BMW M Team WRT claimed win number two in its third race with the BMW M4 GT3. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts (both BEL) triumphed in the #32 BMW M4 GT3 at the Kyalami 9 Hour (RSA), the second race of this season’s Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC). This was van der Linde’s second victory at his home race, having also achieved the feat in 2020. The number 33 car, with drivers Philipp Eng (AUT), Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Maxime Martin (BEL), came home second to make it a one-two for the team.
After finishing first and third at the 24 Hours of Dubai (UAE) and fourth and sixth at the Bathurst 12 Hour (AUS), BMW M Team WRT returned to the podium in Kyalami. Starting second and third on the grid, the two BMW M4 GT3s moved to the front of the field early on in the race and then controlled proceedings throughout the entire race. Van der Linde crossed the finishing line 1.8 seconds ahead of Martin.
Thanks to the points they picked up for the victory in South Africa, van der Linde, Vanthoor and Weerts have moved to P2 of the IGTC standings after two of this season’s five races. The next races is the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), the home outing for BMW M Team WRT.
BMW M Motorsport is supported in the Intercontinental GT Challenge by premium technology partner Shell, official partner Endless, and official supplier KW automotive. Shell has worked with BMW M Motorsport for years on the development of lubricants for motor racing and the road, Endless adds decades of expertise in brake technology to the mix, while KW automotive has developed dampers for the BMW M4 GT3 since the start of the project. “We are pleased to be able to continue and expand our partnership with BMW M Motorsport, which has grown over the years,” said Jürgen Wohlfarth, CEO KW automotive GmbH. “As BMW M Motorsport Official Supplier BMW M4 GT3, we have been involved in the development of the chassis for the BMW M4 GT3 from the outset. As such, we are really proud that the hard work put in by the BMW race engineers and our development department is rewarded with victories and titles for the BMW M4 GT3.”
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Congratulations to BMW M Team WRT on a fantastic and absolutely flawless performance! It is impressive to see how quickly the new member of our BMW M Motorsport family has reached such a high level with the BMW M4 GT3 that it has been able to win two of the first three races. I hope this strong run with the BMW M4 GT3 at the start of this season will continue into the coming months and that we will have even more cause for celebration! I am particularly pleased for Sheldon van der Linde that he was able to win his home race in front of his own fans. That is a very special experience for him. All the drivers did a perfect job, as did all the members of BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT. Thank you very much to everybody!”
Vincent Vosse (team principal BMW M Team WRT): “The team and drivers produced a perfect race – just as they did in Dubai and also Bathurst, where we unfortunately did not have the pace to compete at the very front. Everything came together here. I could not have wished for more. The cooperation with BMW M Motorsport is fantastic. It feels as though we have known each other for a very long time. And yet it is just six weeks since our first race together. Thank you to all the BMW M Motorsport employees who support us so magnificently.”
Sheldon van der Linde (#32 BMW M4 GT3, 1st place): “Every time I race in my home country, it seems to go fantastically well. I have been here three times now and have finished on the podium each time – and won twice. The first victory was very special, but this was even more emotional, as I had a lot of friends and family at the track. I really had goosebumps on the podium. Thank you to BMW M Motorsport and compliments to WRT for that performance in only the third race with BMW.”
Dries Vanthoor (#32 BMW M4 GT3, 1st place): “A great weekend for us all. Right from day one, we improved the race pace and did a perfect job. The safety car made it a bit close again for the last 25 minutes, but Sheldon brought the win home perfectly. Personally, I took a big step forward here when it comes to understanding the BMW M4 GT3.”
Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3, 1st place): “I am very pleased with my first victory in the BMW M4 GT3. I still remember 2020, when I narrowly lost out to Sheldon and BMW. To now stand alongside them on the top step of the podium is a cool story. I feel much more at home in the car after my second race. I am really very happy.”
