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Le Mans / ALMS
DTM: Joey Hand Lands BMW DTM Drive
2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona winner and ALMS GT drivers’ champion to become first American in almost 20 years...
Joey Hand will get an opportunity of a lifetime to step into the ultra-competitive DTM ranks next year with BMW. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)
Following a career-defining season, which saw wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, a podium finish in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series GT drivers’ championship, Joey Hand will have a new challenge for 2012 as the American BMW factory driver steps up to DTM.
Hand was confirmed Thursday as the fifth driver selected by the German manufacturer to spearhead its new DTM campaign, joining Andy Priaulx, Augusto Farfus, Bruno Spengler and reigning series champion Martin Tomczyk at the wheel of new BMW M3 DTM cars in one of the world’s most competitive championships.
The 32-year-old Sacramento, Calif. native got his first taste of BMW’s new DTM challenger at a test in Monteblanco, Spain last month. It came following his request to BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt for an eventual chance to drive a high-tech M3 machine.
Little did he know that BMW quickly arranged a test, and following an impressive debut drive, awarded him one of the coveted six spots on the factory team’s lineup for 2012.
“I am really looking forward to my new challenge in the DTM, and thank BMW sincerely for the company’s confidence in me,” Hand said.
“I immediately enjoyed the BMW M3 DTM. Its downforce and carbon brakes are extremely impressive. I know some of the team members from the past, and was able to acquaint myself with the others in Monteblanco. Now I am looking forward to our close teamwork in future!”
Marquardt added: “Joey has been a member of the BMW family for many years, and we are extremely pleased that he will now form part of our DTM project. His past successes have impressively underscored his skills set, and during the test in Monteblanco with the BMW M3 DTM he immediately proved to be very fast.
“We are convinced the addition of Joey to our line-up will substantially strengthen our project. In addition, his character fits into our team perfectly.”
Hand will become the first American since Danny Sullivan in 1994 to compete in the German-based series, which is regarded as one of the premier championships in Europe with factory entries from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. BMW joins in the action next year, following the introduction of an all-new platform of cars.
Hand’s move to DTM rules out a return to BMW Team RLL’s factory ALMS program on a full-time basis, although he’s already been confirmed at Chip Gansssi Racing for next month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he’ll be searching for back-to-back overall victories in the twice-around-the-clock classic.
One seat remains in BMW’s DTM program, which could go to Hand’s ALMS co-driver Dirk Muller or teammate Dirk Werner. The Bavarian manufacturer recently tested a number of other potential drivers as well that could have a chance.
BMW Team RLL, meanwhile, is expected to confirm its 2012 ALMS driver lineups by the end of the month.
PHOTOS: Joey Hand BMW DTM Test
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
Hand was confirmed Thursday as the fifth driver selected by the German manufacturer to spearhead its new DTM campaign, joining Andy Priaulx, Augusto Farfus, Bruno Spengler and reigning series champion Martin Tomczyk at the wheel of new BMW M3 DTM cars in one of the world’s most competitive championships.
The 32-year-old Sacramento, Calif. native got his first taste of BMW’s new DTM challenger at a test in Monteblanco, Spain last month. It came following his request to BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt for an eventual chance to drive a high-tech M3 machine.
Little did he know that BMW quickly arranged a test, and following an impressive debut drive, awarded him one of the coveted six spots on the factory team’s lineup for 2012.
“I am really looking forward to my new challenge in the DTM, and thank BMW sincerely for the company’s confidence in me,” Hand said.
“I immediately enjoyed the BMW M3 DTM. Its downforce and carbon brakes are extremely impressive. I know some of the team members from the past, and was able to acquaint myself with the others in Monteblanco. Now I am looking forward to our close teamwork in future!”
Marquardt added: “Joey has been a member of the BMW family for many years, and we are extremely pleased that he will now form part of our DTM project. His past successes have impressively underscored his skills set, and during the test in Monteblanco with the BMW M3 DTM he immediately proved to be very fast.
“We are convinced the addition of Joey to our line-up will substantially strengthen our project. In addition, his character fits into our team perfectly.”
Hand will become the first American since Danny Sullivan in 1994 to compete in the German-based series, which is regarded as one of the premier championships in Europe with factory entries from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. BMW joins in the action next year, following the introduction of an all-new platform of cars.
Hand’s move to DTM rules out a return to BMW Team RLL’s factory ALMS program on a full-time basis, although he’s already been confirmed at Chip Gansssi Racing for next month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he’ll be searching for back-to-back overall victories in the twice-around-the-clock classic.
One seat remains in BMW’s DTM program, which could go to Hand’s ALMS co-driver Dirk Muller or teammate Dirk Werner. The Bavarian manufacturer recently tested a number of other potential drivers as well that could have a chance.
BMW Team RLL, meanwhile, is expected to confirm its 2012 ALMS driver lineups by the end of the month.
PHOTOS: Joey Hand BMW DTM Test
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
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