BMW M Motorsport Joins iRacing as the Official Safety Car Partner
The world of sim racing and real-world motorsport continue to intertwine as BMW M Motorsport and iRacing announce an exciting partnership for the 2025 racing season. The collaboration marks a significant milestone, with BMW M Motorsport becoming iRacing’s “Official Safety Car Partner” for its most prestigious Special Events.
At the heart of this partnership is the BMW M2 CS Racing, a high-performance machine that blends accessibility with racing prowess. Available to all iRacing users free of charge since December, the M2 CS Racing will lead the field as the official safety car during events like the 24 Hours of Daytona, Nürburgring 24 Hours, and Petit Le Mans. It’s a fitting role for a car that has already become a popular entry-level choice in the sim racing community.
Bridging Virtual and Real Racing Traditions
This partnership mirrors a long-standing tradition of BMW M models serving as safety cars in real-world motorsport. For over two decades, BMW M has been the “Official Car of MotoGP™,” showcasing its cutting-edge technology and performance. Now, that legacy continues in the virtual realm, where sim racing is gaining increasing prominence as both a competitive sport and a training ground for real-world racers.
Timo Brückner, Project Lead at BMW M Automotive Gaming, highlights the significance of this collaboration:
“This Safety Car partnership represents a new chapter in the success story shared by BMW M Motorsport and iRacing. Each season, the Special Events attract record levels of participants and have become real community favourites.”
These events are not just competitions; they’re celebrations of the global sim racing community, with tens of thousands of participants coming together to test their skills on legendary circuits. The inclusion of the BMW M2 CS Racing as the lead car enhances the immersion and authenticity of these races, further blurring the line between the virtual and the real.
A Year of Iconic Events
The 2025 iRacing Special Event calendar is packed with opportunities for sim racers to experience the thrill of endurance racing. From the twists and turns of the Nürburgring to the storied asphalt of Spa-Francorchamps, each event offers a unique challenge. The addition of a dedicated safety car brings a touch of realism that fans and competitors alike will appreciate.
Key Dates for the 2025 Special Events:
18th January: 24 Hours of Daytona (USA)
12th February: 12 Hours of Bathurst (AUS)
22nd March: 12 Hours of Sebring (USA)
7th June: Nürburgring 24 Hours (GER)
28th June: Six Hours of Watkins Glen (USA)
12th July: 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)
6th September: Six Hours of Indianapolis (USA)
4th October: Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (USA)
15th November: Suzuka 1000 km (JPN)
Why Partnerships Like This Matter
The collaboration between BMW M Motorsport and iRacing underscores the growing influence of sim racing. It’s no longer just a hobby; it’s a platform for innovation, training, and global community building. For brands like BMW, this is an opportunity to connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience that appreciates both high-performance vehicles and cutting-edge technology.
For sim racers, partnerships like these enhance the experience by introducing elements that mirror professional motorsport. Whether it’s the roar of a virtual safety car engine or the thrill of a perfectly executed formation lap, these details bring the simulation to life in new and exciting ways.
Looking Ahead
As sim racing continues to evolve, collaborations like this one set the stage for more immersive and authentic experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned iRacing competitor or a casual participant, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling ride, with the BMW M2 CS Racing leading the way.