Philipp Eng (#33 BMW M4 GT3, 2nd place): “That was my first race with WRT and I was very intrigued to see how the team goes about its work. I have to say, I am really impressed. A one-two is obviously a fantastic result, and it is looking very good for both cars in the championship. I had an awful lot of fun here in Kyalami.”
Augusto Farfus (#33 BMW M4 GT3, 2nd place): “From a team perspective, it does not get any better than that. We really did a perfect job. We knew from the start of the weekend that we had a strong package. However, we got the very best out of it. I cannot thank BMW M Motorsport and the team enough. We are now very well positioned in the championship. A great result so early in the season.”
Maxime Martin (#33 BMW M4 GT3, 2nd place): “For the team, you cannot get a better result than a one-two. We had a clean race without any issues and finished runners-up. In the end we were on the same strategy as our sister car, which meant we had to settle for second.”
BMW PRESS
Event date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
A traffic incident in Melbourne prevented us getting to the meeting point on time. However, we contacted Lawrence and met the group as they turned onto Ballan Rd.
Wendy and I were in our G30 530d as the E85 ZM roadster was clean ready for the British/European motor show. We joined in the middle of the group of 13 cars with Lawrence leading the convoy.
It was a beautiful evening and up ahead of us the sun was glinting off the roll protection on Steve’s E89 Z4 as he was cruising with the roof down. After turning off the Ballan Rd a gap opened ahead of us and a very nice E30 John Player Special went zapping past us, it sounded great.
As the sun was going down we turned into Perdrisat Rd to see beautiful views of the Moorabool valley. After the steep descent and climb out of the valley we headed towards the Midland Hwy. I grew up on the corner and when very young I used to drive the old farm ute down to the river with my brothers to fish. The road wasn’t made in those days and was subsequently named after my family. Rather nostalgic and a little sad driving the road and seeing the old family farmhouse.
Then it was up the Hwy to the Meredith Royal Hotel for dinner and a good chat. Good to meet some new people and also see some we have met at other events. Trevor with his nice E31 840i, Wendy and I were the last to leave fleeing the increasingly aggressive mosquitos.
Thanks to Lawrence for leading and organising a great little drive and dinner.
Kent & Wendy Perdrisat | Member #951 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Event date: Sunday, 12 February 2023
Arrived at Sandown for the 07:45-08:30 driver check in. Drivers briefing to follow at 08:30.
With Practice commencing just after 09:00 on a relatively dry track (a light shower had come through earlier), the track was unfortunately declared wet after rain halfway through run group 1.
By the time I went out with run group 4 on a very wet and slippery track, there were puddles around the track, it wasn’t a matter of practicing lines etc. it was spotting the laying water and staying off the kerbs. My aim was to make sure the car was running as it should, driving skill was high on the agenda to ensure the car made it through the day. A few people in previous groups having some close calls, I wasn’t out there to set any land speed records.
I have only had my car on the road for about 6 months after replacing the engine, I felt I had a lot at stake.
Session 1 was again a wet track. With it raining in the previous groups. We had missed the rain but once again it was wet when I went out, concentration was at it peek as I kept the car straight staying off the kerbs.
With the track slowly drying out as the session went on and we got more laps in. It was still very wet and fairly unpredictable between turn 2 and 4. Everyone seemed to enjoy the greasy conditions, Luckily with no incidents but there were plenty of smiles at the end of the day.
Session 2 the track was drying out. Putting in some good times and both allowing for faster traffic and trying to maneuver through the slower traffic. This shows how important starting position can be with getting a few good laps in. I do like it when a faster car passes, it provides an opportunity to follow them through a few corners, you can look at their lines and how they are pushing the car. Drivers were patient and allowing easy no fuss passing.
Session 3 and 4 were near perfect conditions. Track was dry, sun was out. The track felt very fast. After going back to the garage and looking on Natsoft.com I was just over a second faster in session 3 than in session 4. With the track conditions improving and getting familiar with lines, braking points and the limits all contributing.
The smiles on the faces in the pits after made me think I wasn’t the only one.
