Formula BMW USA Debuts In 2004

    Woodcliff Lake, NJ, September 27, 2003?  The internationalization of Formula BMW has reached the
    United States. With this unique racing series for young drivers, which already is established in Germany,
    Asia and recently announced in the UK, the United States will host its own Formula BMW USA series for
    2004.


    "Formula BMW USA will provide the young entry-level racer, particularly from the kart racing ranks, the
    opportunity to experience all the demands of professional motorsport," said Tom Purves, CEO of BMW of
    North America, LLC. This is an exciting way to develop promising drivers by showcasing their talents 
    and preparing them to compete in the higher ranks of international motorsports.  We would be thrilled if
    the next American Formula One driver comes from Formula BMW USA."


    Talented drivers between the age of 16 and 23 will line up on the starting grid. They will learn the details
    of  their  sport  with  the  most innovative Formula racing car in its class.  Each of the candidates will be
    eligible for scholarship support from BMW of North America.
        
    As part of the total Formula BMW USA program, drivers will participate in the Motorsport Professional
    training program. This program will provide young drivers with skills that they will need long term in the
    world  of  motorsports.  BMW  will  organize  several  seminars  conducted  by  experienced  individuals  to
    review important subjects such as:
     
        Fitness Training & Nutrition
        Vehicle Dynamics & Chassis Set-up
        Driving Technique
        Public Relations
        Media Training
        Sponsorship Research & Sports Management


     

    ?Formula BMW is firmly established overseas as the best entry-level form of motor racing for promising
    young  karters  looking  for  a stepping stone to single-seaters on their way to Formula One,? says BMW
    Motorsport  Director  Mario  Theissen.    ?With  the  BMW  WilliamsF1  Team  leading  the  FIA  World
    Championship and with a strong desire to promote open-wheel racing in the U.S., we believe this to be the
    perfect time for us to introduce Formula BMW to America.  For us safety is of paramount importance.  We
    believe the Formula BMW car is the safest entry-level open-wheel racecar on the market.?
     

    The top finishing driver for the season in Formula BMW USA can go on to race in Europe, where the
    majority of world-class open wheel racing takes place.  The season winner will earn a $50,000 scholarship
    that can be applied to a year of participation in Formula BMW in Germany.


    BMW was engaged in promoting new talent in BMW-powered open-wheel racecars as early as 1991. With
    the  development  of  the  new  Formula  BMW  racecar,  the  Formula  BMW  ADAC  Championship  was
    launched in Germany in 2002.  This year, Formula BMW races are being held in Asia for the first time. To
    enhance an international platform with the goal of a world championship, Formula BMW UK and Formula
    BMW  USA  will  now  become  the  third  and  fourth  pillars  of  BMW?s  commitment  to  nurturing  young
    drivers towards an open-wheel racing career.


    Formula  BMW  sets  new  benchmarks  especially  in  safety  standards.  This  state-of-the-art  single-seat
    racecar is powered by a 140-hp BMW engine. Inspired by the BMW Formula 1 shape, DesignworksUSA
    sketched and modeled the Formula BMW car, which has a high-tech carbon-fiber chassis, meets the FIA
    safety requirements of the more powerful Formula 3 racing cars, and has been expanded to incorporate a
    Formula 1 standard with in-house development of the BMW Formula Rescue Seat (FORS).  For additional
    safety measures, all drivers will be able to wear their HANS device (Head and Neck Support system).


    ?Who but BMW would search for the ultimate driver?  We?re excited by the challenge of launching this
    new motorsport program in the United States.   While the management of a racing series is new to us,
    motorsports  has  always  been  an  integral  part  of  the  BMW  brand,?  said  Tom  Salkowsky,  Manager,
    Consumer  Events  for  BMW  of  North  America.  ?The  Formula  BMW  racecar  has  many  of  the  same
    attributes as our production cars?high performance, advanced technology, safety and agility.?


    BMW of North America is currently in negotiations with Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) to
    potentially host select races in conjunction with the sanctioning body in 2004.  An entire schedule of races
    in the U.S. and Canada will be announced later this year and may include the 2004 United States Grand
    Prix.  The  schedule  will  include  a  total  of  14  races?two  races  will  be  run  on  each  weekend  at  seven                                                                                                 
    racetracks  in  North  America.    The  majority  of  the  race  schedule  will  cover  the  summer-break  period,
    between June and September, allowing young drivers to finish the school year.
    Formula BMW has already launched numerous pilots onto the professional circuit. In particular, BMW
    WilliamsF1 Team driver Ralf Schumacher, who made his debut in the forerunner to this series in 1992 and
    whose career has taken him to success in the Formula 1 Championship.