Why NO BMW's at 2012 Le mans this year?

Kayani_1 · 06-09-2012, 03:08 PM

I was so looking forward to this race. I can't seem to understand why BMW would not send at least the BMW M3 GT-R's from last year to Le mans. This year not a single BMW is going will be running at 24 hours of Le mans.

What a disappointment such a historic and legendary race and no BMW taking part. What is wrong with you guys at BMW Motorsport

mdosu · 06-09-2012, 03:38 PM

you sure? The Rahal Letterman team won ALMS manufactures title in GT last year and the 12 Hrs Sebring, those are automatic qualifiers into the 24 Hr LeMans field.

phrozen06 · 06-09-2012, 06:29 PM

I thought there were some non works bmw enteries.

DataStream18 · 06-09-2012, 10:34 PM

To much focus on DTM maybe?

the///Mthree · 06-09-2012, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DataStream18

To much focus on DTM maybe?

Exactly, I believe BMW said they would not be doing Le Man when they announced the return to DTM.

Kayani_1 · 06-10-2012, 01:28 AM

Yeah I thought that at least they would send the M3 GT-R they had such success last year. But I guess BMW has lost its mind. Once again Ferrari, Chevy, and Porsche will be there while BMW guys will be watching from the side lines

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

you sure? The Rahal Letterman team won ALMS manufactures title in GT last year and the 12 Hrs Sebring, those are automatic qualifiers into the 24 Hr LeMans field.

M3_WC · 06-10-2012, 02:06 AM

This kinda has been talked about in a couple different threads.

BMW gave no press release or reason why they are not showing up to Le Mans. Even though they had an automatic invite. Only explanation is they have too many resources dedicated to DTM.

With production of the E9x coming to an end, they seem to be winding down their Le Mans program. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last year for the E92 in ALMS. They will not be able to race the next gen turbo M3 in ALMS or at Le Mans because of regulations.

the///Mthree · 06-10-2012, 04:27 AM

"FIA’s new World Endurance Championship – a series in which BMW will unfortunately not be participating in given their effort to mount an entry back into DTM – hence no BMW entry to this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans."

Andrew_K_AZ · 06-10-2012, 01:06 PM

Doesn't make much sense to me. Ultimately BMW's success is determined by selling cars and their Motorsport investment should support that goal. DTM investment maybe good for the German domestic market and perhaps the wider European but F1 and 24-Hours at Le Mans have significantly higher visibility and appeal in the international arena. At least they haven't exited ALMS. Yet.

Kayani_1 · 06-10-2012, 02:29 PM

At least for this year it makes no utter sense. They have very competitive M3 GT-R cars just sitting and a group of great drivers that work for BMW banner.

Yet instead of going out there competing and winning they choose to quit.

ALMS needs to create a new GT3 class to allow the BMW Z4 GT-R to race next year with the likes of Audi R8, Vipers etc......

Sylon · 06-10-2012, 04:14 PM

You guys keep mentioning the M3's, but the BMW factory team ran two BMW Z4 GT cars at the 24hr of Nürburgring this year, which also gives invites to the Le Mans race I believe. They did ok, but not great. They did not run any M3's in that race.

M3_WC · 06-10-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayani_1

ALMS needs to create a new GT3 class to allow the BMW Z4 GT-R to race next year with the likes of Audi R8, Vipers etc......

They don't need to create a new class just for BMW to complete.

The new Viper GTS-R is going the debut later in the ALMS season. They are currently testing the car.

M3_WC · 06-10-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylon

You guys keep mentioning the M3's, but the BMW factory team ran two BMW Z4 GT cars at the 24hr of Nürburgring this year, which also gives invites to the Le Mans race I believe. They did ok, but not great. They did not run any M3's in that race.

No automatic invites. Completely different classes and rules/regulations between the two races.

BMW couldn't race the Z4 GT even if they built it to ACO/IMSA specs. It wouldn't qualify under the homologation rules.

Andrew_K_AZ · 06-10-2012, 10:21 PM

The only good thing I can see is that I can cheer for the Corvette boys at Le Mans this year without been torn as I was last year

MrClean335i · 06-10-2012, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last year for the E92 in ALMS. They will not be able to race the next gen turbo M3 in ALMS or at Le Mans because of regulations.

BMW already announced this is the last year of their ALMS program.

Kayani_1 · 06-11-2012, 01:48 AM

I think making a new GT3 class and getting rid of 2 different useless prototype classes would make more business sense then not making it. This will allow a lot of manufactures to bring there already ready made GT3 class cars without spending a boat load of money.

Other wise ALMS will lose a huge amount of BMW fans that will shift to DTM if it comes way side of USA next year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

They don't need to create a new class just for BMW to complete.

The new Viper GTS-R is going the debut later in the ALMS season. They are currently testing the car.