In Session 5 AROCA started to combine groups, some people obviously happy with their times and pulled the pin, some with car issues and others who had evening commitments. The track again was near perfect, Was great to drive with other cars and drivers to get a different feel and compare track speed and lap times.
Session 6 was pretty much all the drivers that wanted an extra session could, I was having a few car issues so I took advantage of it to try and rectify a mechanical issue but also getting my fastest time for the day in the process. I couldn’t believe it. I think it was a combo of the brakes not cooling fully from the previous session, the track temp and knowing it was the last session all contributed.
Over all the day was great, It was my first super sprint with the BMWDC as well as my first event with AROCA. I’ve been a club member of BMWDC for about 3 years but have only ever done the come and try days. The event from what I could tell went smooth and was well organized. With Pizza and Coffee available at the track, friendly people and the opportunity to drive on a national track I will definitely be back.
On top of that I got to take my son 14 (who is a car nut and the main reason I attended this event), for a few laps around such a circuit was awesome. All the help and motivation he gives me to forget about work for a bit and go to the shed and work on my car, it was great for me to be able to reward him for a few laps around a track. Seems little, but the joy it gives both of us is amazing.
I think it is also a great way to get new interest in the sport and get to take their pride and joy for a lap on such a circuit.
Zac Dunn | Member #527 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The BMW Group is continuing its efforts to systematically reduce CO2 emissions in the supply chain. A particular focus is on CO2-intensive materials like aluminium, steel and plastics. The BMW Group therefore intends to source aluminium with significantly reduced CO2 emissions from Rio Tinto’s hydro-powered operations in Canada starting in 2024 and has signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect. Compared to conventionally manufactured aluminium, this approach can save around 70 percent of CO2 emissions. The planned supply volumes will be used exclusively in vehicle production at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina, in body components like the bonnet, for instance.
“We have clear goals for lowering CO2 emissions in the supply chain. By using innovative materials, we can reduce our vehicles’ carbon footprint – even before handing them over to customers. The agreement to supply low-carbon aluminium is based on several pillars: in addition to hydroelectric power and a high percentage of secondary material, we also want to lead the automotive industry by ramping up our use of aluminium with no direct CO2 emissions from the smelting process,” explains Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said: “Canada is a global destination of choice for low-carbon investment. This exciting partnership between BMW and Rio Tinto is proof that Canada is well positioned to seize the economic benefits of the clean economy. I am proud to see that low carbon Canadian aluminum will be going into BMW’s vehicles. Canada will continue to enhance our competitive advantages – abundance of critical minerals, skilled labour, clean energy, proximity to markets – to grow our economy and to support made-in-Canada innovation.”
Owing to its comparatively low weight and other positive material properties, aluminium occupies a firm place in the BMW Group’s intelligent composite construction. In the supply chain of a mid-sized fully-electric vehicle around a quarter of the CO2 emissions are attributable to aluminium. This underlines the tremendous potential of reducing CO2 in the aluminium supply chain.
The ELYSIS technology developed for aluminium production, is revolutionising the smelting process required for manufacturing, by generating oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. The innovative method uses carbon-free anodes to eliminate all process-related CO2 emissions and was successfully tested at industrial level for the first time in 2021. The BMW Group intends to become one of the first customers to use this technology in standard production.
In addition to the carbon-free process, the agreement also covers aluminium alloys produced using electricity from renewable energy sources, with CO2 emissions that are only a third of the industry average. The aluminium production facilities in Quebec run almost entirely on electricity from six local hydroelectric power stations. As a further contribution to resource conservation, recycled content will be mixed in with the end product to potentially reach up to 50 percent secondary material.
The use of Rio Tinto’s blockchain technology also guarantees full traceability of the aluminium, all the way back to the original bauxite mine. This enables end-to-end transparency throughout the supply chain and therefore plays an important part in tracking compliance with environmental and social standards for extraction of raw materials.
