BMW re-entered the ALMS (American Le Mans Series races) with an e92 M3 coupe that had been prepared for this race.
It features a large rear spoiler, wider wheel fenders, a stripped-down interior, and an upgraded 485 horsepower engine.
Racing team owner Bobby Rahal helped announce BMW's return to ALMS racing, which will take place for the 2009 racing season. Rahal had previously campaigned BMW race cars at ALMS.
“We are thrilled to return to the American Le Mans Series with our next-generation BMW M3,” said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW North America.
“Sports car racing has been part of BMW North America's history since day one. Just two weeks after the company was founded in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation of the M3 will continue. the legacy of his two predecessors combined to win six manufacturers' championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As has been the case in the past, we believe ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the new BMW M3.”
BMW North America withdrew from ALMS at the end of 2006, and the brand's return coincided with ALMS' 10th season.
BMW won the first race in series history when JJ Lehto, Tom Kristensen, and Jorg Muller drove a BMW V12 LMR to victory lane at the 1999 12 Hours of Sebring. That same year, BMW became the first ALMS team to win the overall championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. BMW has 15 ALMS wins, nine in the GT2 class and six in LMP1.
