The race was on, the pressure intense, and the competition fierce. Yet, on September 23, 2024, BMW M Team RLL gave racing fans something they’ll be talking about for years. The BMW M Hybrid V8 stormed to victory at IMSA Indianapolis, breaking through the challenges of the season with a historic 1-2 finish. Jesse Krohn and Philipp Eng led the charge in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, while their teammates Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly secured a commanding second place, making it a day to remember for the iconic team.

A Season of Perseverance, A Day of Triumph

It wasn’t just another race; it was a defining moment for BMW M Team RLL. After months of frustration and determination, the Indianapolis home race was their battlefield, and boy did they deliver. Racing in front of their headquarters just miles from the track, the team emerged victorious after overcoming the rain-drenched start of the “Battle on the Bricks.” As the race heated up, the slick conditions forced drivers to make calculated, high-stakes moves, but it was the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 crew who made the bold decision to switch to slick tires first. The daring call turned out to be the winning move that placed them in the lead.

In a sport where milliseconds matter, BMW M Team RLL’s strategy, skill, and sheer tenacity came together like a well-oiled machine. Krohn and Eng’s victory not only marked their first win of the season but also secured the first podium finish for the BMW M Hybrid V8 in IMSA. The last time the team saw such success in the GTP class was at Watkins Glen in 2023. Indianapolis, however, was different—it was home, and home is where magic happens.

A Win for the History Books

Team Principal Bobby Rahal couldn’t have been prouder: “This is a great day for us. I'm happy for everyone on our team, but even more for our joint project with BMW M Motorsport. We've had good and bad days this season, kept fighting, and never gave up. Now we have rewarded ourselves with this one-two result – right here, on one of the best racetracks in the world."

For Jesse Krohn, the moment was even more personal. Eleven years into his journey with BMW M Motorsport, the win was not just a career milestone—it was a dream realized. “This is my eleventh year with BMW M Motorsport, and now I stand here, at one of the most legendary places in motorsport, having won a race in the top class. That is incredible,” said Krohn.

Philipp Eng: Redemption at Last

For Philipp Eng, the day brought a wave of emotion as he recalled the ups and downs of his career in North America. “I am almost speechless. I am extremely happy for everyone at BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team RLL. For me personally, this win is very emotional because I have experienced hard times here in North America when the hoped-for results just didn't come. Today was our day. Now it's time to celebrate,” Eng said, beaming.

Nick Yelloly and Connor De Phillippi, though second in line, were equally jubilant. Their combined efforts and sportsmanship made it a true team victory. Yelloly remarked, “What a fantastic team result! To be able to reward them with this one-two result is great. I am also happy for Philipp and Jesse, who really deserved their first win.”

A Spectacular Season for Turner Motorsport

But the celebration didn’t stop with the top-class victory. Turner Motorsport, a key player in the GTD class, snagged a spot on the podium too, thanks to the stellar performances of Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher, and Jake Walker. Their BMW M4 GT3 secured second place, proving that BMW’s dominance extended across multiple categories on the track.

Looking Ahead: The Road to More Glory

As the dust settles on this sensational 1-2 finish at Indianapolis, BMW M Team RLL and BMW M Motorsport can finally celebrate the fruits of their labor. Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, summed up the feeling of the week perfectly: “This has been an incredibly successful week for our LMDh programme...This is the deserved reward and a great motivation for everyone involved in our LMDh project.”

With this victory, BMW’s motorsport program has firmly stamped its authority on the 2024 IMSA season. As the races continue, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely. If there’s one thing BMW has shown, it’s that persistence, passion, and a little bit of magic at home can break any spell.

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