Irvine BMW Confirms, BMW Returns to DTM Racing This Weekend After a 20 Year Hiatus

April 26, 2012 – Irvine, Calif. – Irvine BMW is excited to confirm, BMW Motorsport will return to DTM racing this weekend after 20 years out of the sport.

BMW will return to DTM racing with a total of three teams and six BMW M3 DTM cars.  The season will kick off at the Hockenheimring motorsport racetrack in Baden-Württemberg, Germany this weekend.

The brand was involved in DTM racing at a works level from 1984 to 1992. Hans Grohs won the very first DTM race driving a 635 CSi, and BMW had secured the overall title by the end of the inaugural 1984 season. The iconic first generation E30 M3 DTM arrived in 1987, and BMW Motorsport dominated the German Touring Car Championship where they continued to a total of 49 wins, 30 pole positions, and three drivers’ titles. There were two titles with the E30, once in 1987 and again 1989. The last time BMW Motorsport raced in DTM was 1992.

The BMW M3, with its fourth generation chassis, will take to the track to meet its rivals from Mercedes-Benz (AMG DTM C-Coupé) and Audi (A5 DTM). Team engineers have worked very hard over the last nine months (since the July 4th 2011 roll-out) to make sure the safety features, aerodynamics, and power train of the M3 DTM are up to the task.

BMW’s strong multinational driver line-up includes some impressive resumes – ALMS GT champion, three-time World Touring Car Champion, Rolex 24 winner, and reigning DTM champion. Joey Hand (US) will join Martin Tomczyk (DE) with BMW Team RMG. Andy Priaulx (GB) and Augusto Farfus (BR) will represent BMW Team RBM. Bruno Spengler (CA) and Dirk Werner (DE) will line up for the BMW Team Schnitzer, based in Freilassing, near Munich, Germany. BMW has scored more DTM victories at the Hockenheimring than any other circuit, with BMW drivers crossing the finish line first on ten occasions.

Organizers expect spectators to fill the grandstands, as the Germany’s big three car makers all compete for the first time since the 1990′s. Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director, feels the DTM is a great racing platform for BMW based on the new regulations. It will allow BMW to meet their competition in the premium segment head-to-head, and continue the special bond of fans and motor racing.

Irvine BMW’s helpful and knowledgeable staff, expert factory-trained technicians, state-of-the-art service department, comprehensive parts department and one of the nation’s largest selections of new, used and certified pre-owned BMWs have made Irvine BMW a landmark in Southern California’s automotive landscape. For more information about Irvine BMW, visit the dealership at 9881 Research Drive in Irvine, Calif., or online at irvinebmw.com.
    
Don’t forget to become a fan of Irvine BMW on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/irvinebmw), and become a follower of Irvine BMW on Twitter (http://twitter.com/irvinebmw).
    
As a proud member of the Shelly Automotive Group and one of the largest BMW centers on the West Coast, Irvine BMW has loyally served Orange County including - Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Lake Elsinore, Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Silverado, San Juan Capistrano and Trabuco Canyon

Contact Information

Alyse Feltman

Account Coordinator

Feltman and Associates

Contact via E-mail