BMW Wins the Northeast Grand Prix ALMS Race @ Lime Rock

Jason · 07-09-2011, 04:30 PM

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BMW Team RLL continued their dominance in the ALMS GT class by winning at the Northeast Grand Prix ALMS race at Lime Rock this afternoon. The No. 56 M3 GT took advantage of its pole position on the starting grid to bring home the 1st place finish, at the hands of drivers Joey Hand and Dirk Muller.

This win represents BMW's 3rd consequent ALMS victory (following wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Long Beach, the first two races of the season) and extends both BMW's overall manufacturer's lead and individual car lead.

The No. 56 M3 GT finished a comfortable 20.378 seconds ahead of the second place No. 45 Flying Lizard Porsche, which made a costly stop for a tire puncture with only 6 minutes left in the race.

The other M3 GT car, No. 55 did not podium unfortunately due to an earlier crash in the race.

Joey Hand and Dirk Werner discuss their win:

PRESS RELEASE + Expand

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – July 9, 2011… Joey Hand and Dirk Müller consolidated BMW’s lead in the American Le Mans Series GT class manufacturer, team and driver championship with their third consecutive win this season in today’s Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park. The No. 56 BMW Team RLL M3 GT started from the pole and led every lap in the two-hour-and-forty-five-minute race at BMW of North America’s home track. The duo completed 176 laps of the 1.474-mile circuit in the run to the checkered flag, finishing 20.387 seconds ahead of the second place Porsche.

The No. 55 M3 GT of Bill Auberlen and Dirk Werner fell victim of circumstance as Werner was hit by a competitor on lap 23, only 20 minutes into his opening stint. The duo soldiered on after extensive repairs, ultimately finishing eighth, 13 laps down to their teammates.

Bobby Rahal, Team principal, added, “It’s another great day for BMW and Rahal Letterman Lanigan. It’s too bad the 55 car got in the middle of that scrum. I have no doubt that they would have been right there and I’m just really pleased that we had a relatively trouble free weekend. Dunlop did a super job for us again. It’s three in a row, wow, that doesn’t happen very often in racing, so I’m really thrilled for Dirk and for Joey and this helps them out even more in the drivers’ championship. BMW has given us the great equipment and our guys have done a great job and the results show.”

BMW Team RLL returns to action on July 24 at Mosport International Raceway for Round 4 of the American Le Mans Series.

M5007 · 07-09-2011, 04:35 PM

First place finish... Can't ask for more

TK-421 · 07-09-2011, 04:53 PM

My heart sank when I saw the puncture

well... I guess that's Lime Rock for ya.

numba1guju · 07-09-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blipit

Watched it on espn3

Not exactly the most exciting race, but good win for BMW.

I agree haha, but then again there aren't too many exciting races lol

congrats bmw team rll

k2e15 · 07-09-2011, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blipit

Watched it on espn3

Not exactly the most exciting race, but good win for BMW.

1 .....a win is a win though

M3_CSL_E92 · 07-09-2011, 05:20 PM

Was a good race i thought. BMW did well despite the crash.

GOLFFRR · 07-09-2011, 05:33 PM

awesome

cmk227 · 07-09-2011, 06:41 PM

Awesome! Good job team.

Dave · 07-09-2011, 07:53 PM

It was an amazing race- had a chance to see it live! I will be posting pics soon too.... also was at the exit corner where the big crash took place with the 458/vette/m3

Poppin Fresh · 07-09-2011, 11:02 PM

Congratulations Team RLL and BMW!!!

Kiemyster · 07-10-2011, 12:49 AM

Not surprising since they set a new record on the track during qualification....

I am so proud of them! Representing our Bavarian Beasts at their best!

BrokenVert · 07-10-2011, 01:34 AM

Nice. Wish I could've seen it live. Next year tho, next year

Kayani_1 · 07-10-2011, 03:08 AM

Great job can't wait to see the race replay on TV tomorrow.

skys the limit · 07-10-2011, 06:22 AM

I was there and it was an amazing day!

Diver · 07-10-2011, 08:27 AM

As it should be.

bavarian19 · 07-10-2011, 08:29 AM

good win BMW!

phrozen06 · 07-10-2011, 08:47 AM

I saw the live feed on ESPN3.com. Ran the HDMI from my Laptop to my Flat Screen. An awesome race. The GT3 game the M3 a run for a second but Joey Hand sealed the deal

J-9 · 07-10-2011, 08:56 AM

Kudos to the entire team and to 55 for getting back into the race for 8th. Damn fine work.

