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 Topic: Article: BMW M1 Procar revival at Hockenheim
Posted: 30-June-2008 at 22:21 |
 This season’s German Grand Prix will see the return of one of the most
spectacular single-make competitions in motor racing history. The
legendary BMW M1 Procar series will be resurrected at Hockenheim in
July for a one-off special event.
The celebrated competition,
which ran as a support series for Formula One racing in 1979 and 1980,
saw the five fastest F1 drivers from Friday practice for the Grand Prix
compete against 15 young hopefuls in specially prepared versions of
BMW's M1 supercar.
“There hasn't been a series as attractive as
this before or since,” recalled TV pundit Marc Surer, who conducted
set-up work for the series’ prototypes as a young Formula Two driver.
"With its mid-engined layout, the M1 was a bit of an animal to drive
and had an outrageous soundtrack.
“The series fed off the
appeal of the cars and the opportunity for young drivers to measure
themselves against the leading Formula One stars at the time. You were
really somebody if you got to drive in one of those races. It was a
unique opportunity to pit your skills against the F1 drivers - and they
were certainly pretty quick in the M1.
“The handling of the
car suited them down to the ground. Plus, in 1979 - the first of the
two years the series was held - they always started from the front and
were given works cars. That made it pretty tough for us junior drivers
in the independent teams. We had to look after our car, but at the same
time did everything we could to make our mark.”
The series, the
brainchild of Jochen Neerpasch, the head of BMW Motorsport at the time,
Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone and FIA President Max
Mosley, is still remembered fondly by fans, despite it’s brief two-year
stint on the schedules. One admirer particularly heartened by its
return is current BMW Motorsport director Dr Mario Theissen.
"The
M1 was unveiled 30 years ago as the first car created independently by
the then BMW Motorsport GmbH,” explained Theissen. “It was a racing car
which BMW customers could also drive on the road, a unique project
which had to overcome some tricky administrative hurdles before getting
off the ground.
"In order to gain Group 4 homologation, 400
units of the super sports car had to be built within a period of 24
months. The idea of organising a single-make series was born out of
necessity - i.e. the requirements of homologation. Nobody expected the
BMW M1 Procar series to go down quite so well. Just a mention of it
today still triggers an enthusiastic reaction. This revival serves as a
'thank you' to the fans.”
During July's event a smaller field of
10 drivers will compete in two show races. Amongst those competing will
be several past masters including Surer, Jacques Laffite, Dieter
Quester, Christian Danner, Harald Grohs and Prince Leopold of Bavaria.
German
driver and team manager Jochen Neerpasch will also be in attendance, at
the wheel of the BMW M1 turned into an 'Art Car' by legendary artist
Andy Warhol. His co-driver will be 72 year-old American painter Frank
Stella, who also created an 'Art Car' - a BMW 3.0 CSL which raced at Le
Mans in 1976. |
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Posted: 30-June-2008 at 22:22 |
BMW Press Release:
BMW M1 Procar revival at Hockenheim.
06-30-2008 Press Release
BMW M1 Procar revival at Hockenheim.
Past masters roll back the years.
Munich, 30th June 2008. The F1 German Grand Prix programme this
year will see the revival of the most spectacular single-make
competition in motor racing history. The BMW M1 Procar series will be
back at Hockenheim on 19th and 20th July as a field of ten cars.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen, for one, is looking forward
to the event: “The M1 was unveiled 30 years ago as the first car
created independently by the then BMW Motorsport GmbH. It was a racing
car which BMW customers could also drive on the road, a unique project
which had to overcome some tricky administrative hurdles before getting
off the ground.” In order to gain Group 4 homologation, 400 units of
the super sports car had to be built within a period of 24 months. As
Theissen continues: “The idea of organising a single-make series was
born out of necessity – i.e. the requirements of homologation. Nobody
expected the BMW M1 Procar series to go down quite so well. Just a
mention of it today still triggers an enthusiastic reaction. This
revival serves as a ‘thank you’ to the fans.”
“There hasn’t been a series as attractive as this before or since,”
says Marc Surer. Now working as a Formula One expert on TV, Surer is
well placed to judge. As a young Formula 2 driver, he conducted testing
and set-up work for the prototypes at the time. “With its mid-engined
layout, the M1 was a bit of an animal to drive and had an outrageous
soundtrack. The series fed off the appeal of the cars and the
opportunity for young drivers to measure themselves against the leading
Formula One stars at the time.”
The five fastest drivers from Friday practice for the Formula One
Grand Prix earned themselves a drive in the M1 race. The 15 remaining
500 hp machines were piloted by hungry young hopefuls. “You were really
somebody if you got to drive in one of those races,” recalls Surer. “It
was a unique opportunity to pit your skills against the F1 drivers –
and they were certainly pretty quick in the M1. The handling of the
mid-engined car suited them down to the ground. Plus, in 1979 – the
first of the two years the series was held – they always started from
the front and were given works cars. That made it pretty tough for us
junior drivers in the independent teams. We had to look after our car,
but at the same time did everything we could to make our mark.”
