On Friday, BMW Motorsport officially announced that BMW Team RLL will field new M6 GTLM cars in the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
The M6 GTLM is derived from the M6 GT3 which will race around the world following FIA GT3 specifications. The relationship between the two models is similar to that of the current-gen Z4: the GTLM version is a specially adapted version for use in the North American sportscar series.
“Using the basis of our new BMW M6 GT3 to develop a car for the WeatherTech Championship was a logical step,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The BMW M6 GTLM has all the essential ingredients to thrill fans in the USA and Canada. We are keen to continue our works commitment on the other side of the Atlantic at the highest level since the WeatherTech Championship is a fantastic stage with a high quality field and legendary venues. We feel right at home there.”
This will be the third model raced by BMW Team RLL in the United States, the team having previously used the M3 from 2009 to 2012, which was replaced by the Z4 in 2013. It’s final series race is this weekend’s Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
“A new car, a very competitive field and the 100th anniversary of BMW means 2016 will be an exciting year,” said Team Principal Bobby Rahal. “I am thrilled that RLL will continue to represent BMW’s motorsport program in North America for an eighth season. The M6 GTLM will be the third model we have raced since 2009 and we look forward to the challenge.”
