ALMS: BMW Team PTG M3 of Stuck and Said Finish Third in GT

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Hans Stuck and Boris Said combined for a third place finish at The Leather Center Grand Prix of Texas, covering 107 laps around the 2.324-mile circuit in the two-hour-and-45-minute race. Said started the race eighth in the GT class and handed the #6 M3 to Stuck just over one hour into the race. At the two-hour mark, Stuck ran fourth, backing up the strong third position of the #10 M3 of teammates Auberlen and Jonsson. A late pit stop dropped Jonsson to seventh and Stuck was able hold third in the closing minutes of a close GT battle.

Tom Milner, manager BMW Team PTG

"I thought that a BMW could get on the podium today - either us or BMW Motorsport. Tires and strategy were the story. It looked like a three - four finish, but for the debris the #10 car picked up. I feel for Nic. He was the fastest of our drivers and did a fantastic job."

Boris Said, driver #6 BMW M3

"I decided to run a conservative race - lift early and try to go for one stop. To run the pace I did was easy. The M3 was 100 percent."

Hans Stuck, driver #6 BMW M3

"My thanks to the crew for a great race car and a great race. We had some luck and picked up valuable points for the season. At the end, I could see the Porsche and I used a couple of tricks to keep him behind me. Nic was a big help because he jumped between us and held my back. It was a very good team effort today. We had to go strong."

Bill Auberlen, driver #10 BMW M3

"The grip came back to the track. The M3 was handling fine. Everything was good for Nic - except the shifter was a little loose - I had a little spin because of it."

Niclas Jonsson, Driver #10 BMW M3

"The crew did a great job. We caught two cars in the pits - coming out third. The M3 was great. I continued to pressure the Porsches. With twenty minutes to go we had a problem. I got back out and was fortunate enough to catch up with Hans and follow him to the finish. Co-driving with Bill was great. We have a lot to look forward to."

Text Provided By Bill Cobb

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.