The old "Aunt Ju" Junkers Ju 52, the legendary three-engine commercial and transport aircraft from the 1930s, is still familiar to many people. The Ju 52 with the aircraft registration D-AQUI in the Lufthansa colour scheme grey-black from 1936 became particularly well known worldwide. During its time in the USA from 1970 to 1984 under the American aircraft registration N52JU, it was christened "IRON ANNIE" for short by its then owner Martin Caidin.
It was precisely this aircraft that inspired a customer of BMW partner VTR Motorrad AG & VTR Customs in Schmerikon, Switzerland, to create a very special customized version of the BMW R 18 – the R 18 "IRON ANNIE". Years before, the architect had already had an individual R nineT built entirely according to his ideas at VTR Customs and this time, too, aviation style elements from aircraft construction were to be used.
For example, the dial of the speedometer integrated into the tank, which is intended to be reminiscent of old cockpit instruments, or access panels with quick-release fasteners, as found on many aircraft. And of course, it was imperative to borrow from the Ju 52's characteristic corrugated aluminium planking. At the same time, the seat was to be reminiscent of a riding saddle and, of course, only the "IRON ANNIE" colour scheme in grey and black was to be used for the paintwork.
A BMW R 18 First Edition served as the starting point for the customizing project. First the engine was removed and painted black. All chrome parts were painted black and the fork stanchions also received a black coating in the form of a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coat.
The cockpit trim was pulled back as narrow and flat as possible to emphasise the streamlined shape. The 7 cm shorter fork and a height-adjustable Wilbers shock absorber emphasise the crouched stance of the motorcycle. "To make the bike look smaller and give it a more filigree appearance between the wheels, we had large 18 and 21 inch wheels made by Kineo," adds Daniel Weidmann, Owner & Managing Director of VTR Motorrad & VTR Customs.
As a further technical treat, racing-style HC3 pumps from Magura were fitted in place of the standard R 18 brake and clutch fittings. The dial of the customized speedometer also received a hand specially made by watchmaker Zeitzone Zurich.
"One of the big challenges with the R 18 IRON ANNIE was the replica cooling fins in the area of the rear silencers. Shaping these parts into parallel and beautiful radii and at the same time still fastening them harmoniously took a number of attempts," says Daniel Weidmann about the aluminium sheet metal work. This consumed countless hours of work, as the fuel tank, the tail with the suggested tail fin of an aeroplane, the side panels and the cockpit were artfully hand-formed from aluminium sheet. Reminiscences of traditional metal aircraft construction are also provided by the numerous lens-head rivets.
"What almost pained us a little when we saw all the handmade, bright aluminium sheets shimmering and shining was that they would have to be painted. However, we are extremely satisfied with the result because the R 18 IRON ANNIE differs even more clearly from our well-known SPITFIRE, which is also designed in aviation style," Daniel Weidmann continues.
The R 18 IRON ANNIE will receive road approval and is sure to turn quite a few heads in its new home on Lake Geneva. It will remain a unique model as promised to the customer.
Event date: Sunday, 19 February 2023
We started the day by waking up at 5 am with dad and Makayla to get ready to go on a road trip with BMWDCM.
We were off on an adventure to an organised club event at enchanted adventure park at Arthur's seat. The sunrise was amazing on the journey down.
After arriving at Enchanted Adventure Park.
Dad had a chat with other club members as Makayla, and I explored the tree suspension bridge before dad eagerly joined us to explore the many treasures and beauty enchanted had to offer.
We didn't go on the tube slides or tree top walk as thought that was a bit scary for us as I myself am only 13 and my sisters 9.
In saying that, though, we had an absolute ball today running through the many garden paths and trickling streams of water before we ran out of energy and then got lunch at the cafe on the grounds. (Dad said we had to grab something healthy, so grabbed wraps and fruit salad).
The best part of the day and park was my sister and I thought was the fountains and the trickling water through the paths.
The day was a fantastic day and we had a ball.
