In the case of BMW Motorsport historical past, one identify stands above the remainder—Jochen Neerpasch. Because the first-ever BMW Motorsport director, Neerpasch didn’t simply set up BMW’s high-performance division; he laid the muse for BMW M, the M1 supercar, and the enduring Procar Collection. His work continues to affect BMW’s motorsport and highway automotive divisions to this present day.
On this unique interview earlier than the 2025 Daytona Rolex 24, we sat down with the person himself to uncover never-before-told tales about his time at BMW and past. From his early days as a racing driver to his groundbreaking management in motorsport, Neerpasch shares the main points of tasks that modified the BMW world endlessly, if not the automotive world.
From Racing Champion to BMW Motorsport Boss
Earlier than taking the reins at BMW Motorsport, Jochen Neerpasch was a extremely expert racing driver, profitable the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona with a Porsche 907 LH. However his true affect on motorsport got here off the observe. In 1972, BMW formally based its Motorsport division, with Neerpasch on the helm. His purpose? To rework BMW right into a motorsport powerhouse and convey a brand new stage of engineering and efficiency to each the observe and the highway.
However the highway to success wasn’t simple. Within the early days, Neerpasch inherited a number of applications—from Formulation 2 and the three.0 CSL racing venture to rallying efforts—all needing a structured imaginative and prescient. He rapidly set the course for BMW Motorsport’s dominance.
The Delivery of the BMW M1 and Its Untold Secrets and techniques
One of the vital fascinating tales Neerpasch reveals is the unique idea for the BMW M1—a venture that was initially meant to be greater than only a supercar. The plan? A 3-in-one automobile: a V8-powered Formulation 1 engine, a V8-powered road-going supercar and a Group 5 silhouette race automotive.
However as historical past tells us, the M1 by no means acquired its V8 engine. As an alternative, the venture shifted to an inline-six, and BMW turned to Lamborghini for help. Neerpasch explains why Lamborghini was the one producer that might tackle the duty and divulges the within story of how the venture practically collapsed earlier than BMW took it in-house.
The M1 Procar Collection: A Motorsport Revolution
With the M1 manufacturing delays, Neerpasch devised an progressive plan to get the automotive on the observe: the M1 Procar Collection. This one-make championship noticed F1 legends like Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, and Mario Andretti racing similar BMW M1s as a assist collection for Formulation 1.
However what was the true goal behind the collection? Was it a advertising transfer, a contest testbed, or a approach to bypass FIA laws? Neerpasch provides us the actual story behind Procar’s creation.
The Thriller of the BMW M Brand & Colours
Few symbols are as recognizable because the BMW M tricolor emblem, however its origins stay a thriller with conflicting tales. Neerpasch addresses this head-on, explaining the true that means behind the blue, violet, and purple stripes and the way BMW partnered with Texaco within the early days to develop the branding.
BMW Artwork Automobiles: The place Racing Meets Excessive Artwork
BMW’s Artwork Automobile program is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, and Neerpasch was instrumental in its inception. However how did BMW persuade world-renowned artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol to color race vehicles? Neerpasch shares behind-the-scenes insights on how this now-legendary program started.
How Has Racing Modified? A Motorsport Legend’s Perspective
With many years of expertise in motorsport, Neerpasch has witnessed the **evolution of racing from uncooked, mechanical talent to data-driven precision. However has racing misplaced its thrill within the course of? Neerpasch shares his ideas on how trendy motorsport compares to the golden period of the Nineteen Seventies and 80s.
To listen to all of the untold tales, behind-the-scenes insights, and Neerpasch’s tackle BMW M’s legacy, watch the complete video under! Don’t overlook to subscribe for extra unique BMW content material.
