NEWS // CASWELL TO BUILD BAJA BIMMER @ SEMA

DIY enthusiast turned WRC racer, Bill Caswell, will join the Miller Electric Mfg. Co. at this years SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, to completely overhaul his E30 BMW, transforming it into a Baja vehicle. Caswell will complete the transformation from Miller booth #23913 in the Racing and Performance pavilion, performing all of the necessary welds in just four days to prepare his car for the upcoming SCORE Baja 1000, which will take place November 17–21... [read more]

“Bill’s passion for racing combined with his desire to create fits nicely with our vision of empowering auto enthusiasts through the Power of Blue,” said Tim Swanson, vice president of marketing for Miller Electric. “Rally and Baja racing requires a diverse skill set, from detailed fabrication and welding to high-speed driving. We’re looking forward to watching Bill build and race the Miller car.”

Formerly a finance banker from Chicago, Caswell left his job in 2009 to focus on rally racing. Caswell made a name for himself in March of this year by placing third in the Rally America class of Rally Mexico, an FIA-sanctioned event run concurrently with the World Rally Championship in Corona, Mexico.

Racing alongside professional cars valued at more than $400,000, Caswell (and co-driver Ben Slocum) competed in a 1991 BMW 318i that he bought off Craigslist for $500.

In November, Caswell will take his BMW to the Baja Peninsula to compete in the Sportsman class of SCORE Baja 1000.

“I grew up watching the Baja 1000 race, and actually running it has been a lifelong dream of mine,” said Caswell. “Welding is probably the most critical part of prepping the car for a Baja race, and I’m excited to finish the car and get underway.”

As part of the Baja 1000 BMW build, Caswell will fabricate the following components during the course of the SEMA trade show.

Day One: Main Roll Cage
Day Two: Front Cage and Suspension
Day Three: Rear Cage and Suspension
Day Four: Accessories including complete main cage structure, front brush guard, fuel cell, light bar, safety gear and exhaust.

To see more of Caswell’s story, and to catch live reports and updates from the show, click here.

Images and Info: Caswell Motorsport
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // TURNER MOTORSPORTS PREPARING 30 M3 COUPES

The guys at Turner Motorsports are preparing to build 30 track ready Frozen Gray BMW M3 coupes. Equipped with a set of 18x10 Volk Racing G2s wrapped in 275/35 Continental Grand-Am spec race slicks, Turner Motorsport's E92 M3 will also feature a more aggressive braking system, a stiffer suspension, and a handful of other track day goodies. Additional information can be found at M3Post // [comment]

EYE CANDY // AN ART CAR @ LE MANS

Last weekend, the 17th Art Car commissioned by BMW made its racing debut at the 78th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And even though the car, which was driven by Dirk Werner, Dirk Muller and Andy Priaulx, had mechanical issues and had to retire early, it's presence didn't go unnoticed // [comment]

VIDEO // 24 HOURS IN 19,500 FRAMES

Courtesy of Tim Hahne and our friends at Axis of Oversteer, check out this wonderful bit of film highlighting BMW's effort at this years Nürburgring 24 Hours. The video was shot with a Canon 5D MkII // [comment]

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // M3 RALLY CAR RE-RUN

Courtesy of our friends at MotorsportRetro, enjoy this shot of Patrick Snijers and his Prodrive E30 M3 rally car taken during the 1988 Manx Rally. Additionally, follow the link for a bit of film that I am sure you've seen, but should probably watch again... [read more]



Photo: MotorsportRetro
Video: Orkofono
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // RACE WINNER @ THE RING

Thought you'd enjoy another look at the race winning BMW M3 GT2 of Jorg Muller, Augusto Farfus, Uwe Alzen and Pedro Lamy. Taking the overall win at this years Nürburgring 24 Hours, the all-new M3 GT2 finished first after 154 laps around the 15.5 mile Nordschleife circuit // [comment]

NEWS // VICTORY FOR BMW @ THE NORDSCHLEIFE (W/VIDEO)

After returning to the classic endurance event that is the Nurburgring 24 Hours, BMW claimed a hard fought victory after the challenge from Audi evaporated. The M3 GT2 with drivers Jorg Muller, Augusto Farfus, Uwe Alzen and Pedro Lamy claimed victory after all Audi's front running R8's hit trouble.

