I have travelled to The Mountain lots of times over the years.
First, as a teenager, watching my heroes battling each other in different makes and classes of cars, in the Group C and then Group A days. That was the real Bathurst. You could go and buy a car, put in a cage and go racing. Real cars, anyone could buy one. Then came the V8 years, gone were the real cars, you had to be a factory backed team or very rich to go racing now and that lost its appeal for me.
When I got into racing my E30, it was like the old days of the Group A cars, they were a car anyone could build and go racing, so I did. I joined Improved Production and later started the E30 Racing Club so enthusiasts like me could race our cars at tracks our heroes did. Including at Bathurst!
I raced my E30 at Bathurst for a couple of years and it was a dream come true. To race there like Brocky and Jim that I had watched when I was young. It was a life-long dream achieved.
Then came the 24 Hour for a couple of years, followed by the 12 Hour we have now. Cars you can actually buy, different manufacturers, teams from all over the world, racing at Bathurst again!
My kids had been going up and camping on the Mountain for a few years like I did when I was their age, but life and work had prevented me from going. Last year, however, Jo and I decided to go and watch and support our friend and fellow DCM member Steve Richards and his SRM Team racing the M6 GT3. We decided that if we were going to go, we would do it in comfort and so went with a company that does packages. It was awesome! Whilst there in 2018 we met a lot of club members from clubs all over the country and thought it would be a great event to do as a club.
So, this year, with the new club up and running, we decided to make it an event and invite members to come with us. A few took up the offer and we had a fantastic time! The package we do includes accommodation, 4 days entry to the event, corporate parking right at the gate, the best corporate hospitality suite, on top of the pit building, air conditioned, all you can eat and drink all day…perfect. Also included is a dinner on Friday night with a special guest. This year we were very lucky to have the eventual winner of the 12 Hour, Matty Campbell, as our special guest. He is a lovely young guy and it was great to sit and chat with him and wish him well. We might not have wanted him to beat the BMW teams, but if a BMW didn’t win, it was good he did.
We all really enjoyed the whole weekend. It is the best race weekend to go and be a part of, the teams and drivers are great and very welcoming and accessible, the racing is fantastic and of course the company we shared the weekend with was great too. You won’t find a better event to go to, it is both social and a car lover’s dream and recommend it to everyone.
So, if you like the idea of coming next year keep an eye out for it to come onto the calendar for 2020.
Graeme Bell | Member #1 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Thursday morning, we set off early to do the 9-hour drive to Bathurst.
Getting there just after 3pm, we checked into the Bathurst Apartments, unpacked our bags and rested up until the others arrived. We then all went out for a lovely dinner at the local club.
Friday morning was exciting. Driving up to the track I had goose bumps, it is just an amazing sight. We were welcomed into the 12-hour club and were greeted with food and drinks, which basically continued none stop until Sunday after the race.
We went out exploring and bought some merchandise and then settled in to enjoy the racing thorough out the day.
On Friday night we were lucky to have dinner with young Matty Campbell, who if you didn’t watch the race, was the winner. He was a very lovely young man and I am sure will go places in motorsport.
Saturday and Sunday were amazing with us meeting so many drivers, being able to get their autographs and just stand and chat with them.
The race was one of the best races I have watched for a long while with about 6 different teams being very close to winning in the end. I loved every minute of it.
I will be going back again next year and if you haven’t been before, I highly recommend you look into coming with the club next year.
Jo Mawson | Member #2BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Through the cold grey half light that exists just before dawn the criss-cross strakes of 40 or so pairs of headlamps made a dazzling pattern which mixed with the thunderous roar of the V8 powered cars and the slightly shriller tones of the rest to form an exciting assault on the senses as the field roared over the start/finish line for 12 hours of racing. Seen from above on the outdoor balcony of the 12 Hour Club atop the pit complex it was impossible to understand how any of the drivers could see where they were going with so much dazzle and glare. But apparently driving in the dark “is the same as driving in the day but with less daylight”!