LemonOne · 07-10-2011, 10:15 AM

Good to see Joey Hand is back on the track.
It was sad to see him go down in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in Turner's M3.

BMW

> Porsche or Corvette (flame suit on)

Ink330 · 07-10-2011, 07:35 PM

Great race and a beautiful day! Congrats BMW Team RLL!!

Brucewonder · 07-11-2011, 04:02 AM

Grats, enjoy in good health. Let the modding begin!!!

Brucewonder · 07-11-2011, 04:03 AM

Nice, any side profile shots? I really need to get my eibachs installed

07-09-2011, 04:30 PM	#1
Jason Administrator 40750 Rep 21,239 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	BMW Wins the Northeast Grand Prix ALMS Race @ Lime Rock BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW Wins the Northeast Grand Prix ALMS Race @ Lime Rock 26 COMMENTS Tweet BMW Team RLL continued their dominance in the ALMS GT class by winning at the Northeast Grand Prix ALMS race at Lime Rock this afternoon. The No. 56 M3 GT took advantage of its pole position on the starting grid to bring home the 1st place finish, at the hands of drivers Joey Hand and Dirk Muller. This win represents BMW's 3rd consequent ALMS victory (following wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Long Beach, the first two races of the season) and extends both BMW's overall manufacturer's lead and individual car lead. The No. 56 M3 GT finished a comfortable 20.378 seconds ahead of the second place No. 45 Flying Lizard Porsche, which made a costly stop for a tire puncture with only 6 minutes left in the race. The other M3 GT car, No. 55 did not podium unfortunately due to an earlier crash in the race. Joey Hand and Dirk Werner discuss their win: PRESS RELEASE + Expand Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – July 9, 2011… Joey Hand and Dirk Müller consolidated BMW’s lead in the American Le Mans Series GT class manufacturer, team and driver championship with their third consecutive win this season in today’s Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park. The No. 56 BMW Team RLL M3 GT started from the pole and led every lap in the two-hour-and-forty-five-minute race at BMW of North America’s home track. The duo completed 176 laps of the 1.474-mile circuit in the run to the checkered flag, finishing 20.387 seconds ahead of the second place Porsche. The No. 55 M3 GT of Bill Auberlen and Dirk Werner fell victim of circumstance as Werner was hit by a competitor on lap 23, only 20 minutes into his opening stint. The duo soldiered on after extensive repairs, ultimately finishing eighth, 13 laps down to their teammates. Bobby Rahal, Team principal, added, “It’s another great day for BMW and Rahal Letterman Lanigan. It’s too bad the 55 car got in the middle of that scrum. I have no doubt that they would have been right there and I’m just really pleased that we had a relatively trouble free weekend. Dunlop did a super job for us again. It’s three in a row, wow, that doesn’t happen very often in racing, so I’m really thrilled for Dirk and for Joey and this helps them out even more in the drivers’ championship. BMW has given us the great equipment and our guys have done a great job and the results show.” BMW Team RLL returns to action on July 24 at Mosport International Raceway for Round 4 of the American Le Mans Series.
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07-09-2011, 04:35 PM	#2
M5007 Major 71 Rep 1,410 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 Competition Package Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	First place finish... Can't ask for more __________________
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07-09-2011, 04:53 PM	#3
TK-421 Registered Sex Offender 573 Rep 4,759 Posts Drives: E46 M3 \| 1JZ S13 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	My heart sank when I saw the puncture well... I guess that's Lime Rock for ya.
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07-09-2011, 05:20 PM	#6
M3_CSL_E92 Private 2 Rep 85 Posts Drives: none atm Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Somewhere in space... iTrader: (0)	Was a good race i thought. BMW did well despite the crash.
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07-09-2011, 05:33 PM	#7
GOLFFRR 10802 Rep 27,592 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	awesome __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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07-09-2011, 06:41 PM	#8
cmk227 Major 120 Rep 1,379 Posts Drives: Goal: Another ///M Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Garland, TX & Northern England iTrader: (2)	Awesome! Good job team. __________________ 14 Lexus GX460 & 14 Lexus ES300H 14 BMW 528d Touring Estate - UK Previous M's: 11 BMW M3 JZB ZCP 6MT, 02 BMW M3 Conv 6MT & 02 BMW M3 Coupe 6MT
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07-09-2011, 07:53 PM	#9
Dave formerly izzo/comeback 287 Rep 3,382 Posts Drives: 2016 RC 350 F Sport Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 135i [6.80]	It was an amazing race- had a chance to see it live! I will be posting pics soon too.... also was at the exit corner where the big crash took place with the 458/vette/m3 __________________ BMW CCA # 418268
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07-09-2011, 11:02 PM	#10
Poppin Fresh Colonel 86 Rep 2,148 Posts Drives: With a sunroof and front plate Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bergen County NJ iTrader: (0)	Congratulations Team RLL and BMW!!! __________________
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07-10-2011, 12:49 AM	#11
Kiemyster Bimmerpost Resident Marijuana Consultant 453 Rep 3,197 Posts Drives: 320i, 325xi, 335Xi, 335i, M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queens/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 BMW 335i [0.00] 2011 BMW X335i [0.00] 2006 BMW E90 325xi [0.00] 2011 BMW E90 335xi [4.00] 2011 BMW M3 E90 [7.00] 2006 E90 320i [0.00]	Not surprising since they set a new record on the track during qualification.... I am so proud of them! Representing our Bavarian Beasts at their best! __________________ "AMG What! S-Line Who? If you ain't got that M I got no respect for you!" '06 Alpine Weiss E90 320i \| '06 The Green Machine E90 325xi \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 M3 ZCP \| '10 Silverstone X5M \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 335xi
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07-10-2011, 01:34 AM	#12
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 477 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	Nice. Wish I could've seen it live. Next year tho, next year __________________
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07-10-2011, 03:08 AM	#13
Kayani_1 Lieutenant Colonel 81 Rep 1,656 Posts Drives: BMW E92/E60 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	Great job can't wait to see the race replay on TV tomorrow. __________________ nickname"BAD 3",MHD E85 tune,RennArt catback non-resonated exhaust,VRSF Downpipes, VRSF 7"FMIC,VRSF stock side inlets,SSQV BOV,ECS CP,M-performance alcantara steering,retrofit M3 paddle shifters,Alpina B3 tranny flash,AFE power seal CAI,LED angels,ST Coilovers,M3 upper/lower control arms,E93 M3 Front Swaybar ,235/35/19x9 ,275/30/19x9.5. M sport bumpers, CF diffuser. When in doubt..flat out.
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07-10-2011, 06:22 AM	#14
skys the limit Private First Class 6 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 09 335xi Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I was there and it was an amazing day!
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07-10-2011, 08:27 AM	#15
Diver Brigadier General 504 Rep 3,446 Posts Drives: Black '12 135i - Sold Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	As it should be. __________________ See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com
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07-10-2011, 08:29 AM	#16
bavarian19 General 517 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	good win BMW!
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07-10-2011, 08:47 AM	#17
phrozen06 Lieutenant Colonel 229 Rep 1,773 Posts Drives: 328it, RIP M3, E46 Sold Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 39°27'33"N 77°58'04"W W. Virgina, Kansas iTrader: (2)	I saw the live feed on ESPN3.com. Ran the HDMI from my Laptop to my Flat Screen. An awesome race. The GT3 game the M3 a run for a second but Joey Hand sealed the deal __________________
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07-10-2011, 08:56 AM	#18
J-9 Converting 93 octane to noise. 42 Rep 882 Posts Drives: 2018 F85 X5M Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	Kudos to the entire team and to 55 for getting back into the race for 8th. Damn fine work. __________________
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07-10-2011, 10:15 AM	#19
LemonOne Major 708 Rep 1,079 Posts Drives: ///Most Powerful Letter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	Good to see Joey Hand is back on the track. It was sad to see him go down in Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in Turner's M3. BMW > Porsche or Corvette (flame suit on)
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07-10-2011, 07:35 PM	#20
Ink330 Private First Class 3 Rep 154 Posts Drives: E90 330xi Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Great race and a beautiful day! Congrats BMW Team RLL!! __________________
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07-11-2011, 04:02 AM	#21
Brucewonder Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,541 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 yea boi Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Socal iTrader: (4)	Grats, enjoy in good health. Let the modding begin!!! __________________ 2011.5 E92 ///M3 SSII/FR
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07-11-2011, 04:03 AM	#22
Brucewonder Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,541 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 yea boi Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Socal iTrader: (4)	Nice, any side profile shots? I really need to get my eibachs installed __________________ 2011.5 E92 ///M3 SSII/FR
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