The classic 24 Hour race around the "Green Hell" had seen Audi setting the pace for much of the day and night. However as the R8's began to drop out one by one with mechanical issues BMW began to sense victory. They left it late however, inheriting the lead from the Porsche of Bergmeister/Lietz/Holzer/Ragginger which retired on circuit with engine failure in the 23rd hour... [read more]



BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: “That was a fantastic return for us at the 24-hour race here on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This win reminds me of the triumph in Le Mans in 1999. I have never known excitement like I experienced today. After some of our direct rivals fell by the wayside, our victory was also hanging by a thread. At about 12.00 the winning car developed a gearbox problem, resulting in the loss of one gear. Shortly after 13.00 other gears gradually gave up. It was a masterful performance how Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen brought the car home in first place in this crucial phase. The tension was enormous for all of us, so the relief was all the greater when the car crossed the finish line. I must say a big thank you to every single member of the team. Everyone worked perfectly together. Thanks also to our loyal fans, who have taken us to their hearts after a five-year break and given us such great support.”



For Pedro Lamy this was his fifth victory at the iconic event, "That is definitely my best win here on the Nordschleife" said the Portuguese driver, "Each one of my five victories was special in its own way, but the way we won this one was particularly difficult. Maybe some of the other teams were missing the bit of luck that was needed here. However, as you can make your own luck, this entire team most definitely earned its victory. I am pleased for BMW, everyone in the team and, of course, for myself."

For complete final results click here

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: BMW Motorsport

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // THEN AND NOW

Just a quick look at two of the most important Three Series BMWs to date. And with the return of the Bavarian automaker to the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans (and potentially DTM competition), it seemed an appropriate addition to our on going ThreeSeriesThursday feature // [comment]

VIDEO // BMW M3 GTS RUNS 'THE RING'

The BMW M3 GTS just may be the most potent M3 ever produced. With a 450hp 4.4-liter V8 engine, a race tuned suspension, roll cage and a chassis that is some 419 lbs lighter than a standard M3, the new M3 GTS is the ultimate Bimmer, as far as we're concerned. With a price tag of $145,000, the M3 GTS seems like quite the deal, that is if they weren't sold out. According to Autoblog, all 90 units BMW plans to build have already been pre-sold. And while were left to day dream about the most impressive M3 to date, BMW has released this video of their new E92 M3 lapping the Nurburgring with test engineer Günter Sillinger at the wheel // [comment]

NEWS // BMW WILL RETURN TO DTM IN 2012?

We just received word that "the BMW board has made a positive decision of general principle regarding a BMW involvement in DTM from the 2012 season." According to our source, BMWs involment in the series hinges on the new DTM regulations that are currently being developed by DMSB (German Motor Sport Association) in cooperation with DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. Additionally, the development of the new regulations was supported by the engineers of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and are supposed to also allow the usage of the DTM cars in other international motorsport series. Assuming all goes according to plan, BMW will enter the DTM series in 2012 using their M3 as the basis for their entry.

Follow the link for a bit of vintage DTM footage featuring BMWs ever popular E30 M3... [read more]







Image and Info: DTM
Video: VFMC Media
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // M POWER INDEED

Courtesy of ColdTrackDays correspondent, Camden Thrasher, those of you in the PNW may be familiar with this weeks ThreeSeriesThursday feature, as it races in both ICSCC and SCCA events here in the Northwest. By far one of our favorite Bavarians, this E46 M3 has been transformed from mild mannered track car to purpose built race car, and most recently competed in last weekends Rose City Opener // [comment]

VIDEO // HANS-JOACHIM STUCK LAPS THE RING

Thank god for social networking sites. Anthony Solomon, a fan of ColdTrackDays on Facebook, posted this video to our wall late last night. Featuring nearly ten minutes of on-board footage, watch (and listen) as Hans-Joachim Stuck laps the Nurburgring's F1 circuit in a BMW M3 CSL // [comment]

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // READY FOR THE RING

Nothing seemed more appropriate for this weeks ThreeSeriesThursday feature then this image of an E36 M3 lapping what we assume to be the Nurburgring. Clad in Dakar Yellow with a Nordschleife graphic across the rear quarter, this M3 ranks high on our list of approved 'Ring weapons // [comment]

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // M3 GT2 @ CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD

Courtesy of our friends at PhotoFinish, do enjoy this shot of the all new BMW Team Schnitzer M3 GT2, which is competing in this years Le Mans Series. Starting 13th and running as high as 3rd at one point, the team went on to finish last weekends 8 Hours of Castellet, what was the first round of LMS competition, 6th in class. The BMW Team Schnitzer M3 GT2 will race again at the 1000km of Spa on May 9th // [comment]

VIDEO // A TRIBUTE TO THE BMW M3 (W/PURE ENGINE SOUNDS)

Courtesy of our friends at The Rally Channel, check out this ten minute video compilation dedicated to the BMW M3. A car that was driven by various French tarmac aces during French Rally Championship events in the 1990s, watch as BMW's four-cylinder, RWD rally monster tears up the tarmac // [comment]

VIDEO // E36 M3 DRIFTING @ THE NURBURGRING

Courtesy of our friends at Axis of Oversteer and M3-DRIFT, check out this video shot at the Nurburgring's Grand Prix track featuring Markus and Olli's 1993 E36 M3... [read more]



Photo: M3-DRIFT
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

EVENT // BRITCAR CHAMPIONSHIP @ BRANDS HATCH

A cold and damp Brands Hatch indy circuit was the setting for the opening round of the 2010 Britcar championship. Grid numbers were slightly down but this didn’t seem to affect the quality of the racing, with some great battles going on in all classes.

The Britcar GT race saw last year’s champions Witt Gamski and Keith Robinson take the win in the MKC team Ferrari F430 GTC, while in the production event the race went to the no. 58 BMW M3 E36 driven by Keith Webster of Geoff Steel Racing... [read more]

The morning started off with qualifying sessions taking place on the damp, but drying indy circuit with the forecast predicting no further rain for the day. By the end of the first set of qualifying sessions the track was still damp in places, but a bit of welcome sunlight soon dried this up. 

The production class set out for a half hour qualifying session with Mike Jordan and Steven Wood taking pole position in the no. 77 Eurotech Ford Mustang, lapping the damp circuit in 53.715. Taking the second grid spot was the no. 80 Rover MG ZR driven by Thomas Carnaby with the no. 58 BMW E36 of Keith Webster in third. 

The race got started after two formation laps with the Mustang tearing down the Brabham straight with its V8 roar, while holding onto first place. Keith Webster took second place early on by passing the MG ZR coming out of Paddock Hill bend, setting his sights on Steven Wood in the Mustang. As the cars came out of Druids the no. 64 Seat Leon Supercopa driven by Mark and Peter Cunningham and qualified 4th, pulled off with a problem and limped back to the pits, rejoining shortly after albeit 2 laps down as they attempted to fight their way back up the field. 

As the leading class 1 cars started to pull away from the rest of the field, it was clear Keith Webster had good pace keeping close to Steven Wood in the Mustang. As the Mustang started to pull out a bit of a gap, Webster pulled into the pit for fuel on lap 37, emerging 2 laps down but with the rest of the race to make up the gap. 

The Mustang took its decision to pit on lap 59, where a driver change saw Mike Jordan step into the car. The stop took a bit longer than expected and when the no. 77 Mustang emerged with Jordan at the wheel, they were 27 seconds down on Webster who now had a comfortable lead, with uncertainty on how long he could hold it for. 

The remaining laps saw Jordan closing the gap on Webster’s M3, getting it down to 20 seconds on lap 70. An exciting prospect of a close finish between the two ended after 91 minutes with Webster winning by over 8 seconds from Mike Jordan in second place on lap 103. An impressive effort by Mark and Peter Cunningham saw them finish 3rd after problems on the first lap left them 2 laps down. 

Other notable finishes were Gino Ussi in the no. 56 BMW M3 E46 finishing 5 seconds ahead of Angus Dawe and Mike Wilds in the M3 E36. A moment at druids in the closing laps left the no. 65 Ford Escort Turbo stranded in the gravel trap, which then had to sit out the rest of the race being classified in 10th. 

Britcar Production Class Race Results:

01 Keith Webster - BMW M3 E36 - Geoff Steel Racing
02 Mike Jordan/Steven Wood Ford Mustang - FR500GT4 - Eurotech Racing
03 Mark Cunningham/Peter Cunningham - Seat Leon Supercopa - SG Racing
04 Gino Ussi – BMW E46 M3 - Geoff Steel Racing
05 Angus Dawe/Mike Wilds – BMW M3 E36 - Intersport
06 Don Norchi/Piers Johnson – Volvo S60 T5 - Kalmar-Union.com
07 Thomas Carnaby – Rover MG ZR - Gary Carnaby
08 Ian Lawson/Anthony Wilds – BMW 320i E46 - Ian Lawson
09 Mick Mercer/Gary Smith – Ginetta GT4 - In 2 Racing
10 Dave Cox/Jason Cox/Michael Cox – Ford Escort Turbo - Race Car Spares Motorsport 

In the GT class qualifying took place on a now much dryer track, with the sun poking through the clouds for some of the session. The top spot was taken by Sean and Michael McInerney in the Mosler MT900R with a quick lap of 46.253, almost 8/10ths quicker than last years champions in the Ferrari. The 3rd and 4th spots were also taken by F430s, that of the no. 12 JMH racing and no. 21 M TECH Motorsport respectively. The 5th spot was taken by Stephen Brady and Michael Millard in the no. 8 Ultima, but a trip through the gravel at Druids left the car stranded in the last 10 minutes unable to put in any more lap times. 

