PressClub South Africa · Article.
BMW South Africa establishes BMW Racing Academy for future track stars.
Mon Nov 04 14:09:04 CET 2024 Press Release
+++ Racing driver development programme announced at BMW’s M FEST 2024 +++ Proven formula from sim to track racing +++ Response to calls to support transformation in motorsport +++
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Hailey Philander
BMW Group
Tel: +27-71-666-2070
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Author.
Hailey Philander
BMW Group
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Midrand. BMW South Africa has revealed its BMW Racing Academy (South Africa) to address transformation in motorsport to identify and develop young racers. Announced ahead of the 2024 BMW M FEST that runs from Friday, 25 October to Sunday, 27 October, the company’s decision to play a nurturing role in local motorsport given its storied racing heritage is an apt tribute to the high-performance M division, which will be celebrated by car enthusiasts throughout the event.
From late 2024 through 2025, BMW South Africa will implement a driver development programme to scout and develop drivers keen on a career in motorsport.
NGK Pablo Clark Racing (PCR) will contribute its racing car engineering expertise in support of BMW South Africa’s driver objectives.
Potential talent will be scouted through a Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Motor Sports Association (MSA)-approved sim racing programme, followed by a karting programme, and progress into specially-prepared BMW models. The proposed BMW Racing Academy (South Africa) will scout for – and develop – young talent from previously disadvantaged backgrounds for a potential future in circuit racing.
Top female racing driver Fabienne Lanz will put the first of the academy’s BMW 3 Series’ (E46) through its paces during the BMW M Performance Parts Race Series round at the Kyalami race circuit on Saturday, 26 October.
BMW Group South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen said: “At the last M Fest, Sheldon van der Linde was our star guest. Fresh from his DTM championship, one thought-provoking discussion during our M Talks was how to develop promising young racing drivers.’’
“We gave it some thought and together with NGK Pablo Clark Racing we are developing an approach to help bring racing dreams to life!”
ENDS
Should you have any questions related to this media release, kindly contact:
Hailey Philander
Manager: Group Automotive Communications
Phone: +27 71 666 2070
Email: hailey.philander@bmw.co.za