Zavier Robin BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Following the positive feedback on the unique specimen presented in summer 2022, MINI is now going ahead with a small series of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible (power consumption combined: 17.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) which represents another big step in the direction of electric mobility. The world's first locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment shortens the transition period to the introduction of the next-generation all-electric model family. From April 2023, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be available in Europe in a limited number of 999 vehicles.
"Three years ago we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I'm delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling," says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is available in Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze. The MINI logos and the model lettering feature in elegant Piano Black to match. The E logo familiar from the MINI Cooper SE is found on the front apron and on the rear, thereby visually underlining locally emission-free driving fun.
Further edition-specific equipment details also adorn the door sill trims and side scuttles and, with the 1 of 999 lettering emphasising the exclusive character of the limited edition open-air MINI.
MINI takes on a pioneering role with the edition-specific alloy wheels. The 17" cast alloy wheels in Electric Power Spoke 2-tone design are made of 100 percent secondary aluminium. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.
The sports seats are in MINI Yours Leather Lounge design and feature seat heating and adjustable thigh support. The multifunctional sports leather steering wheel in Nappa leather finish contributes to the fun-to-drive atmosphere and stylish driving comfort and can also be heated. In the lower steering wheel spoke, the MINI Electric Badge highlights the limited character of the all-electric convertible. The exclusive Piano Black surfaces, which can be stylishly set off by the ambient lighting, also contribute to car’s exclusive status. The design of the interior emphasises the fully electric character of the open-top four-seater with yellow colour accents, such as the yellow start-stop toggle switch.
In addition to numerous other features, the high-quality equipment is complemented in the cockpit by the eDrive services familiar from the MINI Cooper SE. These provides the driver with information on current energy consumption, range and tips for an economical driving style. All essential information is summarised on the MINI Head-Up Display while driving. On longer journeys, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the MINI Driving Assistant, among other features, enhance the comfort of the limited MINI Convertible with all-electric drive as standard.
With a length of 3,850 mm, a wheelbase of 2,495 mm, 1,727 mm width and 1,427 mm height, the dimensions, including the luggage compartment with 160 l load volume, remain unchanged compared to the conventionally powered MINI Convertible. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor comes from the BMW Group's electric mobility competence centres in Dingolfing and Landshut. Its small size enables particularly harmonious axle load distribution and favours agile and easily controllable handling. The electric drive accelerates the MINI Cooper SE Convertible smoothly from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
With a range of 201 kilometres determined in the WLTP test cycle, open-air excursions are possible well beyond the city limits. Up to 30 km/h, the fully electrically powered and thus particularly quiet textile soft top in MINI Yours style with typical Union Jack pattern can be opened, closed or set as a sliding roof.
With the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, MINI highlights its flexibility and has set up the production of a small series for the first time. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be produced in a limited edition of 999 vehicles alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.
Event date: Sunday, 29 January 2023
The Association of Motoring Clubs, Festival of Motoring was held at Cruden Farm, a heritage listed property of 54 Hectares which was previously owned by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, on the 29 January 2023.
I left home in my 86’ BMW 635csi in drizzly rain to drive the 5km and join other enthusiasts from the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne at the Hungry Jacks near Karingal Hub. We departed at 9:00am where Graham Bell led the contingent of BMW’s, and one members MGB GT, to drive the approximately half kilometre to the entry gate at Cruden Farm. We joined a long queue of classic vehicles, the requirement of the show was vehicles over 25 years old, for a slow drive along a meandering dirt road to our display location.
The BMWDCM had been allotted a display area adjacent to the event organisers setup and, fortuitously, right near the coffee and food vendors. As I approached the end of the drive in I was greeted by Jo Mawson who directed me to the display area, where Graham assisted in lining the cars up for the BMWDCM display. The clubs display was the only contingent of BMW’s at the event and consisted of Lawrence Glynn’s E21 JPS and Graham/Jo’s E21, two E30 Convertibles and an E30 325i, Richards beautiful E9, Simon’s modified E36, Danny’s very tidy E34 535i, Michael’s lovely Z3, my E24 635csi and a very well presented MGB GT. Some members had arrived early and had set up the club trailer and banners and, of course, the little BMW Isetta. By the time the display was set up the rain had stopped and the rest of the day was overcast but dry.
