Woodcliff Lake
Jörg Müller posted a 1:22.905 minute lap in the No. 55 BMW M3 GT for the third fastest time in the 12-car GT class. This weekend is Müller’s first time back at the 2.238-mile, 11-turn circuit since 2001 when he co-drove to a victory with JJ Lehto in the No. 42 BMW M3 GTR. He will co-drive this weekend with Bill Auberlen.
Joey Hand set the seventh fastest time in today’s 15-minute qualifying session. He drove the No. 56 BMW M3 to a 1:22.939 minute lap. Hand and co-driver Dirk Müller sit atop the GT class driver points after a win at the season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring and a second place finish four weeks ago at
BMW has shared a significant history with the classic Laguna Seca circuit, beginning with a win by Hans Joachim Stuck and Dieter Quester in a BMW CSL in 1975. BMW Team RLL arrives to Laguna Seca tied for the lead in GT Manufacturer point standings and is looking for the team’s first victory at Laguna Seca.
“I don’t know why but six hours here seems harder than twelve hours at Sebring,” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. “Tomorrow will be difficult, but we have good handling cars and I have no doubt that there will be lots of yellows. We have been here before and gotten close. We would like to finish the job tomorrow and get the win.”
Jörg Müller, driver No. 55 M3 GT (third): “It was 11 yrs ago that I raced here and I was surprised how quickly I got back into the rhythm of the circuit even though there was quite a bit of traffic. I am quite happy with my performance so far. Laguna Seca is one of the nicest circuits in
Joey Hand, driver No. 56 M3 GT (seventh): “We had a decent qualifying session today. We made a lot of changes through practice and the car got better and better. We are still working on getting rid of a little bit of understeer, but I know Chris Yanchar (car chief) has a few good ideas about that.”
The American Le Mans Monterey race will take the green flag at 1:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, May 12. ESPN2 will air the race at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 13. Live coverage is available starting at 4:15 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The Series’ website offers additional content such as live in-car cameras, and timing and scoring for all users around the world. Viewers outside the
About BMW Team RLL:
BMW Group In
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
BMW’s partner, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, based in Hilliard, Ohio and co-owned by three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan and CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman, has been competing for nearly two decades, compiling 22 victories, 31 poles and two series championships (1992, 2010) as well as claiming an Indianapolis 500 victory (Buddy Rice in 2004). In 2009 the team joined BMW of North America to campaign the new BMW M3 in the American Le Mans Series. In 2010 the team won both the Manufacturer and Team Championships in the GT category. In 2011 the team swept all three GT titles – Manufacturer, Team and Driver.
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Journalist note:
Information about the BMW and its products is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.
Video interviews and on-board clips are available at www.youtube.com/BMWNAMotorsport.
Follow BMW Team RLL on Twitter at @BMWUSARacing and on Facebook at BMWUSA.
Information about Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is available via at: www.rahal-staging.ktnlcqy7-liquidwebsites.com.