Five in the morning may seem an unsociable hour to be at such an event but in reality everyone seemed to be very sociable and relaxed – surprisingly so down in the team garages and pits where, even as the tensions rose with last minute preparations, it was possible to grab a quick word here and there.
“Our team” (2 BMW M6 GT3) were pinning their hopes on opportunistic safety cars and not letting the more fuel efficient Porsche cars get a pit stop ahead. Unlike the teams we had the luxury of a superb breakfast with plenty of food and drink all day served in air conditioned comfort with large TV screens and a second screen of full timing data to keep us informed, with the option to stand on the balcony or watch from almost anywhere we preferred.
As the temperatures rose and the drivers understandably wilted we remained comfortable and thoroughly entertained, using the timing data to play team strategist during the tension building closing 3 hours as our prospective fortunes waxed and waned.
A nail biter of a last hour saw a well deserved victory for the wrong team, Porsche – leaving the other 5 teams to contemplate their long list of reasons why they should have won!
If you are going to spend 12 hours doing something, try to do it in style and comfort – as we did.
Lawrence Glynn | Member #3BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The new BMW 8 Series Coupe is able in a unique way to inspire with its dynamic driving characteristics, whilst at the same time fascinating with luxurious equipment features and a sporty, elegant design. Moreover, maximum exclusiveness is also guaranteed with regard to the individual configuration of the new luxury sports car.
The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition (combined fuel consumption: 9.8 – 9.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 224 – 221 g/km) being launched in the spring of 2019, will provide proof of this. Now, for the first time, the drive and suspension technology of the two-door model, which was developed incorporating motor racing know-how, can now be combined with exclusive BMW Individual exterior and interior equipment features. The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition will be produced in a limited quantity of 400 at the BMW Dingolfing plant between April and June 2019.
The exterior paint finish, light alloy wheels and interior trim will lend the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition both an individual and expressive character. The fascinating exterior appearance is above all due to the newly developed BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Barcelona Blue metallic being applied on a BMW model for the very first time. It is combined with the upgraded BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, which, in addition to the side window surrounds, also includes the BMW kidney grille frame and slats, the air breather applications and tailpipe trims finished in black. The dark accents featured on the special edition model are complemented by 20-inch M light alloy wheels with a Y-spoke design finished in Jet Black. Available optional features also include, inter alia, an M Carbon roof and an M Carbon exterior package.
The exclusive aura inside the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition is also enhanced by specific BMW Individual design features, a fine selection of colours and materials and particularly high-quality equipment. A special feature offered for the edition models is the BMW Individual full leather trim Merino in the novel colour combination Ivory White/Night Blue. The harmoniously matching interior design features also comprise the M leather-covered steering wheel as well as the BMW Individual Alcantara roof liner, each finished in the colour Night Blue. Inside the car, BMW Individual interior trim strips in a Black Piano finish, which are located in the centre of the cockpit, bear the lettering “First Edition 1/400”. Moreover, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the Crafted Clarity glass applications on the start/stop button, the iDrive Controller, the volume control and the illuminated gearshift lever complement the luxurious interior ambience.
The expressive personality of the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition is conveyed by its exterior and interior design and goes hand in hand with outstanding performance characteristics. The special edition model is powered by a 390 kW/530 hp, eight-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The high-torque V8 power plant is combined with an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission and transfers engine power effortlessly to the road thanks to intelligent BMW xDrive four-wheel drive technology and a suspension setup that is perfectly tuned to the vehicle concept.
BMW PRESS CLUB
Drivers Augusto Farfus (BRA), Chaz Mostert (AUS) and Martin Tomczyk (GER) piloted the #42 BMW M6 GT3 in ambient temperatures of up to 37 degrees centigrade on the 6.213 km mountain track. While the conditions were tough, the team challenged for a podium position throughout the 12-hour race and took the BMW M6 GT3’s best result thanks to a strong team performance.
The Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW M6 GT3, driven by Nick Catsburg (NED), Mikkel Jensen (DEN) and Christian Krognes (NOR), was forced to retire following a mechanical issue. In the GT4 class, the RHC-Jorgensen/Strom by Marc GT BMW M4 GT4 with Daren Eric Jorgensen, Brett Strom (both USA) and Gerard McLeod (AUS) finished in second place and made it onto the podium.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director): “BMW Team Schnitzer did an amazing job here at Bathurst – Charly would have been proud. A big compliment goes to every single team member and all drivers for an outstanding performance in an emotionally difficult situation. Throughout a thrilling race, the BMW M6 GT3 was always part of the leading group and was leading the race for some time. With a little more luck, a podium finish would have been possible. I feel sorry for Walkenhorst Motorsport having to retire early in the race due to technical problems.”
Augusto Farfus (#42 BMW M6 GT3, BMW Team Schnitzer, 5th place): “We had an amazing race in terms of our personal performance as a team, but we didn’t have much more in the pocket to fight for the podium. It’s a shame we were pushed wide, but that’s racing, and we will focus on the championship ahead. Thanks to the team – it was an emotional weekend but we remained strong throughout.”
Martin Tomczyk (#42 BMW M6 GT3, BMW Team Schnitzer, 5th place): “Team-wise, we did an outstanding job – the strategy was the best we could do – and driver-wise we made no mistakes, put in good lap times, and were always under control. Unfortunately, the power we had was not enough to fight for the victory.”
Chaz Mostert (#42 BMW M6 GT3, BMW Team Schnitzer, 5th place): “Fifth place was the best we could do with the situation we had and we fought hard to the end. It was really hot conditions here and it is a credit to the car and team to make it the distance.”
Nick Catsburg (#34 BMW M6 GT3, Walkenhorst Motorsport, DNF): “Of course, it’s never nice to retire but you can’t prevent bad luck; that’s racing. We have to look forward to Laguna Seca. I think we will be strong there and I can’t wait to get back in the BMW M6 GT3.”
MONTH IN REVIEW
It's that time of month again - January is already over, the Christmas holidays are a distant memory and the kids are all heading off to school!
January was a quiet month, allowing us all to get back into our routines for the year ahead. We hope you're all making the most of this warm weather. Summer will be over before we know it and we'll all be dreaming of the long, warm (but not too warm) days.
As you read this, some of us will be sitting Mountain side, preparing for a weekend of racing at the Bathurst 12 Hour. If you've ever thought about attending, we highly recommend doing so whether you're camping on the mountain or attend as part of a corporate package!
Our solo event for January was the Eastlink Great Australian Rally, culminating in a car show at Cruden Farm in Langwarrin. Perfect weather, beautiful location and well over 800 cars on show. Amazing! We had a fantastic day out and it was great to have so many of our members bring their cars along to show off. Read more about the day here.
CLUB SPONSOR NEWS!
We are thrilled to announce two new official sponsors of the club - Traction Tyres/Yokohama and Shannons Insurance!
We'd like to welcome Shannons Insurance and Traction Tyres/Yokohama. Traction Tyres/Yokohama are the naming rights sponsor of our 2019 Drivers' Championship. We thank you for your support and look forward to a long relationship with you both, in 2019 and in years to come.
Read more about our partnership with Traction Tyres/Yokohama here.
Read more about our partnership with Shannons Insurance here.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 307 MEMBERS
Welcome to all our new members, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
Don't forget to catch up with our January update from our President, Graeme Bell here.
THE MONTH AHEAD
We eased into 2019 with a quiet month, but February is set to be busy with the following events:
EVENTS AHEAD
BMW CLUBS AUSTRALIA NATIONALS
Every 2 years the BMW Clubs from all over Australia come together at the BMW Clubs Australia Nationals. It is a chance for Club Members from all the clubs to meet and share their love of their BMW’s with other people from all over the country. The BMWCA Nationals is held in a different location each time, with the last one in 2017 held in Brisbane.
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BMW CLASSIC NEWSLETTER
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President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
Proudly supported by:
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne is very proud to announce our new partnership with Shannons insurance as one of our 2019 club sponsors. Many of our members have already visited the incredible auction rooms at Heatherton over the past 12 months and we are excited that in 2019 Shannons have agreed to come on board as an official sponsor of our great club.
