BMW M Team RLL Secures Emotional 1-2 Finish at Road America
Road America, August 2025 – In a thrilling display of strategy and teamwork, BMW M Team Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) claimed a significant 1-2 finish in the Motul SportsCar Grand Prix, marking BMW’s first win of the season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Philipp Eng and Dries Vanthoor drove the #24 car to victory, followed closely by teammates Marco Wittmann and Sheldon van der Linde in the #25.
This victory reverberates deeply within the team, especially as RLL prepares for its upcoming split with BMW at the end of the season. “I’m very happy for everybody involved in Team RLL,” said Eng. “Yes, it was not faultless from every side, but this is racing.”
The race was marked by a significant pit lane incident involving a Meyer Shank Racing mechanic, prompting a Safety Car period that nearly disrupted the BMWs’ strong performance early on. "It was quite a significant hit…but what I’ve heard is that he will be fine,” Vanthoor commented on the incident.
Early on, BMW’s two cars fell behind the GTP field, prompting a strategy split that initially raised concerns of more missed opportunities. However, a late-race collision between competitors created a pivotal Full Course Yellow, allowing both BMWs to regain their positions and secure their lead without additional stops.
“The strategy was key today…even when you’re last, you can always find yourself back at the front with good strategy,” van der Linde explained, emphasizing the benefits of being forced into a riskier strategy.
Both cars dominated the final stages, with Eng praising the balance and performance, stating, “The car was really fast…we maximized our package today.”
This 1-2 result serves not only as a morale booster but also as a testament to RLL’s capabilities amid a challenging season. Wittmann expressed optimism: “1-2 for the first time this year is huge motivation… we haven’t been able to deliver in races.”
As the team prepares for the remaining two races of the season, the Road America win stands as a defining moment, encapsulating both the highs and lows of their journey.
Key Race Results
- #24 BMW M Team RLL – Philipp Eng / Dries Vanthoor
- #25 BMW M Team RLL – Marco Wittmann / Sheldon van der Linde
Next Races: Two races remain before BMW and RLL conclude their partnership. The team aims to build on this momentum as they push towards a strong finish in the IMSA season.
