In the about competitive race of the flavor Dirk Mϋller and Tommy Milner collection the No. 92 BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team M3 to a third identify finish today at the Acura Sports Auto Challenge. The duo completed 107 laps in the ii-hour-and-twoscore-5-minute race held at the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course with Mϋller racing to the podium later on a thrilling pass in the closing laps of the race.

Teammates Beak Auberlen and Joey Hand finished eighth later on a collision past a image car toll them one lap early in the race. Paw set the GT2 class fastest race lap, the first for the team this season.

Almost immediately following the wave of the green flag an early circumspection slowed the field for the opening 22 minutes of the race. The race began in hostage after the restart with Tommy Milner holding the quaternary position in the No. 92 M3. He passed for third on lap fourteen as a light rain began to fall, only fell dorsum to fourth as a tearing battle began between positions three through vi.

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Nib Auberlen started the No. 90 M3 from the rear of the filigree post-obit a decision by the team to alter tires before the starting time. The crew elected to pit him for fuel just earlier the restart and then the Californian began the race off pit sequence to the rest of the GT2 grade. Just after moving into eighth on lap 19 he was hit by a P1 class auto and was forced to the pits for new tires, ultimately losing a lap.

At the one hour mark, Milner had consolidated his hold on fourth, having completed 35 laps. He pitted on lap l, handing the No. 92 M3 to Dirk Mϋller. Setting some of the quickest GT2 lap time of the race, Auberlen moved up to 6th as the balance of the GT2 field made their first pit stops. With ane hour and thirty-5 minutes complete, Auberlen pitted the No. ninety M3. Mitt apace got into the race, setting the fastest GT2 lap (1:21.969) on lap 67.

The race settled in for some forty minutes, merely a late race charge by Mϋller had him within feet of third place in the final minutes. He made a great movement under braking in turn one with five laps to get to bring habitation the team'south 4th podium cease of the flavour. Hand finished eighth.

Bobby Rahal, Team Principal:
"Dirk and Tommy did a great task in the No. 92 M3. Nosotros had to gamble a piddling bit with that last stop. We left the tires on 8 laps longer than before and they hung in there. Dirk was able to run down Beretta for third, which was corking to see. It's unfortunate that Bill got hit, but yet the performance of the car was splendid after that. A bye for our squad."

Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsport Manager:
"For the 2d consecutive time we saw a very heady race. Today provided lots of entertainment for the spectators. That'south what they want and expect and we are happy to provide our part of it. The podium was represented by three different makes and the new colors certainly spice things upwards."

Dirk Mϋller, No 92 M3 (third)
"I am really happy for everybody to finish third. It was tough, simply nosotros fought a skillful fight. I tried to stay in the pack and push. The team strategy worked well. We didn't modify tires; Dunlop gave me brilliant tires that lasted. Olivier (Beretta) was really quick on the straights, but I pressured him and pressured him and got him under braking in the terminal corner. I am really loving information technology."
Tommy Milner, No. 93 M3 (third):
"I had a skillful boxing with our competition from Maranello for 3rd, and I knew I was faster before the laissez passer. The tires were regaining strength toward the finish of the stint, so I just kept my driving make clean and tried to position the car to give Dirk the best possible offset to his stint. Dirk did a great job pushing to the cease to secure the squad'southward fourth podium this season."

Bill Auberlen, No. 90 M3 (8th):
"We had a super fast car all weekend. The guys do a astounding task. In the race I was communicable people then I got knocked out. Joey and I can't wait to become to Route America and plough this matter effectually."

Round vii of the American Le Mans Series volition be held at Route America on August 16th.