The Teamspeed BMW Racing Picture Thread
Jun 12, 2011 | 09:48 AM
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From: Frankfurt
The Teamspeed BMW Racing Picture Thread 
The Teamspeed BMW Racing Picture Thread
BMW's impact on motorsports can trace its lineage back to the company's first automobiles during the 1920s and '30s. In 1936, BMW built the legendary 328 which proved unbeatable in two-liter classes. Including the win in 1940 at the Mille Miglia which it then earned the name Mille Miglia Coupe. Over the decades, the terms ''coupe,'' ''sports,'' and ''lightweight'' would serve BMW well across international circuits, paving each raceway with the melting hearts of countless aficionados.
In 1973, the BMW 3.0 CSL made its debut and introduced the world to BMW Motorsport GmbH. Adorned with the now-classic three blue, violet, and red stripes, the 3.5 CSL won multiple titles, including the Touring Car Grand Prix at Nürburgring in its first attempt. Two years later, and a matter of days after BMW of North America was incorporated, the 3.5 CSL won the 12 Hours of Sebring, and continued its success with a victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1976. It would go on to become the most successful touring car of its day.
Success for BMW Motorsport GmbH would continue later in the decade with the introduction of the M1. Two-time Formula 1 World Championship winner, Niki Lauda, brought home three victories in eight 1979 ProCar races, while three-time Formula 1 champion Nelson Piquet won the ProCar championship series in 1980.
In 1986, the M3 was developed for racing homologation purposes, with a requisite 5,000 cars for competition in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). On the track it proved more than competent, winning its debut season of the series over opposition by Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Alfa Romeo, and Volvo. The M3 went on to win the European Touring Car Championship several times, the Tour de Corse rally and the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) twice—for starters. The M3 would quickly become the most victorious racing car of all time, recording 1,436 victories in 1,628 days.
Over the years, the BMW M3 continued to finish in high standings throughout an array of professional circuits abroad, including the ADAC GT Cup of Germany in 1993, the IMSA GTS-2 Championship in 1996, the 24 Hours Nürburgring (winning 1-2 in 2004 and 2005), and the 24 Hours Spa, with drivers such as Hans-Joachim Stuck, Pedro Lamy, Jörg Müller, and Dirk Müller on the Spa-Francorchamps.
Source text [BMW]
So without further adieu this picture thread will be out little tribute!
