First Podium Finish At Sebring
Article By: Brandon O'Brien | Images By: BMW Group

The weeks between the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12-Hour race at Sebring were busy for BMW Team RLL.  The team was successful in getting a positive Balance of Power (BoP) adjustment from IMSA which will allow the new BMW M8 GTE's to be more competitive. This was followed by the  successful testing of the No. 24 BMW M8 GTE at Sebring.  Unfortunately, the No. 25 BMW M8 GTE did not fair so well  and was extensively damaged in an accident while being driven by Alexander Sims (UK).  Instead of making hasty repairs to the car the team decided to build up a new chassis.

Bill Auberlen (USA) made his 25th start at the classic event this year.  Prior to the race he stated, "I am really looking forward to my 25th start at Sebring.  I am betting on the number 25.  BMW's first endurance racing victory in North America came at Sebring in 1975 with BMW 3.0 CSL number 25. This year is my 25th Sebring and I am driving number 25.  25 - all the way."

BMW Team RLL experienced successful GTLM qualifying sessions.  With a time of 1:55.839 minutes, Conner De Phillippi (USA) claimed pole position for the No. 25 car.  De Phillippi stated, "I could not be happier to score the pole in my first qualifying drive for BMW Team RLL.  The car was spot on and it all came together on the first flying lap.  We have a really good racing car."

Conner De Phillippi after placing the No. 25 BMW M8 GTE on the GTLM Pole for the iconic 12-hour race at Sebring.
Image Credit: 2018 BMW Group

In the No. 24 car, Jesse Krohn (FIN) recorded the third-fastest time, finishing just 0.146 seconds behind his team-mate. Jesse had this to say, "Great job by Conner to score the pole.  It ended up to be a one lap qualifying for me because of the hot track temperature.  I made a bit of a mistake on my first lap.  I thought I could make it up on my second lap, but was unable."

De Phillippi, Sims, and Auberlen did flawless jobs after starting from pole position.  The BMW M8 GTE mastered the tough 12 hours of racing without major technical issues.  Following a brake change the No. 25 BMW lost a lap to the leaders but managed to fight it's way back into the group of front-runners.  Sims was able to secure the first podium finish for the newly developed BMW M8 GTE as the final-stint driver.  In total, it was the 69th podium for BMW Team RLL and the 26th runner-up finish since 2009.

The No. 25 BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE on its way to a podium finish at the classic 12-hours of Sebring.  Image Credit:  2018 BMW Group

The No. 24 BMW M8 GTE, driven by Jesse Krohn (FIN) John Edwards (USA) and Nick Catsburg (NED), had to retire in the final hours of the race.  Four hours and seventeen minutes into the race Edwards was involved in a collision with the No. 66 Ford GT.  The car was extensively damaged and lost nine laps while in the pits for repairs.  Although their day did not end on a high note the No. 24 BMW M8 GTE showed it's potential by leading the GTLM class for a period of time and also scoring the fastest GTLM lap - a 1:57.622 set by Krohn.

These were not the only BMW's to be out on the track at Sebring this weekend.  In the GTD class the Turner Motorsports team No. 96 BMW M6 GT3 driven by, Don Young (USA), Dillon Machavern (USA), and Markus Palttala (FIN) progressed through the GTD class from their starting position of 16th to 11th.

In the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge race on Friday, Classic BMW's Toby Grahovec (USA) and Jayson Clunie (USA) finished 2nd with their No. 26 BMW M4 GT4.

Jen Marquardt, BMW's Motorsport Director, had this to say about the weekend, "We have seen another exciting and extremely tough 12-hour race here at Sebring - and we can take many positives back home.  Congratulations to BMW Team RLL and our BMW Motorsport crew on the maiden podium finish for our new BMW M8 GTE.  The 12 hours here is more demanding than many 24-hour races on other circuits.  That makes this result even more special.  Far more important than the result are two other findings: On the one hand, the BMW M8 GTE was able to show its potential, which is underlined by the fact we recorded pole position and the fastest race lap.  On the other hand, the GTLM field was far better balanced than it was at Daytona.  The fans saw a thrilling race with close battles and excitement to the very last lap.  This is what we all want.  We are now looking forward to the upcoming races.  At Long Beach we will go flat out again."




TAGS: Alexander Sims, Bill Auberlen, BMW, BMW Motorsport, BMW M4 GT4, BMW M6 GT3, BMW M8 GTE,  BMW Team RLL, Classic BMW, Conner De Phillippi, Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Jen Marquardt, Jesse Krohn, John Edwards, IMSA, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Nick Catsburg, Sebring

BMW Unveils New Models At LA Auto Show 2017

BMW Electrifies The LA AutoShow 2017

By: Brandon J. O'Brien

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

Unlike most of the manufacturers displaying their wares at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, which opened to the public on Friday December 1st, BMW's stage was devoid of any cars when the media arrived Wednesday morning.  What an odd feeling to be there with only doors marked with the words;  M PERFORMANCE,  LUXURY,  ELECTRIFIED.

