Me and JG? Just saying.
Photograph courtesy BMW
Why create a whole new single-make series, when you could just add a one-make class to an already existing series?
That’s essentially what IMSA has done, adding the BMW M2 Challenge to the upcoming 2026 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season.
Designed to be a more attainable entry into professional multi-class racing, the BMW M2 Challenge pits identical examples of the new M2 Racing–the successor to the M2 CS Racing–against each other alongside the existing P3 (Le Mans Prototype P3), GTDX (Grand Touring Daytona X) and GSX (Grand Sport X) classes.
Each M2 Racing is rated at 313 horsepower and capable of reaching a top speed of over 160 mph from the factory.
“With the launch of the new BMW M2 Racing, we are continuing a proud tradition of building accessible, high-performance racing cars that deliver both excitement and results,” said Adam McGregor, BMW of North America Customer and Racing Manager. “As with its predecessor, the BMW M2 CS Racing, the BMW M2 Racing is set to redefine the entry-level segment, offering racing teams and drivers alike a car that is both affordable and uncompromising in performance, durability and driving pleasure.”
The M2 Challenge is set to join the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge at four venues on the 2026 schedule: Sebring International Raceway (March 6-8), Circuit of The Americas (May 7-9), Virginia International Raceway (June 19-21) and Road America (August 14-16).
“It’s a single-make car, but to put that car into a multi-class environment is great for entry-level,” adds IMSA President John Doonan. “Immediately, someone is in a multi-class learning opportunity with a faster prototype passing.”
Just about anyone can compete in the M2 Challenge as well. Each car is allotted two drivers, though at least one of them needs to be in possession of a Bronze or Silver FIA license. (Platinum licensed drivers, the press release states, are prohibited from competing.)
Me and JG? Just saying.
Glad to see BMW partnering with IMSA. Manufacturer involvement is part of the keys to success.
In reply to Coniglio Rampante :
Very much true. And I should add that during the Rolex, we always see BMW people in the media center.
This is really cool. The original M235iR never really got a proper shot in the US in any major series. There were a few EVO cars in TC America, but they never got the love over here that they did in Europe. The NLS series is full of them. They have their own class and any given NLS of N24 will have a dozen or more of them. Lots of big teams will keep a couple around just as rental mules to fill out their garages. There's no reason the new car can't have the same presence over here.
I also think there's a market for a factory race car and race series that isn't aimed so squarely at kids climbing the ladder, like MX-5 Cup and GRCup are. I'm sure there will be plenty of that here, but this seems more aimed at club racers in general who want to run something more high-profile rather than as a pure development series.
JG Pasterjak said:I also think there's a market for a factory race car and race series that isn't aimed so squarely at kids climbing the ladder, like MX-5 Cup and GRCup are. I'm sure there will be plenty of that here, but this seems more aimed at club racers in general who want to run something more high-profile rather than as a pure development series.
I like the idea of a more casual way to dip your toe into multi-class endurance racing.
Looking forward to seeing more BMW M2s out there - both in this class and on track at a circuit near you.
Pretty cool. I'll still die on the hill that this series should go back to showroom cars built to race that any team could bring vs. the purpose built GT4/TCR cars. I'm guessing this will fit the gap between the two current classes?
313 horsepower? is that a typo or do these cars have the 4cyl B48?
self edit: it does have the B48... super cool.
Displaying 1-8 of 8 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
