BMW is at present evaluating a possible change in its IMSA GTP service supplier for the 2026 season, with long-time associate Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) on the heart of the dialogue. Its top-tier LMDh program is at present centered across the BMW M Hybrid V8.
A Contract Up for Renewal
The contract between BMW and RLL—who’ve been factory-aligned since 2009—is about to run out on the finish of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. In response to Sportscar365, BMW M Motorsport Head Andreas Roos confirmed to Sportscar365 that the automaker is in discussions with RLL and several other different potential groups as a part of a proper tender course of mandated beneath German legislation.
“We by no means discuss particulars of the contract,” Roos mentioned in an interview with Sportscar365. “Nevertheless it’s appropriate that there’s all the time sure dates which we’ve got to debate how the longer term will appear to be and the way we proceed working collectively. “That is with drivers, that is with companions, that is with groups, with sponsors… with everyone.
“We’re discussing with Rahal however we additionally produce other groups which might be speaking to us, perhaps now as a result of we managed to get our automotive right into a window which could be very aggressive. “We’re additionally getting questions or requests from different groups. I’m joyful about this. Then we’ll determine how we’ll do it sooner or later.”
A Storied Partnership, However Current Struggles
RLL has been a key a part of BMW’s manufacturing unit racing presence in North America, securing 24 victories together with a category win on the 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona in GTLM. Their legacy contains sweeping all three ALMS GT titles in 2011 and incomes Producer and Staff championships in 2010.
Nevertheless, since getting into the GTP class in 2023 with the M Hybrid V8, the staff has confronted challenges in persistently competing on the entrance. Whereas victories at Watkins Glen and Indianapolis have highlighted their potential, BMW’s top-class program has but to realize sustained dominance.
Potential Replacements Emerge
In response to DailySportsCar and Sportscar365, BMW has shortlisted three groups as potential successors to RLL ought to the model select to go in a brand new route. One of many front-runners is Chip Ganassi Racing, which turned a free agent after parting methods with Cadillac on the finish of the 2024 season. CGR’s intensive prototype expertise makes it a gorgeous choice for BMW.
One other robust contender is Pratt Miller Motorsports, the long-time Corvette manufacturing unit staff. PMM is at present lively in LMP2 and GTD Professional with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, and is reportedly desperate to develop right into a GTP program.
Regardless of the uncertainty, RLL remains to be in lively talks with BMW about persevering with the partnership. The staff lately made a management change with the appointment of Jay Frye—former IndyCar President—as its new staff president, following the departure of COO Steve Eriksen in April 2025.
Ought to BMW go for a change, RLL would have seven races remaining in its GTP tenure, together with key Endurance Cup rounds at Watkins Glen, Indianapolis, and Highway Atlanta. A plan to run a 3rd M Hybrid V8 on the 24 Hours of Le Mans with RLL in 2025 was additionally thought-about however finally shelved.
