BMW introduced its new Hybrid V8 GTP car at the 61st Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona International Raceway on Jan 28-29, 2023. Both entries by the BMW-funded RLL team completed the race, which in itself is an accomplishment. The #24 car finished sixth, five laps down, much of that possibly due to the BMWs’ relative lack of pace and a quick trip to the garage to address some braking issues. The #25 car struggled throughout the night with electrical issues, eventually leading to a ninth-place finish. The event also saw the worldwide debut of the 2024 M3 CS, and the use of the M4 CSL and the BMW XM as Daytona safety cars.

There were many historic IMSA cars on display including the 2015 Z4 GTLM and the awesome BMW V12 LMR. Record attendance was established due to excellent weather and the re-introduction of the GTP class which is harmonized internationally.  The next race will be the 12 Hours at Sebring on March 18th, starting at 10 AM.  Be there to cheer on our team!

~ Fran Dance

BMW boss Rahal says finishing Rolex 24 was “almost like a win”

Rahal called the opening race of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship “a good start for us” despite the two BMW M Team RLL entries in the GTP class suffering significant delays on the way to sixth and ninth positions.

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