The 24 Hours of Nürburgring witnessed a spectacular display of motorsport excellence as BMW M Motorsport and MINI John Cooper Works showcased their prowess in front of a record crowd of 280,000 spectators. The event, held in the challenging “Green Hell,” saw BMW M Motorsport clinch its 21st overall victory, while MINI secured a commendable second place in the SP3T class – right behind the BMW M2 Racing.
In a thrilling race, the ROWE Racing team, featuring drivers Kelvin van der Linde (RSA), Augusto Farfus (BRA), Jesse Krohn (FIN), and Raffaele Marciello (SUI), overcame a challenging start from 17th position.
Farfus made a stunning start, quickly moving into the top ten. After a power outage caused a red flag, the team regrouped and executed a remarkable comeback, with van der Linde’s aggressive driving during the restart propelling the #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO to third place within just two laps.
As the race progressed, the BMW M4 GT3 EVO maintained a strong position, navigating the night flawlessly and building a comfortable gap to the competitors.
With three and a half hours remaining, Farfus took the lead for the first time, and despite crossing the finish line behind a competing Porsche, a penalty issued to the latter secured the victory for ROWE Racing. This win marked van der Linde’s third triumph at the Nürburgring, adding to his previous victories in 2017 and 2022.
In addition to the overall victory, the new BMW M2 Racing made a significant impact, achieving a class victory in its final endurance test.
The #310 car, driven by BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann (GER), Charles Weerts, and Ugo de Wilde (BEL), along with motorsport journalist Michael Bräutigam (GER), dominated the SP3T class, showcasing the potential of BMW’s entry-level race car.
Meanwhile, the MINI John Cooper Works team, racing under Bulldog Racing, demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, finishing second in the SP3T class.
The driver lineup of Samantha Tan (CAN), Toby Goodman (GBR), Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER), and Markus Fischer (AUT) completed 111 laps, showcasing their endurance and teamwork in one of the most demanding racing environments.
After a power failure interrupted the race, the team made a stunning recovery, climbing over 60 places in the overall standings.
Markus Fischer also set the team’s fastest lap, further solidifying their competitive edge. The MINI John Cooper Works, adorned with a unique design from the fashion brand Deus Ex Machina, not only impressed on the track but also captured the attention of fans and competitors alike.
Overall, BMW M Motorsport customer teams achieved seven class victories at the event, with notable performances from various teams, including the #67 BMW M4 GT4 EVO and the #650 BMW M240i Racing.
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring remains a highlight in the motorsport calendar, and this year’s edition reaffirmed BMW’s dominance and MINI‘s growing stature in endurance racing.
The camaraderie and spirit displayed by all teams contributed to an unforgettable weekend of racing, one that was celebrated by fans and participants alike.