When BMW Motorsport announced last year it would be including a new entry-level model in its range of Customer Racing cars, the news was welcomed with open arms by privateer teams and drivers. Within a short space of time numerous orders had been placed with BMW Motorsport Distribution for the racing car, which is priced at just 59,500 Euros (plus VAT). On Wednesday, the first 15 customer teams received their cars for the 2014 season at the Nürburgring (DE).
As part of the official handing over of the cars, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt gave the teams a detailed insight into the development of the BMW M235i Racing. Once they had received their keys, the teams headed straight out onto the track with the new racing car. They prepared for the 2014 season with their new BMW M235i Racings with a test day at the Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit, supported by technicians from BMW Motorsport and exclusive tire supplier Dunlop.
“It was a special moment, when our BMW customer teams followed each other out of the pit lane for the first time with the new BMW M235i Racing,” said Marquardt. “Over the last months we have invested a lot of time and effort in the development, testing and assembly of the BMW M235i Racing for our customers, and we are now happy to see the first 15 models in action. The huge interest has confirmed we were absolutely correct to offer a competitive and reasonably-priced entry-level model. I hope our customer teams have a successful first season with the BMW M235i Racing.”
BMW works driver Dirk Adorf (DE), who has been involved in the project from day one, said: “Watching the cars being driven for the first time today was a very special moment for me. The real privateer teams have always been very close to my heart, and I am delighted that BMW Motorsport has presented these teams with a new toy.”
Fellow BMW works driver Dirk Werner (DE) explained just what the BMW Sports Trophy teams can look forward to. He was one of the first racing drivers to test the BMW M235i Racing and, together with Adorf, was on hand in the pit lane to offer the customer teams advice and support. “I can tell anyone who is purchasing a BMW M235i Racing: they are getting a genuine racing car, which is great fun to drive,” said Werner. “Generally speaking, I find it fantastic that BMW Motorsport is providing those just starting out in motor racing with a high-class platform, in the form of this car and the BMW M235i Racing Cup.”
One person picking up one of the 15 BMW M235i Racings at the Nürburgring was Daniel Sorg (DE), team principal of Sorg Rennsport. “It was a bit like unwrapping a Christmas present today. We arrived at the circuit really early – at about 7 o’clock – and saw the cars lined up there waiting. There was something very special about that. We are all, to a certain degree, entering uncharted waters. However, we are very excited about the new season, and extremely motivated.”
The BMW M235i Racing sees BMW Motorsport expand its range of cars in the BMW Sports Trophy. The car offers an affordable means of starting out in motor racing. The 333-hp racing car, which is based on the BMW M235i Coupé production model, is powered by a straight six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2,979 cc. Among the electronic safety features are motorsport-specific driver aids, such as ABS, DSC and traction control. The new racing car will be used in series and events at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife this season, including the VLN Endurance Championship, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and the RCN Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (Circuit Racing Challenge Nürburgring).
The first 15 BMW M235i Racings were handed over to the following BMW customer teams: Walkenhorst Motorsport, Bonk Motorsport, Valentin Racing, Sorg Rennsport, Scheid Motorsport, Johan Bonnier, Ring Attack, Rent2Drive Racing, Reifen Hollerweger, MD Motorsport, FK Performance, Grohs Motorsport, Mathol Racing, Adrenalin Motorsport and Team Ring Police.
