Turner Motorsports Builds Second BMW M3 for Rolex GT Series - Web Exclusive

BMW Motorsport fans will have one more car to cheer for when Turner Motorsport debuts its second BMW M3 in the Grand-Am Rolex GT class at New Jersey Motorsports Park for the American Red Cross 250 on July 24th. The new M3 will wear Turner’s familiar yellow and blue livery and carry number 93.

The last time Turner Motorsport ran that number, Bill Auberlen captured the 2004 World Challenge driver's title. In preparation for the race at NJMP, the team will hold a two-day test at Monticello Motor Club, in upstate New York, on July 18/19 with both GT machines.

Paul Dalla Lana currently holds fifth position in the GT driver's championship, only 15 points from the class leader, following an eighth place finish at last weekend's race at Laguna Seca Raceway. The test will allow the team to set up the both cars, with the goal of ensuring Dalla Lana has what he needs for the final four races of the championship.

With Dalla Lana anchoring the No. 94 M3, Peter Bassett will make his debut for Turner Motorsport in the new No. 93 M3. Bassett is a real estate professional representing Fisher Industrial, a luxury and competition motor vehicle storage company. A longtime racing enthusiast, Peter took up club racing four years ago in Porsche Club events. His first exposure as a participant was with the Skip Barber system as well as in their Mazda Speed Challenge racing series. He has one previous Grand-Am GT start at last year's Daytona 250.

"The addition of a second M3 GT is something we've been working on for quite some time," said Will Turner. "We welcome Peter to the team and believe he has signed on at a perfect time to learn a great deal during Paul's run for the championship."

Follow the Action at Turner Motorsport's Fabebook page, which will be updated live from the track with information about practice, qualifying on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23.

Television Broadcast Reminder: The American Red Cross 250 will be broadcast live on Speed TV at 1:00pm EST on Sunday, July 24.