As most of you know, Shannons is one of Australia's leading insurance providers and supports thousands of enthusiast events throughout Australia every year. In addition, Shannons offers free membership to the Shannons Club - Australia's largest online motoring enthusiast community. As many members would attest to, Shannons Insurance products are especially tailored to the needs of any motoring enthusiast - with features like limited use and club plate cover, laid up cover for restorations, insurance for daily drives, as well as home and contents cover.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you jump online and have a look at all that Shannons Club has to offer.
We look forward to extending the great association we already have with Shannons, who provide us use of their facility for our meetings and events. We welcome them on board for 2019 and beyond.
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
P.O. Box 81, TYABB, VICTORIA. 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695G BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International Council CAMS Affiliated Motorsport Club
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne is very proud to announce our new partnership with Traction Tyres / Yokohama as the Naming Rights Sponsor of the 2019 Drivers’ Championship. To be called the 2019 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship. This partnership with Andrew and the Team at Traction Tyres / Yokohama is another step in the development of our growing club and enables the 2019 Drivers' Championship to take on another level of professionalism that we have aspired to achieve since the inception of the club last year.
Traction Tyres has been trading for over 3 decades and is still under the reigns of Andrew McCathie who opened the business in Noble Park back in 1981. Andrew has extensive experience in the motorsport arena, specifically in the area of forest rallying, both as a successful competitor and organiser. In 1987 the company expanded from its tyre and wheel sales and service to include steering and suspension sales, repairs and enhancements. In 1992 the company became the exclusive dealer for Victoria and Tasmania for Yokohama's motorsport product range and were also appointed Victorian agents for Avon race tyres in 1997. Andrew and all the Team at Traction Tyres have extensive knowledge and experience in not only the best tyres for your track car but also for your road car. They aren’t just confined to their premises in Kelletts Rd, Rowville either, they are often seen at track days and race meetings supporting their customers with tyre sales, fitting and balancing services as well as lots of tips on how to get the best out of your tyres right at the event.
With this partnership, members will also have access to exclusive pricing and offers both for on and off the track. So be sure to give them a call if you have any questions regarding tyres or suspension set up for your car. On behalf of the committee and all members, welcome on board. We look forward to a very successful relationship in 2019 and beyond.
Dear Members,
Welcome to 2019! It's a new year and we have been busy organising a fantastic year ahead with lots of things coming up to suit everyone’s taste.
We ended 2018 just shy of 300 members but even over the holiday break we welcomed some new members, which pushed us over 300 and on toward our next goal. Personally, I am very humbled that so many have joined us and continually tell us we are doing a great job - exactly what we aim to do, to build the best club for you, our friends and members.
January kicked off with our first event for the year, the Eastlink Great Australia Rally, culminating in a car show at Cruden Farm in Langwarrin. You can read the story about it elsewhere on the blog, but I would like to say, what an event! Perfect weather, beautiful location and well over 800 cars on show. Amazing! Make sure you come along to that one next year, so many cars of all kinds to see and so many people looking and chatting. It was a fantastic day out and great to have so many of our members bring their cars along to show off. This was one where we invited members to bring what ever car they wanted, so we had members with not only BMW’s but some other very interesting cars as well. Just shows the diversity of our club and how inclusive we are no matter what car you own. We are of course passionate about our BMW’s, but sometimes even the most ardent fan has some very interesting other makes hidden away in our collections. Like us, we have a number of old British classics that we love too.
We have a few big announcements to make too! I’d like to welcome two official sponsors of our club and hope to announce another one or two very soon! We'd like to welcome Shannons Insurance and Traction Tyres/Yokohama. Traction Tyres/Yokohama are the naming rights sponsor of our 2019 Drivers' Championship. We thank you for your support and look forward to a long relationship with you both, in 2019 and in the years to come.
Please, if you have any questions or interest in either insurance, call Shannons, or tyres and suspension for road or track, call Traction Tyres. Both are here to support your club, so please give them a call and support them back with your custom.
