BMW M4 GT3 in the lead before the accident" />
In an unexpected turn of events, the No. 99 ROWE Racing BMW M4 GT3 has been forced to withdraw from the Nürburgring 24-hour race following a severe three-car accident while it was leading the charge. The high-octane drama unfolded in the fourth hour when Sheldon van der Linde collided with the No. 507 Giti Tire Motorsport by WS Racing BMW 1 Series and the No. 420 Four Motors Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport as they exited the Foxhole. Remarkably, all three drivers escaped their vehicles unscathed, but the collision prompted a Code 60 for extensive track cleanup.
As the fourth hour began, the No. 99 ROWE BMW M4 GT3 was holding a promising lead of 5.1 seconds. The race was transitioning to drying conditions after experiencing showers both before and during the first hour, setting the stage for treacherous driving dynamics. Onlookers watched in disbelief as the hopeful frontrunner saw its dreams dashed in an instant.
Earlier Drama on the Track
The race was not without its earlier mishaps. Notably, the No. 130 Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, driven by Fabian Schiller, had a collision with the No. 5 Herberth Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R, resulting in a right-front tire puncture for the Mercedes. Despite this setback, Schiller managed to stay on the tail end of the lead lap, only to be bypassed by the then-leader, van der Linde.
The second hour was equally eventful, featuring a significant single-car crash by IMSA regular Mike Skeen in the No. 4 Black Falcon BMW M4 GT4 at the tricky Flugplatz section of the course. In a dramatic sequence, Skeen's BMW was later hit by the out-of-control No. 949 SRS Team Sorg Rennsport Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
The Current Leaders
As the dust began to settle, Kelvin van der Linde seized the opportunity to take the lead in his Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2. Close on his heels was Charles Weerts, steering the No. 72 BMW M4 GT3, and rounding out the top three was Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo II driver Frank Stippler.
Despite the chaos, there is a strong BMW presence with numerous teams participating in the race. With a formidable lineup that includes ten BMW M4 GT4s, six BMW M240i Racings, and various other models, BMW's racing spirit remains unbroken.
This year, the Nürburgring 24-hour race has proven once again why it is regarded as one of the most grueling motorsport events globally. Every minute on this track can make or break careers, redefine records, and change the fate of teams, all in the blink of an eye. As we continue watching this intense battle, one thing is certain: unpredictability remains the only predictable factor.