BMW M3 Touring 24H Gears Up for 2026 Nürburgring Race
The BMW M3 Touring 24H will make its highly anticipated racing debut at the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. Scheduled for May 16-17, this event marks a significant achievement for BMW M Motorsport. Originally conceived as an April Fools’ prank, the M3 Touring has transformed into a real contender for the race.
From Prank to Reality: The BMW M3 Touring 24H
The idea for the racing version began shortly after the launch of the BMW M3 Touring road car in 2022. Following a successful social media campaign on April 1, 2025, which garnered over 1.6 million views, BMW M Motorsport decided to bring the concept to life.
Key Specifications and Features
- The BMW M3 Touring 24H shares its technical base with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
- It is 200 millimeters longer and 32 millimeters taller than the M4 GT3 EVO.
- It features a design inspired by fan comments made during the April Fools’ joke campaign.
The car will showcase a special livery during the 24-hour race, emphasizing BMW’s connection with its passionate fanbase at the Nürburgring.
Drivers and Team
The BMW M3 Touring 24H will be fielded by Schubert Motorsport. Four accomplished drivers will take the wheel:
- Jens Klingmann (GER)
- Ugo de Wilde (BEL)
- Connor De Phillippi (USA)
- Neil Verhagen (USA)
Competing in the SPX class, the M3 Touring will not directly compete with its BMW M4 GT3 EVO counterparts, which are aiming for overall victory in the SP9 category.
Partnerships and Collaborations
In a notable partnership, the BMW M3 Touring 24H will utilize tires from Yokohama. Takayoshi Omae, Deputy Head of Consumer Tyre Product & Marketing Planning, expressed excitement about this collaboration, marking a historic milestone for Yokohama in motorsport.
Team Enthusiasm
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, highlighted the unique nature of this project. He thanked everyone involved in bringing the BMW M3 Touring 24H to life. Roos is eager to deliver an exceptional show for the fans at the Nürburgring.
Jens Klingmann expressed his delight at being part of this unprecedented project. He emphasized the connection between BMW and its community, and the aim to perform well in the race. The goal is clear: to impress spectators and achieve a top result.
The BMW M3 Touring 24H promises to be an exciting addition to the motorsport scene, showcasing innovation and fan engagement like never before.
