DTM steps into new era (and maybe America) as new racers debut at Hockenheim

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Racing



DTM is one of Germany's best-kept secrets. The series features (ostensibly) production-based touring cars piloted by a mix of up-and-coming talents and retired F1 drivers around some of Europe's finest racing circuits. But the series won't be a secret for long as a number of developments aim to up its profile.

First of all, with the 2011 season now complete, the German touring car championship is about to switch to a new formula that will see a new generation of racing coupes replace the older sedans. The new crop just made their track debut this weekend at Hockenheim for the DTM season finale, and we've put together a little gallery of high-res images for you to check out.

The 2012 field is also growing thanks to the arrival of BMW, which is joining the series as of next season to take on Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which have been dueling it out mono-e-mono for the past few seasons. Having only shown the new M3 DTM in matte black until now, BMW has finally showcased its new racer in full regalia, packing the marque's signature striped white livery.

BMW is eager to leverage its new DTM program beyond Germany's borders. This year's calendar included races in Austria, Holland, England and Spain, in addition to those within Germany, and has in recent years raced in such locations as Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Turkey and even China. However, a closing gap in regulations between DTM and Japan's Super GT series could soon see the two competing on common fields.

More intriguing, however, is a development BMW is keen to pursue that would see DTM come to the United States. Touring car racing - as distinct from stock cars - is not very popular in America, and the organizers of the German series have been working at filling that gap by pairing an American version of the series as support races for series like NASCAR, Grand-Am or IndyCar. Sources indicate the move could happen as soon as 2013 - in other words, the racing season after next. Follow the jump for press releases from Audi and BMW on the track debuts of their new racers.Continue reading DTM steps into new era (and maybe America) as new racers debut at Hockenheim

DTM steps into new era (and maybe America) as new racers debut at Hockenheim originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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