One of the coolest racing series in the world for BMW fans doesn’t feature the latest and greatest racing models, but rather the models that put BMW M Motorsport on the map in their earlier history. These cars include the 3.0 CSL, the M1 Procar, the 635CSi and the E30 M3, among others. The DTM Classic Cup and DRM Cup series bring these cars to life again on DTM race weekends as support races for the DTM series.
Being in Germany, where a lot of classic race cars are still track-worthy and looking for exercise, the entry for these races is usually full and varied, with cars from Porsche, Ford, Opel, Audi, and Mercedes in addition to BMW. The DTM Classic Cup caters (mostly) to cars that competed in the DTM series in previous years, like the E30 M3 and the 635CSi, while the DRM Cup features other classic race cars like the M1 Procar and the 320i Gruppe 5.
DTM Classic Cup held eight races on four race weekends along with DTM with two races per weekend, while the DRM Cup held six races on three DTM race weekends. BMWs were on the podium in several races in both series in 2022 and tallied wins at the Lausitzring (E36 STW), Spa (E30 BTCC and E36 STW), the Nürburgring, and Spa (both M1 Procars).
The overall DTM Classic Cup championship went to Olaf Manthey in a 635CSi. Manthey didn’t win any races, but competed in almost all of them and was consistent with top five finishes. Manthey was the runner-up in the DTM series in 1984-85 and is also the Team Principal for the Manthey Racing Porsche works team. “In DTM Classic, there are no slouches,” he said. “Therefore, it is very satisfying indeed when you are still able to keep up nicely at my age. The 635 is very reliable, really heavy. and a bit sluggish and as the tires are really narrow, so you have to handle them really well.”
The DRM Cup was won by Peter Mücke driving a Ford Zakspeed Capri Turbo. Notable guest drivers in the series included BMW works driver Bruno Spengler who drove the E36 STW in a few races, and Nico Wittmann, brother of BMW works driver Marco Wittmann.
—David Haueter
[Photos by DTM]