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BMW back in the ALMS with Rahal Letterman Racing

Friday, 03. 13. 2009  –  Category: BMW News, Main

Rahal Letterman Racing M3

Rahal Letterman Racing M3

The 57th 12 Hours of Sebring will mark BMW’s return to the American Le Mans Series for the first time since 2006. The team has been planning and building their two E92 M3 entries at Rahal Letterman Racing’s HQ in Ohio for the last two years, and has been testing the cars extensively over the last few weeks. Particular attention has focused on aerodynamic, restrictor and fuel cell modifications carried out to transition the cars from the GT2S specifications to GT2. The No. 90 M3 will be co-driven by BMW veterans Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand, a pair that has been racing M3’s together for the last 4 years. The second car, the No. 92 M3, will be shared by Tommy Milner and Dirk Müller. BMW has a rich history at Sebring with two overall victories (1975 – CSL, 1999 – V12 LMR) and two GT class wins (1997 – M3, 1998 – M3).

“Two ALMS seasons have passed since BMW was last on track in 2006,” said Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsports Manager. “We understand that the competition will be tough, but that is exactly what we are looking for. The first BMW M3 was originally built to race and, almost 25 years and four generations later, we are looking forward to getting back on the track with the 2009 BMW M3.
Sebring is one of the most demanding races in the world and certainly will test our cars and our team. Just finishing the 12 Hours has always been considered an accomplishment.”

“Getting ready to debut the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team M3s at Sebring has been a rewarding experience, and our team has worked very hard to get to this point,” said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Racing. “We have been pointing to this weekend for a long time and everyone here is eagerly anticipating the green flag as BMW returns to its rightful place in American sportscar racing. Our driver lineup is one of the best anywhere and the team we have put together with BMW is more than ready to carry the flag as the 2009 season begins.”

The 57th annual 12 Hours of Sebring is scheduled to start at 10:30AM Saturday morning. SPEED TV will broadcast the race live, so set your DVRs now!

Tags: ALMS, American Le Mans Series, BMW, M3, Rahal, Rahal Letterman Racing, Touring Car