It turned out to be a perfect day for a race at Road America on Saturday, August 20, 2011.
The forecast showed a good chance of rain throughout much of the day and the skies looked a little angry. The practice session was a little wet, but the rest of the day was beautiful.
The Muscle Milk Aston Martin took pole in the P1 class, and Joey Hand took pole in the BMW for the GT class.
The closing laps were exciting as I watched from turn 3. The Dyson Mazda caught the Aston Martin but was not able to pass. After 4 hours of racing the gap between first and second place was only 0.112 seconds – a record in ALMS racing.
The #62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 took first in GT, with BMW taking second and third in class. Joey Hand and Dirk Muller maintain a firm lead in the points standings, making BMW fans very happy.
The complete official race results are HERE.
The BMW M3 has a great history.
This short video highlights the first generation M3 and its racing heritage. Can the M3 do well in 2011?
The first generation M3 was the E30. It had legendary performance on the race track in DTM.
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Heel and toe shifting is a technique commonly used in racing and other performance driving situations.
It’s also fun to use on the street.
The purpose of this kind of footwork is to match the engine RPM when downshifting. When properly executed you release the clutch and the motor is running at the proper speed for the selected gear. Many drivers of manual transmission cars use their transmission to slow the car and risk expensive repairs. But it’s important to note that brake parts are far less expensive than engine and transmission parts.
Using the transmission to slow the car in a performance situation can also result in the loss of control of the car. The rear tires can lose grip, and you might end up fighting to prevent the car from getting sideways.
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This 1977 320i model represents a piece of BMW History.
Hans Joachim Stuck has extensive racing experience in a number of marques. With a turbocharged BMW 320i he won at Nurburgring in the DRM Series in 1977. DRM (Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft) started in 1972 and ended in 1985.
Although he has F1 racing on his resume, most of Stuck’s experience is in sports cars. He won the Nurburgring 24 three times, and LeMans twice.
Stuck’s racing career started with a 3rd place finish at the Nurburgring in a BMW 2002ti in 1969. Through the years Stuck has raced many BMWs including the 320i, M1, V12 LMR, M3 and others.
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Since the race is long over I don’t have to worry about being a spoiler.
Congratulations to Rahal Letterman Lanigan for taking the top two podium spots in GT at Sebring. On more than one occasion it looked like BMW were doomed to an unfortunate finish, but the result could not have been better. BMW took first and second in class this year, after having taken second and third in the the same race last year. This time around it was the Priaulx/Mueller/Hand team taking the top spot, with Farfus/Auberlen/Werner in second.
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