The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will close its inaugural American Le Mans season with a four-hour race at the Monterey Sports Car Championships on October 10. Considered one of the most challenging circuits in North America, the sinuous 2.238-mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca Raceway will provide a great stage for Northern California BMW fans that have waited all year to see the new BMW M3 GT2 racers.
“This season has reinforced that racing is at the heart of BMW, especially the M Brand,” said Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsport Manager. “Our team has met thousands of enthusiasts this year and we look forward to saying hello to our old friends at Laguna Seca. Nothing would please us more than to honor the support we’ve received from the entire North American BMW family then to add one more great 2009 result.”
An impressive run in the second half of the season has seen the team reach the podium in three of the last four races, including a 1-2 M3 qualifying and race finish at Road America, a 1-2 start at Mosport, and setting the fastest GT2 race laps at Mid-Ohio, Road America and Road Atlanta (Petit Le Mans). BMW stands a solid third in GT2 manufacturer points.
With five podium finishes this season, Tommy Milner and Dirk Müller are third in Driver points. Following a difficult start to the season that saw Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand only reach the podium at Lime Rock Park, the duo drove to the program’s first victory at Road America. They stand 14th in Driver points.
“A trip to Monterey is always a highlight during a racing season, and especially this year as we anticipate an opportunity to close the season with another high note,” said team principal Bobby Rahal. “The circuit is tailor-made for these cars and we feel that the continued advancement of our BMW M3 program this year will help our chances of victory. On a personal level, I always get great satisfaction and a sense of nostalgia when I return to Laguna Seca. Being honored with the naming of the Rahal Straight was a career highlight, and Rahal Letterman Racing has usually been a threat to win every time we have lined up there. Our crew is looking forward to a great weekend.”
Source : BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team