- Head of BMW Motorsport Jens Marquardt wants to introduce DTM in the U.S. by 2013.
- DTM U.S. would support major race series.
- BMW wants to support Z4 GTS customer cars in the U.S.
- BMW is also targeting a new entry-level racer.
MUNICH, Germany — BMW's head of motorsport, Jens Marquardt, is targeting the introduction of a new U.S. race series featuring DTM cars. "A launch date of 2013 is realistic," said Marquardt, "but we need to do it properly. We can't be a headliner at the beginning but would need to be part of another race series such as NASCAR, Grand-Am or IndyCar."
BMW is currently developing a car for the DTM series in Europe, where it will go head-to-head with Mercedes and reigning champion Audi. The series features bespoke V8-engined racers with up to 500 horsepower and boasts an impressive lineup of drivers including grand prix winners David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher.
"DTM is one of the best platforms you can have," said Marquardt. "You have safe, spectacular cars that can be run for an acceptable cost." The BMW Motorsport boss admitted that for the series to be a success in the U.S., it would be important to attract other manufacturers. Marquardt said Lexus "is a good fit and I told [Toyota President] Akio Toyoda that they should get involved when I saw him."
Alongside the DTM program, BMW is also keen to offer the Z4 GTS in the U.S. "If we do it, we have to offer the right support and backup. We need consistent regulations that work all over the world." The cars would be run by independent teams but with technical support from the factory.
Having had its fingers burnt in Formula One, BMW is now committed to "production car-based racing" and Marquardt would also like to see a new entry-level formula to allow enthusiasts to progress from track days to racing. "We'd like to do a car that you could buy and run in 6-7 races for around €100,000 ($138,000)."
Inside Line says: A U.S.-based "DTM" series is something we'd travel to see.
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thatguyuknow says:
05:09 AM, 10/24/2011
@vchiu
No, DTM cars aren't that close to production vehicles... "stock car" racing these days isn't what it seems, as evident in the NASCAR series. Also, I dont think you understand how much Formula 1 has influenced road car technology. Much of the electronic safety measures now standard on vehicles have been the direct result of innovation and perfecting technologies/concepts applied in F1.
F1 is also responsible for pioneering developments "fuel saving measures" that you mentioned such as the concept of downsizing and turbocharging, as well as new tech such as Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, esp. the Williams flywheel KERS that we'll be seeing much more of in the future.
Oh and for those with DSG, SMG, PDK or whatever manufacturers like to call them these days, who can forget the "flappy paddles"? Launch control? You bet ;)
Don't forget, F1 has also influenced advances in other fields, ie. medical. Just a few more reasons to love F1!!
a1c_scg says:
07:30 AM, 10/21/2011
Two words- HELLS YEAH.
viss1 says:
06:37 AM, 10/21/2011
NASCAR would be an odd partner unless DTM only partnered on the 2 road course races.
Great synergy with the other series mentioned, though.
vchiu says:
03:24 AM, 10/21/2011
I don't feel any interest for Formula one races as those are made with cars that have nothing to do with reality, for extravagant budgets. DTM is the kind of race with more reasonable money whereas cars are closer to production. The experience in engine development , suspension or fuel saving measures can be more directly transmitted to the cars we buy than with Formula 1 imho.
A smaller team has a chance, which makes such a competition worthwile.
but would DTM US be a suitable name? Only enthusiasts would grab the meaning.
speedrcr says:
08:58 PM, 10/20/2011
Wow...count me in...however I don't think it was smart to mention "Lexus" if your trying to make the case of bringing a racing series to the US. I think it would have at least been more appropriate to mention Cadillac with the CTS-V. Sounds like this guy has a bone for Lexus.
omairkhanzada says:
06:18 PM, 10/20/2011
Thank you BMW!
bassrockerx says:
05:01 PM, 10/20/2011
i love the nascar idea there is about a dozen great drivers that can't seem to be able to hang on to a contract longer then 2 years due to sponsers pulling out or the teams themselves not having enough funding or spnsership dollars. if BMW would swoop in and give two or three drivers a factory sponsored ride that would be amazing for the sport it would be three great drivers that can actually run a full series and not have to miss any races as well as a fifth manufactuer to slug it out.
smallfield says:
04:50 PM, 10/20/2011
Would love to see this happen. Hopefully they will run it at Barber's.
+1 - Beautiful venue, but not in a big population center - though Indy does selling tickets.
rks838 says:
04:17 PM, 10/20/2011
YES!! BRING IT OVER!!!
tourian says:
03:48 PM, 10/20/2011
Would love to see this happen. Hopefully they will run it at Barber's.