BMW has unveiled the entry-level M2 Racing and I have the details in this week’s Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup. I also have racecraft tips, a look at Josef Newgarden’s workout routine and comparing Ford Mustang road cars with their GT4 and GT3 variants.
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
On-Track
Mike Shank’s win at the 50th anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2012 changed his and his family’s life forever. Watch what he has to say in the video above and his advice for young drivers.
Grassroots Motorsports explains where to put your hands on the wheel. “A question I hear a lot from drivers of all skill levels is a pretty relevant one: Where should I position my hands on the steering wheel and when, if ever, should I reposition them?”
In the video above, Lead Trackside Engineer for Cadillac Racing, Caitlin McCann, explains how they work with the vast amounts of data that they collect in real time from the Cadillac GTP car.
Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets explains how to practice. “I’ve been fortunate to have coached drivers of every level of natural ability and work ethic. Some have succeeded, and some have not. The common denominator of the ones who have succeeded (to whatever level and type of racing and driving they have chosen) is not just the amount of effort they put into improving, but it’s how they’ve put in that effort.”
Race Driver Bianca Bustamante talks about how she overcomes the “mind games” of the track. “Bustamante took a break from her intense gym and track schedule to share with us how she stays mentally strong in a career that’s equal parts mind and muscle.”
Off-Track
The Daily Sitka Sentinel looks into the workout routine of two-time IndyCar series champion Josef Newgarden. “Welcome to the workout routine for two-time IndyCar series champion Josef Newgarden, a cross-fit session designed to fine-tune his body for strength and endurance in racing.”
Ida Zetterström of Autoweek looks at the Ares Elite Sports Vision program used by NHRA and IndyCar drivers that is also helping athletes from other sports and racers from other series. “”Let’s say for an IndyCar driver, what they have to do is process intense amounts of information,” LaPlaca says. “Okay, I see this turn coming up. This is the Apex. Here’s my line. Here’s all these things that they’ve played over a thousand times in their head.”
Race Car & Series Developments
The existing Hypercar World Endurance Championship rule book appears set for a further extension that could allow the current generation of cars to race until the end of 2032. Series boss Frederic Lequien has revealed to Autosport that a follow up on the two-year extension to the end of 2029 announced last summer is on the table and OEMs are supportive of the plan.
Organizers of the TCR Australia Series have announced yet another change to the 2025 calendar. Originally scheduled to race at Taupo in New Zealand, the series dumped its maiden flyaway round in favour of a trip to One Raceway in New South Wales. Now the long haul to Perth to support the Supercars event on June 6-8, which had been set to open the season following the Taupo change, has also been axed.
Off the back of this year’s Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, Australian Production Cars organizers have revealed its four-round endurance calendar.
The French F4 series has announced for this season the launch of a women’s category for the six female drivers engaged in the series. The class will have separate standings, and the top three drivers in the category after each race will receive trophies. These six drivers will also be included in the overall standings.
The entry list for the opening rounds of the new TCR World Tour season has been confirmed, with a field of 24 cars set to head for the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City early next month.
Mercedes-AMG Motorsport has confirmed a new homologation for the Mercedes-AMG GT4 from SRO and the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB). The new homologation comes into effect immediately and is valid until 2029. The GT4 car, which has been available since 2018, has only been minimally modified for the new homologation.
BMW has launched the M2 Racing, its new entry-level customer racing platform that is set to make its official debut in 2026. Named the M2 Racing, it will be powered by a 2.0-liter, inline-four engine producing 313 horsepower and 420 nm. It weighs 1,498 kilograms and is said to have a top speed exceeding 270 kph (167 mph).
The car has been fitted with a seven-speed ZF transmission and non-adjustable KW shock absorbers based on GT3 technology. The base price for the car has been set at €98,000 ($111,178 USD) in the EU, with distribution to take place through selected dealers. Sales will launch at the end of June.
Maserati Corse has expanded the scope for competition for its GT2 model with the launch of an Endurance Pack for the car, making it suitable for a variety of additional series featuring both endurance and sprint races.
“We’re very proud to provide our teams and gentleman drivers with a car that can stand out and guarantee cutting-edge technologies, significant performance and a unique, unmistakable driving style,” Maria Conti, head of Maserati Corse, said.
In the video above, IMSA puts you in the passenger seat of every Ford Mustang race car variant including the road car! Each driven by Ford Performance Junior or factory drivers at Sebring International Raceway. These were recorded during practice and are not representative of ultimate qualifying pace.
- Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Road Car) driven by Jenson Altzman
- Ford Performance Mustang Dark Horse R (Robert Noaker Racing #13) driven by Robert Noaker
- Ford Performance Mustang GT4 (McCumbee McAleer Racing #13) driven by Sam Paley
- Ford Performance Mustang GT3 (Ford Multimatic Motorsports #64) driven by Sebastian Priaulx
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Always curious about Ryan Hunter-Reay and his sim rig? I have you covered in last week’s Sim Racing Roundup. In addition to that I have a few more drivers that have moved from sim racing to real-world motorsport, whether AI can enhance your skills as a sim racer and an excellent sim training webinar you can attend.
Track Days
Atlantic Racing Team has announced their 2025 FBMW track days at Atlantic Motorsport Park and MSR Houston. Organized in conjunction with Atlantic Formula Racing Association (AFRA), they offer insured track days with the security of Wayne Canfield and the “Medical Rescue Team”!
For the budget minded driver – the price for a full-day at AMP with a shared car/paired driver will be $980 per person (plus HST) – the same as 2024. Prices for winter track days at MSR Houston will be announced shortly – including airfare, 3-night stay near the track, food/catering, and transfers.
For inquiries / bookings please contact us at info@atlanticracingteam.com
This could very well be the brightest and most flamboyant BAC Mono R in existence, and it’s now up for sale. This particular model is the potent Mono R version and was ordered by YouTuber and Twitch streamer Jordan Maron, also known as CaptainSparklez. He took delivery of it in late 2023 and is parting ways with the track-focused machine after covering just 1,100 miles (1,770 km).
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
