Virtual racing is about to get even more authentic with BMW M Motorsport’s latest partnership in iRacing.
In an exciting development for 2025, BMW M Motorsport is stepping into the virtual racing world as iRacing’s “Official Safety Car Partner.” The star of this new partnership? The BMW M2 CS Racing, which will lead the pack at some of iRacing’s biggest events.
Making Virtual Racing More Realistic
Just like in real-world racing, the BMW M2 CS Racing will guide drivers through formation laps at major events. These include the famous 24 Hours of Daytona and the challenging Nürburgring 24-hour race. The best part? All iRacing users can already access this car for free.
Building on Racing Heritage
BMW M has a rich history in motorsport safety. Since 1999, they’ve provided safety cars for MotoGP, the premier motorcycle racing series. Now, they’re bringing this experience to the virtual racing world. Furthermore, while the virtual BMW M2 CS Racing leads the pack on iRacing, its real-world successor is getting ready for the 2026 racing season.
“This Safety Car partnership represents a new chapter in the success story shared by BMW M Motorsport and iRacing,” said Timo Brückner (Project Lead BMW M Automotive Gaming). “Each season, the Special Events attract record levels of participants and have become real community favourites. For example, nearly 20,000 drivers competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona last year.
I am delighted that we will enjoy a prominent position next season at the head of the field, with the BMW M2 CS Racing at these highlight events. Just as in real life, this race car is also the perfect entry-level model on iRacing, allowing drivers to later gain experience with the BMW M4 GT4, the BMW M4 GT3, and even in the BMW M Hybrid V8.”
Tony Gardner (iRacing president) said: “We have a strong partnership with BMW M Motorsport dating back more than a decade, having brought seven BMW race cars to iRacing. The M2 CS is the latest BMW to join iRacing and has already proven to be incredibly popular with our nearly 300,000 members.
BMW M Motorsport becoming the official safety car partner of iRacing special events further solidifies the partnership and enhances the racing experience for our members. It’s exciting to see how important sim racing is to BMW and its brand – we are looking forward to the iRacing Daytona 24 powered by VCO on 18th January.”
2025 Special Events Calendar
Here’s when you can catch the BMW M2 CS Racing in action:
January – March:
- January 18: 24 Hours of Daytona (USA)
- February 12: 12 Hours of Bathurst (AUS)
- March 22: 12 Hours of Sebring (USA)
June – July:
- June 7: Nürburgring 24 Hours (GER)
- June 28: Six Hours of Watkins Glen (USA)
- July 12: 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)
September – November:
- September 6: 6 Hours of Indianapolis (USA)
- October 4: Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (USA)
- November 15: Suzuka 1000 km (JPN)