It was history in the making not long ago at the Virginia International Raceway, as the BMW M8 GTE crossed the finish line first. This weekend, at Laguna Seca, the BMW Team RLL will try to repeat the performance, now that the M8 GTE is starting to show its true capabilities on the track.
Driven by Connor De Phillippi and Alexander Sims, the number 25 BMW M8 GTE managed its maiden win in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on August 19. The number 24 car wasn’t too far behind either, drivers Jesse Krohn and John Edwards finishing third and thus claiming the first double podium for the M8 GTE. However, Laguna Seca Raceway will be a different deal altogether.
Over the years, BMW has claimed two victories there in the last five years. The BMW Z4 GTLM won in 2015 with Edwards and Lucas Luhr behind the wheel and the BMW M6 GTLM was victorious last year. Edwards shared the 2017 win with Martin Tomczyk. This year, the two BMW Team RLL M8 GTEs are driven by De Phillippi/Sims (#25) and Krohn/Edwards (#24). In addition, Bill Auberlen and Robby Foley (both USA) will team up in the #96 Turner Motorsport BMW M6 GT3, again in the GTD class, at Laguna Seca.
“As a team, or for me as a driver, historically, we have had great success at Laguna Seca. Last year’s win with John Edwards and Martin Tomczyk was a tremendous strategic victory for us and John did a fabulous job getting the maximum mileage that was necessary to realize that strategy. I have to say it was probably one of the most satisfying wins I have ever had as a driver or a team owner so we look forward to returning to Laguna Seca, especially given the performance of the BMW M8 GTE at VIR. We hope to be in the hunt for the win again,” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal at BMW Team RLL. We certainly wish they repeat the performance or even best it.
