From November 11-15, 2015, the second Classic 24 hour race will take place at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. This year, a BMW ALPINA will join the competition. This year is the second time this long-distance race for historic race cars, from model year 1962 and up, will be held, with approximately 300 participants expected to the event.
Dieter Quester, whose accolades include the 1977 champions title in the European Touring Car Championship driving the Gösser BMW ALPINA CSL, will use this opportunity to take the wheel of a BMW ALPINA again, after many years. This time, it will be the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, winner of the ADAC GT Masters 2011, which he will pilot together with Andy Bovensiepen. Daytona novice Bovensiepen feels well prepared for the longdistance race, with an overall victory in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 1998 and two victories in the B6 GT3 (Dijon 2014) under his belt.
Red Bull could be won as a sponsor for the race. The USA are a key market, both for Red Bull and for ALPINA.
Duller Motorsport will deploy the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3 in cooperation with ALPINA. This is a good omen for Quester, who has been able to win various long-distance races around the globe for Duller. This time, the competition will include renowned pilots, such as Jochen Mass, Andy Wallace, Hurley Haywood, Brian Redman, Bobby Rahal, Arturo Merzario, Derek Bell and Danny Sullivan. Its going to be an exciting race, since our GT3 will have to compete against LMP1 and LMP2 cars as well as with Daytona prototypes.
“I am greatly excited about this race the atmosphere at the high speed oval is great, especially during the night turn, says Quester.
Andreas Bovensiepen is confident: With the ALPINA B6 GT3, we will bring a fast car to the race. After all, the race car from Germanys Allgäu region has been active in racing internationally since 2009, garnering 26 victories so far. In Daytona, the B6 GT3 will debut in a historic race. The B6 GT3 will race in the GT class, model years 2003 and up.
For more information, please visit www.classic24hour.com
TECHNICAL DATA BMW ALPINA B6 GT3
Race car compliant with FIA GT3 regulations
Engine: 90° V8 naturally aspired
Capacity: 4941 cm³
Max output: 570 hp
Torque: 530 Nm
Performance data: 0-100 km/h in 3.9 s, Top speed 285 km/h
Transmission: Sequential Xtrac 6 speed transmission
Rear axle drive with Drexler differential lock
Weight: 1,230 kg
Tyres: Michelin, 30/68-18 in front, 31/71-18 in rear
Suspension: KW
Brakes: Performance Friction
Fuel tank capacity: 120 litres
Purchase price: EUR 300,000 (+ VAT)
About ALPINA
For 50 years, ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG, a family-owned business, has been producing exclusive automobiles based on BMW models and maintains a close and trusting partnership with BMW AG.
In 1983, ALPINA was accredited as an automotive manufacturer by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Bundeskraftfahrtamt). The combination of sophisticated and powerful drivetrains, dynamic handling, excellent long-distance comfort and best in class fuel efficiency is the hallmark of automobiles made by ALPINA. Each BMW ALPINA automobile is manufactured in collaboration with BMW production facilities where components engineered and supplied by ALPINA are installed – this ensures that the highest possible quality standards are achieved. Further manufacturing steps, the final assembly, test drive and pre-delivery check of every automobile take place at the companys headquarters in the southern German region of Allgäu. Many loyal ALPINA customers choose a handcrafted interior, tailored to their individual demands which is made by experts in the ALPINA upholstery workshop using the finest materials.
Approximately thirty percent of todays 230 employees work in research and development. At their disposal is a state-of-the-art engineering and development centre which offers the latest high-tech engine testing and diagnostic equipment. The demand for exclusive, personalised vehicles is growing globally, helping ALPINA achieve record sales in 2014 with over 1,700 vehicles delivered worldwide.
Since 1979, trading premium wines is the companys second line of business. ALPINAs customer base includes the top one thousand restaurants and hotels as well as private wine enthusiasts from all around the world.