The idea of developing the BMW M1, however, was the brainchild of
Jochen Neerpasch, the head of BMW Motorsport GmbH at the time, and it
was he who initiated the single-make series with Bernie Ecclestone and
Max Mosley within the relatively relaxed structure of F1 three decades
ago.
A handful of past masters are set to line up once again for the two
show races at Hockenheim. Surer will be joined by Jacques Laffite,
Dieter Quester, Christian Danner, Harald Grohs and Prince Leopold of
Bavaria. Jochen Neerpasch will also be there, at the wheel of the BMW
M1 turned into an Art Car by Andy Warhol. His co-driver will be none
other than Frank Stella, who also created an Art Car – a BMW 3.0 CSL
which raced at Le Mans in 1976. The 72-year-old remains a keen motor
racing fan. |
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kbannon
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Posted: 01-July-2008 at 23:09 |
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M1 @ Classic Endurance Race in the Ring 2007
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Posted: 19-July-2008 at 19:13 |
BMW M1 Procar Revival.
07-19-2008 Press Release
Sport, art, sound - Lauda is first across the line.
Hockenheim (DE), 19th July 2008. After 30 years, the BMW M1 Procar
Series made its comeback to the circuit today, Saturday, with a host of
big names and a host of fun. Ten celebrity-manned examples of the close
to 500 hp mid-engined racers delivered the first of two show races on
the Hockenheimring as part of the support programme of the German
Formula One Grand Prix.
In the words of three-times World Champion Niki Lauda: “It was such
a hoot. We were allowed to drive how we wanted, we didn’t have to hold
back on the pace. Actually, we should have been chasing Jochen
Neerpasch in the M1 Art Car, but he didn’t get off to a proper start.
And that gave me a clear run ahead. I’m going to have to seriously
reconsider whether my career really is over! It was great fun.”
“I’ve always wanted to race against Niki Lauda,” said a grinning
BMW Sauber F1 Team test driver Christian Klien, who was also behind the
wheel of one of the legendary models. The Austrian, born some time
after the M1 Procar, was surprised at the calibre of these classics:
“It’s amazing the handling these cars already had back in the 80s. Even
today they feel quite advanced. And as for the sound, it’s out of this
world. You’re sitting right in front of the engine, and at 10,000 revs
it’s awesome. You really get a sense of the car’s sheer power. I can’t
wait for the next race!”
The second show race will be held on Sunday shortly before the start of the Grand Prix.
RTL commentator Christian Danner was scuffling with Lauda at the
front of the field – “But in the end I deferred to the World Champion,”
joked the ex-Formula One driver, “partly because I was being distracted
by my co-driver Tim Mälzer, who wouldn’t stop talking about cooking.”
Indisputably the most valuable car on the track, the Art Car
designed by Andy Warhol was driven by Jochen Neerpasch, one of the
granddaddies of the most spectacular single-make competition in the
history of motor racing. Neerpasch, who headed BMW Motorsport GmbH at
the time, dreamed up the Procar Series together with Bernie Ecclestone
and Max Mosley to feature within the relatively relaxed F1 format at
the time. The revival marks the 30th anniversary of the M1 as the first
vehicle to be created independently by the former BMW Motorsport GmbH.
In 1979 and 1980, the Procar Series thrived on the one hand on the
sheer appeal of the car, but equally by giving young drivers a chance
to pit their skills against the top Formula One drivers of the day. The
five fastest in F1’s Friday practice were each granted a seat in the
cockpit of an M1, the works cars coming under the technical direction
of Ron Dennis. A further 15 cars were manned by eager young racing
talents. “It was a matter of huge pride to be allowed to race against
the established stars,” recalls Marc Surer, who was also involved in
the Procar show race, along with veterans Dieter Quester, Harald Grohs
and His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Bavaria.
Despite a problem with the clutch at the start, Jochen Neerpasch
relished the experience: “It’s marvellous that it all got off the
ground. We will also publish a book to mark the 30th anniversary. It
means I’ve been steeped in three decades of motor racing lately, which
was also an interesting experience for me personally. A great deal
happened during that time.”
Neerpasch’s co-driver in the Warhol M1 was none other than Frank
Stella. The 72-year-old artist summed up the event: “The BMW M1 Procar
Revival here in Hockenheim was amazingly good fun. It was an honour for
me to be able to drive in this wonderful and unique Andy Warhol BMW M1
Procar. The car, the crowds, the whole ambience – it really was
fantastic experience. Compared to 30 years ago, motor racing today
hasn’t changed significantly, but everything round about it is
completely different. Sport and art have one key thing in common: in
the end it comes down to satisfaction. My philosophy is: always give of
your best. Sometimes I’m surprised at what turns out, at other times
I’m disappointed. Out here on the race track it’s very hard not to be
thrilled.” Stella himself also designed an Art Car – a BMW 3.0 CSL
which competed in the 1976 Le Mans marathon.
