BMW looks for redemption at Charlotte

The 2001 M3 will piloted by veteran sports- and touring-car racer Hans Stuck, and Johannes van Beek, who will race alongside the PTG team's 1999 spec M3.

The team faces an uphill battle to develop the new machine, whilst attempting to fight off the class-dominant Porsche 911-GT3s. However, the team is confident it can find success.

"I have confidence in the PTG team and drivers," said Tom Salkowsky, BMW's motorsport manager for North America, whilst allowing for the fact that it will take time to get the most out of the car.

"We're still looking to gather more development time and more race time with the new M3," he admitted. "Charlotte is a track that's unproven for us. We are working hard to prepare for next Saturday and run the hardest race we possibly can."

At the new car's first race, the Sebring 12 hours, Stuck and Johannes were troubled for much of the race. The car suffered from half-shaft trouble, and eventually retired with engine failure.

This was not the start the team was looking for, considering Porsche's auspicious debut with the 911-GT3 last year.

However, team owner Tom Milner was circumspect about the car's potential. "We had some half-shaft problems that hit both cars, but we plan to have them corrected," he admitted. "I'm looking to get some redemption for Charlotte. It was not the kind of result we were looking for."