SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 28, 2025 – Racing fans and BMW enthusiasts alike have something to cheer about as the BMW M4 GT3 EVO clinched its first win of the IMSA season during the Six Hours of the Glen. This wasn't just any race—it was a gutsy, come-from-behind performance that turned what looked like a setback into a spectacular celebration of strategy, teamwork, and pure driving talent.
A North American Breakthrough for Harper and Hesse
For BMW M works drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse, this win marked a milestone. Racing for Paul Miller Racing in the GTD PRO class, the duo not only earned their first-ever North American victory, but also secured the first IMSA triumph for the newly evolved BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
Things didn’t start off perfectly. After qualifying second, Harper was hit with a 60-second stop-and-go penalty for a pit-lane exit infraction—dropping them to the back of the pack. But this twist set the stage for one of the most exciting comebacks of the season.
“We kept a cool head in a hot race,” said Harper. “I asked the team to let me drive the final stint to make up for my earlier mistake. Luckily, we managed to do that together.”
Max Hesse added, “It was an incredibly good weekend. The car was strong on restarts, and I gradually worked my way back to first place. Dan did an amazing job in the final stint.”
Why This Victory Matters for BMW Fans
This win isn’t just a notch in BMW's racing belt—it’s a strong statement that the M4 GT3 EVO is a force to be reckoned with. After strong performances all season without a win, this result solidifies the car’s competitive credentials on U.S. soil.
From a lifestyle angle, it also shows how racing tech continues to filter into consumer vehicles. While most of us won't be whipping around Watkins Glen anytime soon, innovations developed in motorsport—like the EVO’s chassis tweaks or handling improvements—often find their way into BMW’s road cars.
Not All Teams Had a Smooth Ride
While Harper and Hesse were celebrating, other BMW crews faced tougher days:
- The #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 retired after an accident involving Marco Wittmann.
- The #24 car, driven by Philipp Eng and Dries Vanthoor, finished eighth despite staying in the leading group for most of the race.
- Turner Motorsport’s #96 BMW M4 GT3 EVO also dropped to eighth after a strong early showing in the GTD class.
“This was a race with mixed emotions,” said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. “I’m thrilled about the first victory of our BMW M4 GT3 EVO in the IMSA series. Paul Miller Racing has shown strong performances throughout the season, and now it finally happened.”
How the BMW M4 GT3 EVO Stands Out
Compared to its predecessor, the EVO version of the M4 GT3 brings refined aerodynamics, improved handling balance, and software enhancements that are critical for endurance racing. While these upgrades are race-specific, they reflect BMW M’s overall design philosophy that blends track pedigree with road-ready performance.
Mini Feature Comparison: EVO vs. Original M4 GT3
- Handling: The EVO has better mid-corner grip and more stable high-speed behavior.
- Aero Package: Revised front splitter and rear wing improve downforce efficiency.
- Driver Feedback: Teams report more precise response during tire changes and pit strategy execution.
Looking Ahead
After this breakthrough, Harper and Hesse now sit third in the championship with two podiums under their belt. With momentum on their side and lessons learned from a tough start, BMW fans can look forward to a promising second half of the IMSA season.
For those dreaming of track-level performance in their everyday drive, this weekend’s race proves that BMW’s motorsport edge is alive and well—both on the circuit and in your garage.
Learn more at www.bmw-m.com/motorsport