Also, unlike all of the other manufacturers, BMW was not going to display any of their current production models.  This was to be strictly a show of the new models BMW will be producing for 2018 through 2019 and beyond.  With that let's get started.

When the M PERFORMANCE door was opened, driven out were the all new 6th-generation BMW M5 and the limited-edition BMW M3 CS.  The 2018 BMW M5 debuts as the first M-specific model to offer an all-wheel drive system, M xDrive.  It is still powered by the 4.4-liter V8 engine featuring TwinPower Turbo which produces 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of peak torque.  0 to 60 can be reached in just 3.2 seconds making this the quickest and most agile M5 to date.  The new M5 will be in showrooms starting in May 2018.

Introduction of the 6th Generation BMW M5 (left) and the Limited Production M3 CS (right) at the LA AutoShow.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Making it's world debut the 2018 BMW M3 CS is a limited special-edition model.  It utilizes much carbon fiber-reinforced plastic which reduces the weight around 110 pounds less than a standard M3.  The M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline engine yields 453 hp generating a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. with a 0 to 60 time of 3.7 seconds.  This model will be available to order in the U.S. starting May 2018.

The World Premiere of the 2018 BMW M3 CS at the LA AutoShow.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Following these debuts the LUXURY door was opened.  Although having been briefly seen at Pebble Beach this past August this was the first time the BMW 8 Series Concept could be seen close-up.  Although only the Concept was shown this is a model that will arrive in the showrooms for 2018.  BMW is already testing the M8 GTE IMSA racing version which will take to the track for the first time at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 28, 2018.  Which means, unlike most BMW series where an M-version follows, this model may make it's sales debut with the M8 already in production.  This seems to be fitting as the first 8-series never had an official M8 version.

The beautiful BMW 8 Series Concept was shown at the LA AutoShow.  A production version will be on sale in early 2018.
Image Credit:  2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Elevated view of BMW's 8 Series Concept.  Image Credit:  2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Making it's North American premiere was the long awaited BMW X7 iPerformance Concept.  This SAV will utilize the BMW eDrive technology with a BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine creating an efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid power train.  BMW was quick to point out that this is not the X5's big brother. It is the pinnacle of a luxury BMW Sport Activity Vehicle.  As BMW puts it, ". . . offers an interior with a state-of-the-art infotainment system brimming with connectivity that provide an unmatched experience by any other BMW past or present.  As a result of the interplay between precise, pared-down forms and an open sense of space, the driver and passengers are immersed in a unique, modern setting".

The BMW X7 iPerformance Concept during it's North American Debut at the LA AutoShow.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The massive Kidney Grills dominate the front of the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept shown at the LA AutoShow.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

An interesting view of the panoramic roof and interior of the X7 iPerformance COncept on display at the LA AutoShow.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Reinforcing its commitment to offer 25 electrified models throughout all of it's brands, 12 being purely electric by 2025,  BMW showcased five electric vehicles. The first driven out was the MINI Electric Concept which is designed for use in urban areas.  This concept continues to utilize the MINI heritage of unique design, city-dwelling ease of use, and go-cart handling.  MINI will start production of a fully electric version for sale in 2019.

The MINI Electric Concept gives an idea what the 2019 fully-electric production model might look like.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

This was followed by the BMW C-Evolution Scooter.  "The electrically powered maxi-scooter efficiently combines sustainability, dynamics, control and agility."  The powerful electric motor allows for a range of 99 miles yielding a top speed of 80 mph.  The C-Evolution Scooter will be available in California this coming spring.

The BMW C-Evolution Scooter will be on sale early 2018.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The final group of three automobiles were the ones that appeared to generate a lot of interest among the media throughout the remainder of the day.  The first to be seen was the new for 2018 BMW i3s.  A sportier and more powerful version of the i3.  Powered by a 184 hp electric motor it can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds using a lithium-ion high voltage battery developed by BMW Group with a cell capacity of 94-ampere hours (Ah).

The BMW i3s is a sportier version of the i3.  This model when on sale in November.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The next vehicle to roll out onto the stage was the BMW i Vision Dynamics which premiered at the IAA Cars 2017 show in Frankfurt.  The BMW i Vision Dynamics is a four-door Gran Coupe with a range of 373 miles, a top speed of over 120 mph, and acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.  Klaus Frolich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG Development stated, "BMW i is the innovation driver for BMW Group. Here, visionary solutions and future-ready concepts become reality for the first time.  But BMW i also acts as a spearhead of innovation for our other brands.  The BMW i Vision Dynamics allows us to show right now what another electric BMW might look like.  And BMW has demonstrated its talent for turning visions into real life throughout its history."

