Explore how Bill Auberlen, a renowned sports car driver, is navigating the unfamiliar territory of being a spectator at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Despite missing the race for only the third time in nearly three decades, Auberlen remains optimistic about his future in sports car racing. Find out more about his past successes, his current plans, and his unwavering passion for the sport.
Bill Auberlen: A Spectator at the Rolex 24
Discover how Bill Auberlen, North America's winningest sports car driver, is adjusting to a new role as a spectator at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Bill Auberlen, a legendary sports car driver with an impressive track record, finds himself in an unfamiliar position at the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona. For only the third time since 1992, Auberlen will not be competing in the race. Instead, he will be watching from the sidelines, supporting his friends and colleagues.
Despite the disappointment of not being behind the wheel, Auberlen remains positive and focused on his future in sports car racing. He is using this time to train and prepare for upcoming races in other series. While he may not be racing at Daytona, his passion for the sport and dedication to his craft are unwavering.
A Shift in Plans for Turner Motorsport
Turner Motorsport, Auberlen's longtime team, had initially planned to enter the race with a pair of BMW M4 GT3 entries. However, due to the expansion of the GTD class with other teams, they made the difficult decision to drop down to a single car. This change meant that Auberlen did not have a second car to lead for the BMW aftermarket and tuning specialists.
While disappointed with the change in plans, Auberlen understands the complexities of team decisions and remains grateful for his continued partnership with BMW. Although he cannot reveal the specifics just yet, he is excited to be back racing sports cars with the brand that has been a significant part of his career.
A Storied History at the Rolex 24
Delve into Bill Auberlen's impressive history at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and his notable achievements at the renowned endurance race.
Bill Auberlen's connection with the Rolex 24 At Daytona runs deep. He made his debut at the race in 1987 at the age of 18 and has since participated in the event an incredible 33 times. Over the years, he has amassed an impressive record, including two class wins and multiple podium finishes.
One of Auberlen's class wins came in 1996 with the Prototype Technology Group and their BMW M3. His most recent visit to the Rolex 24 podium was in 2015 with BMW Team RLL in the V8-powered Z4 GTE. Additionally, he secured a GTD class win in 2022 with Turner Motorsport at Mid-Ohio. These achievements highlight his skill and versatility as a sports car driver.
Looking Ahead to the Future
While Bill Auberlen may not be racing at the Rolex 24 At Daytona this year, he is eagerly looking forward to his future in sports car racing. Although he cannot disclose the specifics at this time, he is thrilled to be back with BMW and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Auberlen's passion for the sport and his dedication to his craft continue to drive him forward. He remains focused on training and preparing for upcoming races in other series, ensuring that he is ready to compete at the highest level. As a true sports car racing enthusiast, Auberlen's journey is far from over, and fans can expect to see him back on the track soon.