BMW is currently evaluating a possible change from its IMSA GTP service provider for the 2026 season, with the long-time partner Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) at the center of the discussion. The first-class LMDH program is currently focusing on the BMW M Hybrid V8.
A contract for renewal
The contract between BMW and RLL, which has been hosted since 2009-will expire at the end of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship season 2025. According to Sportscar365, BMW M Motorsport boss Andreas Roos confirmed Sportscar365 That the car manufacturer is in discussions with RLL and several other prospective teams as part of a formal tender procedure prescribed by German law.
“We never talk about details of the contract,” said Roos in an interview with Sportscar365. “But it is correct that there are always certain data that we have to discuss, what the future will look like and how we will work together.” This is with drivers, that is with partners, that is with teams, with sponsors … with everyone.
“We are discussing with Rahal, but we also have other teams who speak to us, maybe because we managed to bring our car into a window that is very competitive.” We also receive questions or inquiries from other teams. I’m happy about it. Then we will decide how we will do it in the future. “
A famous partnership, but the latest fights
RLL was an essential part of the BMW factory racing presence in North America and achieved 24 wins, including a class victory at the 2020 Rolex 24 in Daytona in GTLM. Their legacy comprises in 2011 to earn all three Almosen -GTTiTel to sweep and manufacturer and team championships in 2010.
Since entering the GTP class in 2023 with the M -YBRID -V8, however, the team has been challenges to consistently compete on the front. While victories in Watkins Glen and Indianapolis have highlighted their potential, the first -class program from BMW has not yet reached a continued dominance.
Potential meetings arise
Accordingly DailysportScar And Sportscar365BMW has drawn three teams as a potential successor to the RLL election if the brand should go in a new direction. One of the leaders is Chip Ganassi Racing, who became a free agent after having separated Cadillac at the end of the 2024 season. The extensive prototype experience from CGR makes it an attractive option for BMW.
Another strong contender is Pratt Miller Motorsports, the long-time Corvette factory team. PMM is currently active in LMP2 and GTD Pro with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and is ready to expand into a GTP program.
Despite the uncertainty, RLL is still in active conversations with BMW about the continuation of the partnership. The team recently made a change in management with the appointment of Jay Frye – the President of the more expensive Indycar – as the new team president before the departure of Coo Steve Eriksen in April 2025.
If BMW opted for a change, RLL would have seven races in his GTP office, including the most important endurance cup rounds in Watkins Glen, Indianapolis and Road Atlanta. A plan to operate a third M -Hybrid -V8 at the 24 hours of Le Mans with RLL in 2025 was also considered, but ultimately put back.