The North American Premier of the BMW i Vision Dynamics shows what a typical BMW of the future may look like.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Another view of the BMW i Vision Dynamics as unveiled at the LA AutoShow.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The event was capped-off with the world premiere of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster which goes on sale this spring.  Owners of the BMW i8 Roadster will either enjoy the open sky or a high-quality, all season fabric soft-top with additional soundproofing.  The electrically operated convertible top opens and closes in less than 16 seconds and can be operated at speeds under 31 mph.

The anticipated world premiere of the 2019 i8 Roadster at the LA AutoShow.  This model will go on sale in 2018.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Performance figures for either the 2019 i8 Coupe or Roadster will increase over that of the previous i8 Coupe models.  This is primarily due to a boost in the lithium-ion battery cell capacity from 20 to 34 Ah.  BMW also found that the cell configuration can allow a 12 hp increase in peak output to 141 hp yielding quick sprints on pure-electric power with an even sharper streak of dynamism.  When used in conjunction with the 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine you can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (preliminary) for the Roadster and 4.2 seconds (preliminary) Coupe.

3/4 rear view of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster at the LA AutoShow.  Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

As a postscript, on display over the general BMW area, was the BMW M6 GTLM that Bill Auberlen drove to victory at the Petit Le Mans during his 400th race for BMW.

The BMW M6 GTLM driven to victory at Petit Le Mans by Bill Auberlen during his 400th race for BMW.
Image Credit:  2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

It is with mixed feelings that this writer learned that Bill will transition to a new role in support of BMW of North America's customer racing program as a BMW NA Brand Ambassador.  Bill will continue to support BMW Team RLL as a driver for the four endurance races; Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen, and Petit Le Mans. I wish Bill all the best in this new chapter of his life.




TAGS: BMW,  Bill Auberlen,  Brandon O'Brien,  C-Evolution Scooter,  Electrified,  i3s,  i8,  i8 Coupe,  i8 Roadster,  i Vision Dynamics,  LA AutoShow,  LA AutoShow 2017,  Los Angeles Auto Show,  Luxury,  M3 CS,  M5,  M8 GTE,  M Performance,  X7,  8-series,  8 series

BMW To Campaign M8 GTE In 2018 IMSA WeatherTech Series

2018 BMW Team RLL M8 GTE undergoing testing at Homestead, Fla.  Image Credit: 2017 BMW Group

BMW To Campaign M8 GTE In 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

By:  Brandon J. O'Brien
Images By:  BMW Group

With the BMW 8 Series only being shown at various venues as a concept it is interesting to note that the M-version is already here.  BMW of North America announced that BMW Team RLL successfully completed the first US test of the all new BMW M8 GTE at Homestead, Fla.  They will be campaigning the new car during the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship after having just completed a successful season with the BMW M6 GTLM which they have used the past two seasons.  The Team will stay in Florida in preparation for the first IMSA-sactioned test at Daytona International Speedway on December 5th and 6th.

The team’s 10th season representing BMW will see a major change to the driver lineup as Bill Auberlen transitions to a new role in support of BMW of North America’s customer racing program as a BMW NA Brand Ambassador. BMW Team RLL has added 24-year old Connor De Phillippi who will share driving duties with John Edwards, and Martin Tomczyk.

Conner De Phillippi listening intently as he receives instructions prior to testing the 2018 BMW M8 GTE at Homestead, Fla.  Image Credit 2017 BMW Group

“While I don’t believe it could ever be said that Bill Auberlen was underutilized in his first two decades with BMW NA, we have made a mutual decision to take better advantage of his expertise and now to primarily support our growing customer racing programs in addition to competing with BMW Team RLL in the four IMSA endurance races this season.”, commented BMW NA Motorsport Manager Victor Leleu. “We are delighted that Bill has agreed to become a BMW NA brand ambassador and we fully expect his unbounded enthusiasm for the brand to continue to excite BMW fans with “Bill Power”. We welcome John’s return and are pleased Connor has joined us for 2018. 2017 ended on a very strong note and we believe our success will continue with the M8 GTE.”

Bill Auberlen standing by the 2017 BMW M6 GTLM he drove to victory at Petit Le Mans during his 400th start for BMW of North America.  Image Credit: 2017 Cobb / BMW Group

Auberlen said, “I am honored to have been asked to become a BMW NA Brand Ambassador and look forward to additional opportunities with BMW of North America. First and foremost I am a racing driver and am looking forward to four races with BMW Team RLL in 2018. My goal remains to get to the top of the list in all-time North American sports car victories and I want that achievement to be shared with BMW. We are only three wins away. We have not yet determined what else I may be driving but every opportunity in a BMW racing car is a good one.”

The four races that Bill will join BMW Team RLL are; Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen and Petit Le Mans. 

TAGS: Bill Auberlen, BMW, BMW Motorsport, BMW M6 GTLM, BMW M8 GTE, Brandon O'Brien, Daytona International Speedway, IMSA, M6 GTLM, M8 GTE, WeatherTech SportsCar Championship