Report: BMW M Team RLL Dominates Motul SportsCar Grand Prix at Road America
Road America, August 2025 – In a race marked by strategic gambles and pivotal incidents, BMW M Team RLL executed a flawless performance to secure a 1-2 finish at the Motul SportsCar Grand Prix. The #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, driven by Philipp Eng and Dries Vanthoor, clinched victory, followed closely by the #25 BMW piloted by Marco Wittmann and Sheldon van der Linde.
The team’s dual strategy paid off despite challenges early in the race, including a collision involving a mechanic in the pits and a crash that prompted two Full Course Yellows. This critical incident was caused when Ricky Taylor and Nick Tandy collided in a fierce battle for third place, subsequently leading to a safety car deployment.
With one hour remaining, the strategic timing of pit stops allowed the BMWs to cycle to the lead when the remaining GTP field made their final stops under the safety car. Eng maintained the lead over the last 38 minutes, showcasing robust control to secure the win.
The podium was completed by the #93 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06, driven by Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly, who finished third. Fourth place went to the #31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R, while Porsche’s #6 entry rounded out the top five, with Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell extending their GTP Championship lead.
In the LMP2 category, AO Racing achieved their second consecutive win, with PJ Hyett and Dane Cameron taking the first position in the #99 ORECA 07-Gibson. The race’s early incident involving the #22 United Autosports car shifted the championship dynamics considerably.
Paul Miller Racing celebrated its first victory of 2025 in the GTD class with the #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, as Neil Verhagen outpaced competition towards the end of the race. Notably, the #021 Triarsi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 secured its inaugural IMSA victory, courtesy of Kenton Koch’s decisive pass in the closing minutes.
Key Race Results:
-
GTP:
- 1st: #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 (Eng/Vanthoor)
- 2nd: #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 (Wittmann/van der Linde)
- 3rd: #93 Acura ARX-06 (van der Zande/Yelloly)
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LMP2:
- 1st: #99 ORECA 07-Gibson (Hyett/Cameron)
- GTD:
- 1st: #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO (Snow/Verhagen)
- 2nd: #021 Ferrari 296 GT3 (Koch/Triarsi)
- 3rd: #78 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 (Goikhberg/Farnbacher)
As the season approaches its conclusion, championship positions tighten, promising an exciting finish with two races remaining.