Kayani_1 · 06-11-2012, 01:54 AM

Like some one else said two totally different races and No BMW Z4 GT-R or BMW period is racing in Le mans despite the fact that they can with ALMS M3 GT-R.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylon

You guys keep mentioning the M3's, but the BMW factory team ran two BMW Z4 GT cars at the 24hr of Nürburgring this year, which also gives invites to the Le Mans race I believe. They did ok, but not great. They did not run any M3's in that race.

M3_WC · 06-11-2012, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayani_1

I think making a new GT3 class and getting rid of 2 different useless prototype classes would make more business sense then not making it. This will allow a lot of manufactures to bring there already ready made GT3 class cars without spending a boat load of money.

Other wise ALMS will lose a huge amount of BMW fans that will shift to DTM if it comes way side of USA next year.

ALMS will be just fine, they keep adding entries to GT class. If anything it is BMW that is losing a lot of exposure, especially not attending the biggest endurance race. ALMS shouldn't worry about DTM, DTM is just a glorified spec series.

The regulations of the VLN GT3 class just won't work for ALMS. IMSA sets strict homologation rules.

There was a report that BMW was working on bringing the Z4 GT3 to the Rolex series.

Sylon · 06-11-2012, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylon

You guys keep mentioning the M3's, but the BMW factory team ran two BMW Z4 GT cars at the 24hr of Nürburgring this year, which also gives invites to the Le Mans race I believe. They did ok, but not great. They did not run any M3's in that race.

No automatic invites. Completely different classes and rules/regulations between the two races.

BMW couldn't race the Z4 GT even if they built it to ACO/IMSA specs. It wouldn't qualify under the homologation rules.

Thanks for the correction, I honestly thought they were the same.

BrokenVert · 06-11-2012, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

There was a report that BMW was working on bringing the Z4 GT3 to the Rolex series.

Exactly. The GT cars need to be sold to the general public and the Z4 coupe obviously isnt coming.

^debbie downer up here

MiamiE93Vert · 06-11-2012, 04:04 PM

I thought the manufacturers were planning some sort of worldwide GT merger, with BMW being one of the major supporters, and in the US it would be through the Grand-Am Circuit? If so, that would make sense that ALMS and Le Mans would lose out to Grand-Am/DTM. I don't remember my sources so this is just speculation to see if anyone has any first hand info or updates.

NL-J · 06-14-2012, 04:23 PM

Yeah bummer

I'd rather see them at Le Mans than DTM.

