BMW Team RLL returns to Lime Rock Park.

Munich (DE), 20th July 2016. Up next on the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) calendar for BMW Team RLL is the Northeast Grand Prix, at Lime Rock Park (US), in Lakeville. Only 90 miles from BMW NA headquarters in Woodcliff Lake (US), the two-hour-and-forty-minute race will be the very first GTLM contest at the classic circuit that has played a part in BMW of North America’s history for decades.

Bill Auberlen (US) is always a threat at Lime Rock Park and has numerous victories at the 1.5-mile, seven-turn circuit. Auberlen and Dirk Werner (DE), driving the number 25 BMW M6 GTLM, will run one more race in the Stars and Stripes livery that debuted at Watkins Glen (US) and are looking to get back on the podium after a fourth place finish at Mosport (CA). Among the BMW successes at Lime Rock was the very first BMW win for John Edwards (US) in 2013. Unfortunately, Edwards, Lucas Luhr (DE) and the number 100 BMW M6 GTLM have had their share of bad luck so far this season. With six races complete in the 11-race season, BMW stands fourth in the GTLM manufacturer points. Auberlen and Werner are third in the driver points. Edwards and Luhr stand ninth.

Adding another layer of complexity for the team, IMSA has made additional Balance of Performance changes to the class for this round. The BMW M6 GTLM will race with reduced boost and two litres less fuel in the tank.

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW Team RLL):

“Obviously for us it’s a race that has a lot of importance because it’s the closest track to BMW's headquarters. BMW has had a longstanding relationship with the track and of course being so close we expect to see a lot of people from BMW so we will strive hard to put out a good show. Lime Rock is a short and quick track, especially the corner coming on to the front straightaway that should fit well with the BMW M6 GTLM so I think we will be in good shape.”

Bill Auberlen (Number 25 BMW M6 GTLM):

“We just came from Mosport where we led the race and had an amazing car. The only issue was we got caught out by a full course caution, which ended any chance to finish on the podium. Now we are headed to Lime Rock. As far as I know nobody has been there with the new spec of GTLM car, so it's a clean sheet of paper for everyone.”

Dirk Werner (Number 25 BMW M6 GTLM):

“Lime Rock Park has a very special layout and we have never driven the BMW M6 GTLM there. So the first big challenge will be to find a good set-up. The race will be very challenging as well. Handling the traffic will be a key to success and the track doesn't give you any opportunities to rest, so it will be physically tough as well.”

John Edwards (Number 100 BMW M6 GTLM):

“My first win with BMW came at Lime Rock Park in 2013 in the American Le Mans Series. My first win in Grand Am GT was also at Lime Rock in 2010, so I have some great memories from this track. However, with the race being in July, the heat and humidity is going to be tough, especially since there aren’t any real straights to give us a break. It’s also the shortest track we go to so traffic will be a big challenge in the race. After a tough first half of the season for Lucas and myself, we are ready to hit the reset button and get ourselves back to the top of the podium.”

Lucas Luhr (Number 100 BMW M6 GTLM):

“The first thing you have to say about Lime Rock is the area surrounding the track is really charming with some of the nicest countryside we go to. The track itself is actually very technical and challenging for a driver. Apart from the start finish straight you have no chance to catch your breath. I like the track and have won there in the past, so I am looking forward to seeing what we can do with our BMW Team RLL BMW M6 GTLM. As always, we will be pushing to the maximum.”