Woodcliff Lake, N.J. April 15, 2023 . . . Right now, BMW M Group RLL had a wonderful day on the seashore. In solely the staffs third race with the all-new BMW M Hybrid V8 racing vehicles, a second and fourth GTP class consequence was a well-deserved seasons-best effort.
Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly scored their second consecutive runner-up end of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech Sports activities Automobile season, with Yelloly making his first begin on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn non permanent avenue circuit. The No. 25 BMW M Hybrid V8 accomplished 78 laps within the 100-minute occasion, a yellow flag ending the race below warning. Philipp Eng and Augusto Farfus completed fourth within the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8, each additionally making their first Lengthy Seaside begins.
The races first hour was solely slowed by one warning interval, following an incident on the opening lap, and lasting for the primary 10 minutes of the race. Each BMW M Hybrid V8 machines had a flip within the lead earlier than pitting. Yelloly stopped the No. 25 on lap 33 handy off to De Phillippi, the Californian reentering in fourth. Two laps later, Farfus pitted the No. 24 automobile. Eng reentered the race in seventh. De Phillippi moved right into a podium place (third) on lap 52 with Eng transferring to sixth as a competitor made a late cease. Eng moved as much as fifth because the final GTP competitor pitted. A uncommon error despatched De Phillippi right into a runoff space on lap 58 and again to fourth, however he climbed again to 3rd, setting the races quick lap (1:11.503 minutes), and finally propelling himself and the BMW to second, within the remaining minutes of the race.
To be trustworthy we actually didn’t know what to anticipate from the primary dash race for the GTP vehicles, mentioned Bobby Rahal, Group Principal. Proper from the beginning of the weekend, the BMW M Hybrid V8s appeared good. We gave a superb run for the win, however we could be very pleased with our effort immediately.
Thanks to the whole staff for the nice efficiency immediately! Congratulations to BMW M RLL, to BMW Motorsport, and to our drivers, mentioned Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. After our first podium in Sebring, right here we’re once more on the rostrum with Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly, together with the quickest lap of the race by Connor. Im additionally pleased with the consequence by Augusto Farfus and Philipp Eng with a robust 4th place end. The quickest race lap confirmed the nice effort by the whole staff over the previous couple of weeks and the progress that has been made. At Lengthy Seaside, have been in a position to battle for the win. This reveals how good our vehicles are. I’d additionally wish to congratulate Madison Snow, Bryan Sellers and Paul Miller Racing for his or her victory within the GTD class immediately. Thanks everybody for these nice outcomes.
Connor De Phillippi, driver No. 25 BMW M Hybrid V8 (P2): I put myself in a lower than ideally suited scenario once I ran lengthy making an attempt to move the Porsche. Fortunately, I discovered the TC-off button and spun the automobile round. There was nonetheless half-hour remaining, so I put my head down. The automobile was unbelievable on the finish and to see how aggressive we have been was nice.
Nick Yelloly, driver No. 25 BMW M Hybrid V8 (P2): A second second-in-a-row end might be greater than I may have hoped for, however we had excessive expectations. Sure, it was my first time at Lengthy Seaside and my first podium right here, so I’m delighted.
Philipp Eng, driver No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8 (P4): The staff made one other good step ahead following Sebring. Congrats to the No. 25 guys. Lengthy Seaside was an excellent expertise. Hopefully, subsequent time, will probably be time for the No. 24 automobile.
Augusto Farfus, driver No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8 (P4): We will go away Lengthy Seaside with a smile. I actually loved my first go to to this circuit, and I’m positive Philipp did as nicely. We had a seamless day and, as a staff, BMW M Group RLL is basically making progress.
The No. 1 BMW M4 GT3 of Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow, IMSAs 2022 Dash Cup champions, scored their second consecutive GTD class win at Lengthy Seaside in addition to their second consecutive win of the season. Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher completed eighth within the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3. The No. 97 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 of Invoice Auberlen and Chandler Hull, completed eleventh.
We actually felt a number of strain to win this race once more, mentioned Madison Snow. The race actually got here to us after the pit cease. I moved from third to second throughout my stint. The Paul Miller boys had an excellent cease and we jumped forward of the Aston. Bryan held him off as they each reentered the race and continued to carry him off till the checkered flag.
Spherical 4 of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will probably be held Could 14 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, in Monterey, Calif. Observe and qualifying for the two-hour-and-forty-minute Motul Corse De Monterey race begins Could 12. The race will probably be broadcast on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET.