BMW is introducing the M240i Racing, an evolution package for upgrading the current M235i Racing customer car. The new package extends the homologation of its most popular customer car and provides BMW with a model number for the race car that is consistent with the 2-Series cars that it sells in the showroom.
In the VLN Series the M235i Racing Cup class becomes the M240i Racing Cup class; along with the announcement of the new model BMW has announced a two-year extension of its contract with both VLN and its tire supplier Dunlop. It has also indicated that beginning in 2019 prize money for the most successful teams in VLN will be increased from 75,000 to 100,000 Euros.
While no formal announcement has been made, in North America the M240i Racing is expected to run in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car class, where the M235i Racing is currently the most popular car.
The M240i Racing Evo package includes optimized engine software, new rear wing endplates, and an optional new drivers’ seat. The customer support that BMW provides to M235i Racing customers, including engineering support and provision of spare parts at the track, will continue.
Addressing the extension of the VLN agreement, BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt had this to say. “This contract extension is another clear sign of our commitment to customer racing. As a production-based, and thus affordable, entry-level model for the motorsport scene, the BMW M235i Racing has been a great success from the word go. On one hand, you can see this from the fact that the corresponding class has for years been the strongest Cup class in the VLN, with a field of roughly twenty cars. On the other hand, we take great pleasure in seeing Cup participants thrill fans with fantastic displays of racing, time and time again. I am pleased that we are now able to offer our customer teams planning security for a further two years, and to reward them for their loyalty. With the introduction of the BMW M240i Racing Evo package as of the 2019 season, we are taking numerous customer requests into account. The Evo package has a few advantages for both teams and drivers. Also, the BMW M240i Racing will bear the brand and design elements of the production car.” —Brian Morgan