06-09-2012, 03:08 PM	#1
Kayani_1 Lieutenant Colonel 83 Rep 1,656 Posts Drives: BMW E92/E60 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	Why NO BMW's at 2012 Le mans this year? I was so looking forward to this race. I can't seem to understand why BMW would not send at least the BMW M3 GT-R's from last year to Le mans. This year not a single BMW is going will be running at 24 hours of Le mans. What a disappointment such a historic and legendary race and no BMW taking part. What is wrong with you guys at BMW Motorsport __________________ nickname"BAD 3",MHD E85 tune,RennArt catback non-resonated exhaust,VRSF Downpipes, VRSF 7"FMIC,VRSF stock side inlets,SSQV BOV,ECS CP,M-performance alcantara steering,retrofit M3 paddle shifters,Alpina B3 tranny flash,AFE power seal CAI,LED angels,ST Coilovers,M3 upper/lower control arms,E93 M3 Front Swaybar ,235/35/19x9 ,275/30/19x9.5. M sport bumpers, CF diffuser. When in doubt..flat out.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-09-2012, 03:38 PM	#2
mdosu Banned 331 Rep 8,495 Posts Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (6)	you sure? The Rahal Letterman team won ALMS manufactures title in GT last year and the 12 Hrs Sebring, those are automatic qualifiers into the 24 Hr LeMans field.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-09-2012, 06:29 PM	#3
phrozen06 Lieutenant Colonel 235 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 328it, RIP M3, E46 Sold Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 39°27'33"N 77°58'04"W W. Virgina, Kansas iTrader: (2)	I thought there were some non works bmw enteries. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-09-2012, 10:34 PM	#4
DataStream18 Lieutenant 45 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2003 ESS TS1 Z4 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Muskegon, Mi iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 ESS Supercharg ... [4.00]	To much focus on DTM maybe? __________________ TS2/Cat-Less Headers/Jet Hot Coating 2000/CF Engine covers & Oil Cap/RPi Scoop/Matte Black Grills/H&R Sport Springs/15mm Spacers Rear/12mm Spacers Front/Flowmaster 40 series/Alcantara Shift Boot/CF Vinyl wrap/SPEC Stage 2+ clutch/8 Lbs Fly wheel/ZHP Shift knob/Hawk HPS Pads/Cross Drilled/Slotted Rotors/Performance Pedal Set/Stewart water pump Love is like a fart; if you have to force it, it's probably shit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-10-2012, 02:06 AM	#7
M3_WC Brigadier General 1048 Rep 3,622 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	This kinda has been talked about in a couple different threads. BMW gave no press release or reason why they are not showing up to Le Mans. Even though they had an automatic invite. Only explanation is they have too many resources dedicated to DTM. With production of the E9x coming to an end, they seem to be winding down their Le Mans program. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last year for the E92 in ALMS. They will not be able to race the next gen turbo M3 in ALMS or at Le Mans because of regulations. Last edited by M3_WC; 06-10-2012 at 04:12 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-10-2012, 04:27 AM	#8
the///Mthree First Lieutenant 42 Rep 381 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (2)	"FIA’s new World Endurance Championship – a series in which BMW will unfortunately not be participating in given their effort to mount an entry back into DTM – hence no BMW entry to this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-10-2012, 01:06 PM	#9
Andrew_K_AZ Secret Racer 4 Rep 68 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 (AW/BLK) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	Doesn't make much sense to me. Ultimately BMW's success is determined by selling cars and their Motorsport investment should support that goal. DTM investment maybe good for the German domestic market and perhaps the wider European but F1 and 24-Hours at Le Mans have significantly higher visibility and appeal in the international arena. At least they haven't exited ALMS. Yet. __________________ 2008 E92 M3, Alpine White & Black Extended Leather, 6MT with all options. Slightly Moded: BMW M Performance Exhaust, Rear LCI Taillight Retrofit, Angel iBrights, MGP Aluminum Caliper Covers, H&R Springs, H&R Spacers (15mm F and 12.5mm R) with +1 tires, Aluminum Pedals, Black Gloss Front and Hood Grills, Alpine White Side Grills and front reflectors, Active Autowerke Green Performance Filter.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-10-2012, 02:29 PM	#10
Kayani_1 Lieutenant Colonel 83 Rep 1,656 Posts Drives: BMW E92/E60 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	At least for this year it makes no utter sense. They have very competitive M3 GT-R cars just sitting and a group of great drivers that work for BMW banner. Yet instead of going out there competing and winning they choose to quit. ALMS needs to create a new GT3 class to allow the BMW Z4 GT-R to race next year with the likes of Audi R8, Vipers etc...... __________________ nickname"BAD 3",MHD E85 tune,RennArt catback non-resonated exhaust,VRSF Downpipes, VRSF 7"FMIC,VRSF stock side inlets,SSQV BOV,ECS CP,M-performance alcantara steering,retrofit M3 paddle shifters,Alpina B3 tranny flash,AFE power seal CAI,LED angels,ST Coilovers,M3 upper/lower control arms,E93 M3 Front Swaybar ,235/35/19x9 ,275/30/19x9.5. M sport bumpers, CF diffuser. When in doubt..flat out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-10-2012, 04:14 PM	#11
Sylon Brigadier General 199 Rep 3,435 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, SG/CR, 6MT, M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan / Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 135i [9.20]	You guys keep mentioning the M3's, but the BMW factory team ran two BMW Z4 GT cars at the 24hr of Nürburgring this year, which also gives invites to the Le Mans race I believe. They did ok, but not great. They did not run any M3's in that race. __________________ 2011 BMW 135i \| Space Gray \| ///M-Sport \| BMW CCA #450291 Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Twitter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-10-2012, 10:21 PM	#14
Andrew_K_AZ Secret Racer 4 Rep 68 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 (AW/BLK) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	The only good thing I can see is that I can cheer for the Corvette boys at Le Mans this year without been torn as I was last year __________________ 2008 E92 M3, Alpine White & Black Extended Leather, 6MT with all options. Slightly Moded: BMW M Performance Exhaust, Rear LCI Taillight Retrofit, Angel iBrights, MGP Aluminum Caliper Covers, H&R Springs, H&R Spacers (15mm F and 12.5mm R) with +1 tires, Aluminum Pedals, Black Gloss Front and Hood Grills, Alpine White Side Grills and front reflectors, Active Autowerke Green Performance Filter.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-11-2012, 04:04 PM	#21
MiamiE93Vert Lieutenant 100 Rep 460 Posts Drives: E93 M3 Convertible Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	I thought the manufacturers were planning some sort of worldwide GT merger, with BMW being one of the major supporters, and in the US it would be through the Grand-Am Circuit? If so, that would make sense that ALMS and Le Mans would lose out to Grand-Am/DTM. I don't remember my sources so this is just speculation to see if anyone has any first hand info or updates.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-14-2012, 04:23 PM	#22
NL-J First Lieutenant 21 Rep 313 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: May 2010 Location: NL iTrader: (0)	Yeah bummer I'd rather see them at Le Mans than DTM. __________________ www.vierenzestig.nl
	Appreciate 0 Quote