I believe this was the first time the event has been run since the start of the covid pandemic and the turnout and variation of vehicles represented was impressive. The Mercedes club had a large array of their marque represented with a very impressive 300SL Gullwing Coupe (54’-57’). There was a handful of nice VW Combi’s and early Beetle’s. The German contingent was rounded out with a lovely display of very well presented Karmann Ghia’s. The British displays consisted of a display of Rolls Royce spanning 1947 to the 1990’s, a very large number of Triumphs ranging from Spitfire’s, Stag’s, TR2 through to TR8, the largest collection of E Type Jaguars I have seen at one time and a lot of individual vehicles such as Hillman, Humber, Morris and a very early Lotus racer which is on historic registration. There was a large collection of American cars from the 50’s and 60’s with their massive fins and lots of chrome and one 70’s ‘pimpmobile’ that looked like it was straight out of an episode of the A-Team. Next to the American display, and looking relatively diminutive, was the Italians represented by Alpha’s, Lancia’s and Fiat’s with some very nice cars. Located behind Cruden Farm’s stately house and lining the property’s lake was a huge display of veteran and vintage vehicles covering the early 1900’s. There were many other individual vehicles, representing a huge array of various manufacturers, in various states from concourse to daily drivers. Australian cars were represented in small numbers with a handful of Hardtop Falcons, a couple of Torana’s, a few early 1940’s to 1960’s Holden’s and a standout HZ Premier which was totally original, 2 owners and looked like it had just come off the showroom floor.
The whole day was very enjoyable with lots of conversations with fellow enthusiast of all marques, seeing some unusual vehicles which don’t often see the light of day, and getting to talk to interested people about our cars and the club. I will be looking forward to the next Festival of Motoring event in 2024.
Russell Eastaway | Member #433 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Event date: Tuesday, 6 December 2022
The "End of year Twilight Drive" began at Mornington BMW, which had a range of interesting cars on display, including a superbly appointed new 7 series. It was a beautiful fine evening, and the pre – drive BBQ allowed the chance to socialise and chat while enjoying a tasty snag or two!
This being one of the last drive events for 2022, it was quite well attended. The route chosen followed the peninsula foreshore past Mount Martha, Safety Beach and Dromana, up Arthurs' Seat before meandering along back roads and ending at the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club car park.
The drive was timed to finish at twilight, so we could enjoy watching the sunset over the beach – and indeed it was a spectacular sight!
Thanks to all Members who organised or supported and participated to make this a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Richard Van Essen | Member #946 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Event date: Saturday, 11 February 2023
Another awesome day with the BMWDCM crew.
A nice leisurely drive from Geelong to Lorne, leaving the south bound BP service station on the Geelong ring road, taking a drive up through Bannockburn then heading towards Winchelsea turning left on a nice winding road through Deans Marsh onto Lorne where we arriving at the designated meeting spot to join the cruise back to the Torquay car show site with some of the other entrants. We drove down the Great Ocean Road on another top drive in our cars with radio communications keeping the group together. We all parked up at the show site for a chat and check out some of the other cars there, not all of which would be at the show proper. All up, an amazing 2.5 hour cruise with friendly faces smiling.
In the evening we went to the Torquay hotel for an amazing meal and a drink, Deb and myself making new friends at every meet. We enjoyed great company and the usual BMW chats. I even broke out the new BMW shoes.
Sadly we had family commitments which prevented us attended the show.
Once again thank you to the organisers and Lawrence Glynn for leading the pack.
Look forward to many more adventures with the BMWDCM crew.
Terry & Debbie Braddock | Member #830 & #857 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
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