We have a very busy and exciting year coming up this year, starting straight away! Quite a few of us are off to Bathurst to support the BMWs running in the 12 Hour this weekend. Sadly, our friend and fellow member, Steve Richards, isn’t running this year.
We then have lots of other events coming in quick succession - I think the next weekend we have off is months away. Make sure you keep an eye on your emails and the events page on the website.
We have drives and displays coming up at some iconic locations like the Torquay Car Show, RACV Rally at Yarra Valley, Phillip Island Historics and the big one, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
We are also organising a long weekend away with the MINI Club on Queens Birthday weekend, make sure you save that date. We will be heading off to tour the iconic Silo Art Trail, as well as some other very interesting sights and detours through Western Victoria.
The 2019 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship will kick off at Sandown on 15 February. Get your entries in with the Alfa Club if you haven’t entered yet, as they are hosting us for Round 1. Round 2 will be a Hillclimb at Bryant Park in Moe. This will be the first motorsport event we've run on our own. We need you to support us at track days, so come and have some fun, even if you have never been to a track event before, I promise you will have fun!
We will also be running driver training groups at most of our events as well, so you can have an experienced instructor in your car with you. You only have to go as fast as you are comfortable at any of our track events. It is not racing and is the perfect way to let your car stretch it’s legs with out the fear of speeding tickets and at way less cost! Also, if you’d like to help us run these events, we would love you to join us and become CAMS Licenced Official. Another way to be involved and help your club as well as get up close to the action!
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year and now 2019 is here we are off and running and I looking forward to seeing you at an event or somewhere soon.
Take care and drive safe.
This latest success was the third GTLM victory in the IMSA series for the BMW M8 GTE. BMW celebrated its first win at Daytona back in 1976 with the BMW 3.0 CSL. This was followed in 1997 and 1998 by two class victories with the BMW M3 GTR. Overall victory went to Daytona prototypes with BMW Power in 2011 and 2013. BMW Team RLL finished on the top step of the podium at Daytona for the first time.
De Phillippi, Farfus, Eng and IMSA debutant Herta enjoyed a largely trouble-free race. Herta set the fastest GTLM lap time of 1:42.908 minutes on lap 64. Heavy rain started to fall during the night, causing the track conditions to deteriorate from lap to lap. With seven hours remaining, race control decided to suspend the 24 Hours of Daytona for safety reasons for the first time. The race resumed under yellow flags roughly two hours later. In total, the 24 Hours was interrupted by yellow flags 17 times. When the cars were free to race again, the BMW drivers held their nerve, avoided making any mistakes and established themselves in the leading group. One lap before the race was suspended for the second time, Farfus, at the wheel of the #25 car, took the lead in the GTLM class. This ultimately proved to be the decisive moment in the race, as the race never resumed and the BMW drivers were left to celebrate a momentous victory.
By the first race-suspension, Zanardi and his team-mates were already several laps behind the GTLM leaders, following a number of stops for repairs on the #24 car. At the end of a pit-stop in the early stages of the race, the car was dropped off the air jacks at the very moment that Alex Zanardi, who lost both his legs in a crash in 2001, was pushing his specially adapted steering wheel into place on the column. As a result of the jolt, the column was damaged and Zanardi couldn't engage the steering wheel correctly. This coinciding of the two actions had never occurred in testing. The necessary repair work cost the #25 crew a lot of time. As the race continued, the BMW M8 GTE dropped further back, as a result of several smaller incidents. However, quitting was no option for Zanardi and his fellow drivers. Despite having little luck in the race, the appearance of the former ChampCar champion proved very popular at Daytona – with drivers, teams and fans alike.
Turner Motorsport raced with the #96 BMW M6 GT3 in the GTD class. After 560 laps, the team and drivers Jens Klingmann (GER), Bill Auberlen (USA), Dillon Machavern (USA) and Robby Foley (USA) finished tenth.