As the cars piled into Paddock hill bend at the start of the race, the positions at the front stayed the same, with some overtaking going on further down the field. The Azteca Motorsport Porsche 996 GT3 climbed up to 8th position from 11th in the opening laps before being passed by the no. 46 Lotus Exige, driven by Chris Headlam and Jamie Stanley. The Porsche then took the position back at Druids hairpin. 

At the front the Mosler powered its way round catching the MJC Ferrari, but determined not to go a lap down the F430 driven by Witt Gamski put up a fight resulting in him being tapped into a spin by the Mosler on the exit of Graham Hill bend, leaving the helpless Ferrari on the grass. Luckily Gamski got the car going again and after a quick pit stop and driver change over to Keith Robinson, the car gradually climbed its way back up to second place. 

A close battle was going on between the no. 41 Azteca Porsche 996 and the no. 50 Eurotech Ginetta G50 driven by the Jordan pair. Both cars were jostling for position as the Porsche was closing right up on the straights but couldn’t quite hold it like the Ginetta in the corners. 

By now the battle at the front had gotten even more exciting with the second place MJC Ferrari having caught up on the same lap as the Mosler and chasing him down, clearly giving it everything he had. After seemingly a final pit stop from both cars, the Mosler was in the lead and clearly had the race in the bag. That was until lap 153 when the Mosler dived into the pits yet again for its actual final pit stop, where the Ferrari went into the lead. Some uncertainty followed as to whether the Ferrari needed to pit again, but on lap 181 the no. 1 MJC F430 driven by Witt Gamski and Keith Robinson took the chequered flag to claim the race win of the first round of the Britcar Championship. 

A great result for the no. 21 M-TECH Racing Ferrari F430 saw Duncan Cameron and Mike Edmunds take the final spot on the podium winning their class, with the Ginetta G50 driven by Andrew and Mike Jordan in 4th spot also winning their respective class. 

Overall an exciting race which could have been made better with a few more cars but some great racing was seen in all classes. The grids should fill out a bit as the season goes on but it looks set to be an exciting year for Britcar. 

Britcar GT Class Results:

01 Witt Gamski/Keith Robinson – Ferrari F430 GTC - MJC Ltd
02 Sean McInerney/Michael Mcinerney – Mosler MT900R – Eclipse Motorsport
03 Duncan Cameron/Mike Edmunds – Ferrari F430 – M-TECH Racing
04 Andrew Jordan/Mike Jordan – Ginetta G50 GT – Eurotech Racing
05 Javier Morcillo/Manuel Cintrano – Porsche 996 GT3 – Azteca Motorsport
06 Aaron Scott/Andy Ruhan/Arwyn Williams – Ferrari F430 - JMH
07 Owen O’Neil/Henry Fletcher – Marcos Mantis GT3 – Topcat Racing
08 Neil Huggins/Raphael Fiorentino – Marcos Mantis GT3 – Topcat Racing
09 John Dhillon/Nima Khandon-Nia – Ferrari F430 – M-TECH Racing
10 Colin Mowle – KTM – ABG Motorsport 

For more information on the 2010 Britcar Championship, click here 

For more photos from the opening round of the 2010 Britcar Championship at Brands Hatch, click here

Photo/Editorial: Seamus Rafferty

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // BMW TEAM PTG'S E46 M3 GTR

Doing his part for ThreeSeriesThursday, ColdTrackDays correspondent, Camden Thrasher, just sent me a handful of photos he took in 2006 when the American Le Mans Series visited Portland's International Raceway. The car, BMW Team PTG's E46 M3 GTR, was piloted by Joey Hand and Bill Auberlen, and competed in all ten races during the 2006 season, finishing sixth overall in the GT2 class.

Follow the link for additional images and a bit of video... [read more]









Photo: Camden Thrasher
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

THREE SERIES THURSDAY // AN EVERYDAY E46

Thursday, the penultimate day of the week for many, is to us here at ColdTrackDays a time to reflect on one of our favorite cars of all time, the 3 Series BMW. This particular example, which comes courtesy of EatSleepShift, appears to be a lightly modified E46 M3, and is the kind of car we could see ourselves driving everyday, rain or shine. Stay tuned for more ThreeSeriesThursday features // [comment]

NEWS // RAHAL LETTERMAN UNVEIL NEW ALMS M3 LIVERY

BMW's new ad campaign, Story of Joy, is the centerpiece of Rahal Letterman Racing's new livery. Unveiled during this weeks ALMS Wheels Down Winter Test at the Sebring International Raceway, the M3's new livery is a "tribute to our most enthusiastic fans" says BMW's North American motorsport manager.

Follow the link for a closer look... [read more]




Images and Info: BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey