BMW M1

In 1979 the ‘Pro-Car’ Championship was introduced in an attempt to attract Formula 1 drivers into sports car racing (as in years gone by). The series ran as a support race to F1 events and identical BMW M1’s were fielded.

The five fastest eligible drivers from F1 qualifying, not already competing in the series, were offered the first five spaces on the grid for each race. Due to clashes with sponsors and tyre suppliers few drivers were able to take up the offer, but the combination of those who did and the leading sportscar drivers of the day provided some spectacular racing. Niki Lauda took the crown in 1979 using a combination of BMW Works and Project Four cars, while Nelson Piquet was the champion in 1980 driving exclusively for BMW.

With BMW getting more involved in F1 and the homologation of the M1 for international sportscar racing the series did not run as planned in 1981. The car displayed here was driven by German sports car ace Hans Stuck to the 1979 privateers championship and second place in the overall standings. The car continued to be raced well into the mid 1980’s including winning the German GT championship in 1985. Amongst the car’s long list of achievements are class wins at LeMans in 1984 and 1985.

Driving the car at LeMans in 1985 were Mondello Park owner Martin Birrane, Edgar Doren and Jean-Paul Libert. The team came home 15th overall and won their class. In 1993 Martin Birrane was able to buy ‘his’ car, it having been restored to the original ‘Pro-Car’ livery and specification.