The race weekend was overshadowed by the news of the sudden death of long-term Schnitzer team principal Charly Lamm. In memory of Charly, BMW Team RLL competed with the words “Godspeed, Charly” on the rear of both BMW M8 GTEs at Daytona.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director): “What a race, and what an emotional win – and during such difficult days for the entire BMW Motorsport family. To stand on the top step of the podium here at Daytona after such an eventful and unpredictable 24 Hours is absolutely fantastic. Congratulations to Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Philipp Eng, Colton Herta and everyone at BMW Team RLL. Congratulations also to our team in Munich, who have moulded the BMW M8 GTE into a real winner. We can be very proud of this success. Although the drivers of the #24 car had to settle for ninth place, after enduring a lot of misfortune during the race, they made BMW Motorsport history together. Alessandro Zanardi’s appearance sent a buzz through the racing community at Daytona and beyond. Together with Jesse Krohn, John Edwards and Chaz Mostert, Alex battled like a lion and refused to be disheartened by the set-backs in the race. That is precisely what makes him so special, and why the fans love him. Alex and his fellow drivers can also feel like winners after this race. We would like to dedicate this success to Charly Lamm. His loss is just as painful today as it was on Thursday, when we received news of his death. He would have wanted us to fight to the final lap here. We did that – and won it for him.”
Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW Team RLL): “What a great fight! Winning at Daytona is very special. When you consider where we finished here last year, then you cannot rate the effort of the entire team highly enough. Congratulations to the complete crew of the #25 car. But compliments also go to the #24 team, which unfortunately had a few issues in the race.”
Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner): “That was a really crazy race, with dry conditions, rain and cold. My team-mates did a fantastic job. The car still looks new, even after 24 hours. Augusto, in particular, did an incredible job in the rain. We were able to show that our BMW M8 GTE is very reliable and competitive in all conditions. The whole team did a perfect job. We are Daytona winners. Incredible!”
Augusto Farfus (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner): “This win is magical and of special significance to me. A few days ago, I lost a very important person in my life. I am sure that Charly was with me on the way to this success, so the win is for him. Now it is time to celebrate!”
Philipp Eng (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner): “The tension in the final few hours was almost unbearable. We did not make any mistakes for 24 hours – and this is the result. We were able to match the pace of the others in the dry. But it is impossible to describe what Augusto then did in the rain. It was a joy to watch him and I am proud to have a team-mate like that. This victory is for Charly.”
Colton Herta (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner): “That was spectacular! Strictly speaking, it was my first GT race ever – and with such a fantastic outcome. The best thing about it was my stint in the night, when the top five of the GTLM class were bunched closely together and we were battling for position. Then Augusto was simply incredible in the rain. He led us to the head of the field. I just cannot believe it all.”
Alessandro Zanardi (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9th place): “We have an incredibly intense race behind us – won by BMW. I am delighted. After all, I am part of the team, so I also feel a bit like a winner. Congratulations to the guys. Augusto, in particular, did an incredible job. From a sporting point of view, we did not achieve our goals with the #24 car. I feel incredibly sorry for everyone who worked so hard on this project, both in Munich and here in the USA. We really tested countless possible scenarios in the run-up to the race, and then something happens in the first pit-stop which has never happened before. But that is motorsport for you. We just have to accept it. That aside, my appearance here at Daytona, with all the fantastic reactions from the fans, colleagues and opponents has been like a fairy tale. I would like to say a big thank you to BMW Motorsport and BMW Team RLL for one of the best experiences of my life.”
John Edwards (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9th place): “The past few months, with all the testing I did with Alex Zanardi and the other guys, were a very special experience. It was an honour to work with such a fantastic character as Alex, both on and off the track. Unfortunately, the race was disappointing for us, as we had a few incidents too many in order to achieve a positive result. However, as a team we are obviously very pleased with the victory for the #25.”
Jesse Krohn (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9th place): “That was a tough race, in which we simply did not have any luck. The heavy rain did not make it any easier. It was impressive to see how Alex was able to keep the car on the track at all in those conditions, with the extreme aquaplaning. I am delighted that it worked out so well for the #25 car. The team really deserved it after all the hard work they did preparing for the race.”
Chaz Mostert (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9th place): “A number of factors were behind us not achieving the result we had hoped for in this race. However, all in all, competing in this race and working with a special person like Alex Zanardi, not forgetting John Edwards and Jesse Krohn, has been fantastic for me. I will never forget this amazing experience.”
BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt:
“Totally unexpectedly we received the news from the Lamm family that Charly Lamm died on Thursday. Our sincere condolences go to the Lamm family and the Schnitzer family. It is incredibly difficult to accept that Charly is no longer with us. He had a significant impact on racing at BMW for decades, celebrated major successes with his team, and wowed fans around the world with his unique passion for racing. Losing him so suddenly is a shock and a tragedy – particularly because Charly was just about to start a brand new chapter of his life. We mourn the loss of a character who was both valued and loved internationally, who will always be closely linked with BMW Motorsport. Thank you for everything Charly. We will miss you forever.”
At both the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA) and the ABB FIA Formula E Championship race in Santiago (CHL), the BMW teams will compete in memory of Charly Lamm.
With the new BMW 7 Series, driving pleasure and ride experience reach an unprecedented new level in the luxury segment. After the world premiere of the luxury sedan in Shanghai, now the market launch campaign for the new BMW 7 Series follows with a powerfully emotional film at its centre. The campaign film, designed for use on different communication channels, presents the new BMW 7 Series using atmospheric imagery as the perfect choice for individualists who are not deterred by any obstacles in their way, but who follow their own path with self-assured confidence.
The short film titled “Above the Clouds”, directed by the American Dan DiFelice, shows the pilot of a private plane who is prevented from taking off in his plane by bad weather and who then makes a spontaneous decision. He swaps his “cockpit” for that of his new BMW 7 Series and accelerates down the dark and rainy runway unhindered. His journey takes him into majestic mountain scenery and he travels higher and higher. Finally we see how he breaks through the cloud cover on a mountain pass road in his car, heads towards the sunlight and leaves the black storm behind him. The key scene of the film describes a luxurious experience at the highest level creating a sublime moment, which is generally reserved for the pilot of a plane, but in this scenario can literally only be experienced in the new BMW 7 Series.
The new luxury sedan becomes the symbol of how limits can be overcome through your own initiative and self-confidence, how the freedom of individual mobility can be expanded and how new horizons then open up. “With its self-assured character, the new BMW 7 Series embodies the way of life of a target group who follows its aims and ideas in a self-determined and independent manner regardless of any external obstacles”, says Uwe Dreher, Director Brand Communication BMW, BMW i and BMW M.
After the new BMW 8 Series Coupé, the new BMW 8 Series Convertible and the new BMW X7, the new BMW 7 Series is the fourth model to be presented and launched against the background of a new brand presence in the luxury segment. The launch is characterised by a newly designed signet and the company name Bayerische Motoren Werke, which is fully written out. For the BMW Group, the brand’s current initiative in the luxury segment is one of the objectives set out in the NUMBER ONE > NEXT company strategy to ensure sustainable growth on the worldwide automobile markets. In addition the new BMW 7 Series features a unique variety on innovations in the four future-oriented ACES fields (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified, Services/Shared).
The entire BMW 7 Series launch campaign has been designed in line with the new aesthetic appearance of the brand in the luxury segment. Just like the campaign film, all other communication materials including the sales literature and the online channels of the new BMW 7 Series are harmoniously coordinated with each other in order to provide the target groups in this vehicle class with an integrated and holistic world of experience. “The launch campaign for the new BMW 7 Series highlights the luxury sedan’s unique combination of presence, exclusivity and innovation using powerful imagery and emotional staging”, says Kirsty Skinner-Gerth, Head of International Campaigns, Artwork, Film, Entertainment Marketing. The campaign was devised by the BMW Group in conjunction with Serviceplan Campaign International. In addition to the campaign film, a product highlight film as well as several cutdowns for different social media channels have been produced. In this way the cinematic atmosphere, which symbolises the character of the new BMW 7 Series, is authentically transferred to all communication channels.
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