BMW M Racing Academy: “Class of 2026” kicks off customer racing support programme in Munich and Viareggio.

Munich. The BMW M Racing Academy, BMW M Motorsport’s support programme for customer racing, has launched its second season with an eventful week. The “Class of 2026,” consisting of Josh Green (USA), Thomi Rackl (GER), and Ryder Quinn (AUS), worked on their physical and mental performance with the experts at Formula Medicine and had the unique opportunity to train with engineers in the BMW M Motorsport simulator in Munich (GER).

Accompanied by BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann (GER) and Robby Foley (USA), the Class of 2026 first travelled to Tuscany. At Formula Medicine in Viareggio (ITA), Green, Rackl, and Quinn trained alongside BMW M works drivers Ugo de Wilde (BEL) and Tim Tramnitz (GER), under the guidance of Dr. Riccardo Ceccarelli and his renowned team, focusing on both mental and physical fitness. In addition, the participants took part in various activities in Italy to get to know each other better and further strengthen the team spirit within the group.

Back in Munich, the Class of 2026 had the special opportunity to train in the BMW M Motorsport simulator, configured to the BMW M Hybrid V8. Closely supported by Klingmann, Foley, and BMW M Motorsport engineers, Green, Rackl, and Quinn worked on their driving skills and gained extensive insights into feedback processes with the team. They also received social media and communication training, followed by a tour of BMW Group Classic, offering detailed insights into the brand’s history and identity.

Green, Rackl, and Quinn had qualified for the BMW M Racing Academy at the end of last year after an extensive selection process in Munich (GER), standing out in a highly competitive field of GT4 drivers. Throughout the year, the three participants will receive intensive support in various areas. At the Nürburgring 24 Hours (May 16–17, GER), the Class of 2026 will gain comprehensive insights into race operations and be integrated into various processes of BMW M Motorsport teams.

In addition to Klingmann and Foley, BMW M works driver Max Hesse (GER) once again serves as a mentor for the BMW M Racing Academy this year. The trio already supported the Class of 2025 last season, providing valuable insights into the work of a professional racing driver. In 2026, Klingmann, Hesse, and Foley will further intensify this role.

Alongside the BMW M Racing Academy programme, Green, Rackl, and Quinn will compete in full racing seasons in some of the world’s top GT4 series. Green will race in GT4 America, Rackl in the GT4 European Series, and Quinn in GT4 Australia. The Australian already attracted international attention in February with his GT3 appearance at the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Quotes from the BMW M Racing Academy kickoff week.

Jens Klingmann, BMW M works driver: “We’ve had a very exciting week with the Class of 2026. We are very satisfied with the guys and very proud to have them on board. It’s important for us to observe how they develop and grow – whether at Formula Medicine, in the BMW M Motorsport simulator, or at BMW Group Classic, where they learn about BMW’s history and identity. Physical and mental aspects are incredibly important for a racing driver, so it was interesting and enjoyable to see how they approached these areas and to get to know them better. The simulator session was a very special opportunity and another highlight of the week. As mentors, we provide them with all the information, knowledge, tips, and tricks so they can make the most of what we offer. We want to help them develop as professional drivers both on and off the track. We’re looking forward to a long season with more great activities.”

Robby Foley, BMW M works driver: “We are extremely satisfied with the Class of 2026. The baseline level is very high, and we can build on that as the programme progresses. All three are very strong young drivers with their own personalities. I’m impressed by the maturity they show at such an early stage of their careers - especially in pressure situations that are new and demanding for them. Our role as mentors is to help them learn more about themselves. Over the past few days, they’ve taken away valuable lessons on multiple levels that they can now apply in the car. Overall, it was a very successful first week, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Ryder Quinn, BMW M Racing Academy member: “The kickoff week was fantastic. I learned so much in all areas. Driving in the simulator was sensational. It quickly becomes clear how valuable it is for both driver and team. Visiting Formula Medicine, the best in their field, was incredibly insightful. I was able to focus both mentally and physically on the areas where I need to improve. The cognitive aspect, in particular, gave me great value. That’s something I can take with me - not only as a racing driver but also as a person. As the Class of 2026, we get along extremely well. It’s great that we come from such different parts of the world but still share such a strong connection in many areas.”

Thomi Rackl, BMW M Racing Academy member: “The week was amazing. On a scale from one to ten, it was a twelve. Even though it was our first time working together, it immediately felt familiar, was a lot of fun, and very educational. At Formula Medicine, we had a great mix and went deep into mental training, which is an incredibly important area. That’s where I learned the most - for example, that it helps to take a breath, step back, and evaluate situations from the outside. That allows me to become more professional both on and off the track. Driving in the BMW M Motorsport simulator and working together with the engineers was also a real highlight.”

Josh Green, BMW M Racing Academy member: “It’s hard to describe everything I’ve learned in just a few words. My highlight was the session in the BMW M Motorsport simulator. Especially between sessions, I learned a lot from Jens and Robby. I discovered a lot about myself, particularly in working with the engineers. The experience at Formula Medicine was also incredible. I had never undergone such comprehensive health and athletic testing before. On both the physical and mental side, I learned a lot about myself - including strategies to stay calm under pressure. Getting familiar with the routines of Ugo and Tim was also very interesting. The week was absolutely fantastic.”