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Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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kbannon
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Joined: 09-October-2002
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Posted: 19-July-2008 at 19:20 |
I'm sure vids of todays action will come online soon but in the meantime...
review on paddocktalk...
BMW M1 Procar Revival at Hockenheim: Sport, Art, Sound - Lauda Is First Across The Line
After 30 years, the BMW M1 Procar Series made its comeback to the
circuit today, Saturday, with a host of big names and a host of fun.
Ten celebrity-manned examples of the close to 500 hp mid-engined racers
delivered the first of two show races on the Hockenheimring as part of
the support programme of the German Formula One Grand Prix.
In the words of three-times World Champion Niki Lauda: “It was such a
hoot. We were allowed to drive how we wanted, we didn’t have to hold
back on the pace. Actually, we should have been chasing Jochen
Neerpasch in the M1 Art Car, but he didn’t get off to a proper start.
And that gave me a clear run ahead. I’m going to have to seriously
reconsider whether my career really is over! It was great fun.”
“I’ve always wanted to race against Niki Lauda,” said a grinning BMW
Sauber F1 Team test driver Christian Klien, who was also behind the
wheel of one of the legendary models. The Austrian, born some time
after the M1 Procar, was surprised at the calibre of these classics:
“It’s amazing the handling these cars already had back in the 80s. Even
today they feel quite advanced. And as for the sound, it’s out of this
world. You’re sitting right in front of the engine, and at 10,000 revs
it’s awesome. You really get a sense of the car’s sheer power. I can’t
wait for the next race!”
The second show race will be held on Sunday shortly before the start of
the Grand Prix. RTL commentator Christian Danner was scuffling with
Lauda at the front of the field – “But in the end I deferred to the
World Champion,” joked the ex-Formula One driver, “partly because I was
being distracted by my co-driver Tim Mälzer, who wouldn’t stop talking
about cooking.”
Indisputably the most valuable car on the track, the Art Car designed
by Andy Warhol was driven by Jochen Neerpasch, one of the granddaddies
of the most spectacular single-make competition in the history of motor
racing. Neerpasch, who headed BMW Motorsport GmbH at the time, dreamed
up the Procar Series together with Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley to
feature within the relatively relaxed F1 format at the time. The
revival marks the 30th anniversary of the M1 as the first vehicle to be
created independently by the former BMW Motorsport GmbH.
In 1979 and 1980, the Procar Series thrived on the one hand on the
sheer appeal of the car, but equally by giving young drivers a chance
to pit their skills against the top Formula One drivers of the day. The
five fastest in F1’s Friday practice were each granted a seat in the
cockpit of an M1, the works cars coming under the technical direction
of Ron Dennis. A further 15 cars were manned by eager young racing
talents. “It was a matter of huge pride to be allowed to race against
the established stars,” recalls Marc Surer, who was also involved in
the Procar show race, along with veterans Dieter Quester, Harald Grohs
and His Royal Highness Prince Leopold of Bavaria.
Despite a problem with the clutch at the start, Jochen Neerpasch
relished the experience: “It’s marvellous that it all got off the
ground. We will also publish a book to mark the 30th anniversary. It
means I’ve been steeped in three decades of motor racing lately, which
was also an interesting experience for me personally. A great deal
happened during that time.” Neerpasch’s co-driver in the Warhol M1 was
none other than Frank Stella. The 72-year-old artist summed up the
event: “The BMW M1 Procar Revival here in Hockenheim was amazingly good
fun. It was an honour for me to be able to drive in this wonderful and
unique Andy Warhol BMW M1 Procar. The car, the crowds, the whole
ambience – it really was fantastic experience. Compared to 30 years
ago, motor racing today hasn’t changed significantly, but everything
round about it is completely different. Sport and art have one key
thing in common: in the end it comes down to satisfaction. My
philosophy is: always give of your best. Sometimes I’m surprised at
what turns out, at other times I’m disappointed. Out here on the race
track it’s very hard not to be thrilled.” Stella himself also designed
an Art Car – a BMW 3.0 CSL which competed in the 1976 Le Mans marathon.
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Current: 2009 E60 520d "Sport" tractor
Previous: 1989 E30 320i SE
1997 E39 523i
2003 E39 525i Sport Individual
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Joined: 09-October-2002
Location: 64 Zoo Lane
Status: Offline
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Posted: 22-July-2008 at 20:37 |
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Article: BMW M1 Procar revival at Hockenheim