BimmerWorld Announces 2007 SPEED World Challenge Lineup

DUBLIN, Va. (March 7, 2007) - Leading independent BMW team BimmerWorld returns to the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car series in 2007 with two veterans, a rapid rookie, and three BMW E90's built from the team's new Dublin, Va. shop.

Drawing on a solid year of developing and racing the only modern BMW chassis in SPEED Touring Car, BimmerWorld owner and driver of the No. 36 BMW, James Clay, has spent a busy off-season preparing faster cars to challenge for wins in 2007.

"I made a choice last season to build and enter the BMW E90 chassis in addition to the older E46's we'd raced for a few seasons," Clay said. "Developing any new car to be a front-runner takes time, so now in year two of running the E90, I fully expect the Acuras and Mazdas to have our blue BMWs to consistently deal with."

At present, BimmerWorld is registered as the only prominent team fielding BMWs in SPEED Touring Car, a fact not lost on Clay.

"As the E46 started to age, and with BMW on hiatus from their factory road racing this year, we knew the only way forward was to build our own new cars, and to develop the E90 internally. BMWs are our life and what we work with for a living, so I hope BMW fans will support our team as we continue to represent them."

Driving for BimmerWorld again in 2007 is Seth Thomas in his No. 38 BMW.

Thomas was found in the thick of most of the battles in the top ten in 2006, and with a renewed focus for 2007, is primed for a major breakthrough.

"I'm locked in on achieving my best performances ever this year," Thomas said. "I've been working hard in the off-season to make sure I am fully prepared to charge to the front and stay there. I think I've shown a lot of potential and had some good results, but I'm ready to take things to the next level in 2007."

SPEED Touring Car rookie Roberto Santos of Monterrey, Mexico, will be running his first season of professional racing from behind the wheel of the No. 37 BimmerWorld BMW.

"I've done a lot of miles in the car the past few months, and I'm really impressed with how fast we are and how professional the team has been," Santos said. "I can't wait to get my campaign underway."

Team owner Clay has been impressed with the pace and maturity Santos has shown so far.

"I have strong expectations for Roberto," Clay said. "We're fortunate to have such a talented young driver to add to our team. He has his eyes focused on winning Rookie of the Year, and we're going to provide him with the best BimmerWorld car to achieve this."

It's a new season with new opportunities for success, and the BimmerWorld team has every intention of making 2007 their best year ever.