Sellers Didn’t Expect Win in Second Race With BMW M4 GT3

Photo: Perry Nelson/IMSA

Bryan Sellers admitted that he didn’t expect to win in only Paul Miller Racing’s second race with the new BMW M4 GT3, having credited both the team and the German manufacturer for the “huge undertaking” in GTD.

Sellers teamed with longtime co-driver Madison Snow to capture the M4 GT3’s maiden victory on North American soil in Saturday’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, following a commanding run in the 100-minute street race from pole.

It marked the team’s second consecutive Long Beach triumph after winning in its Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo last year.

The Georgia-based squad made the off-season switch to BMW following a six-year stint with the Italian manufacturer that Sellers credits for helping build “continuity” to be better prepared to tackle an effort with a new manufacturer.

“I didn’t expect it but I’m super happy,” he said. “I think it shows how good our guys are and it also shows the continuity of a program is incredibly important.

“It shows that a group of guys that have been together for so long can come together in a different scenario, a different manufacturer, a different car and still execute.

“The street races is always about speed in qualifying. But from there, it’s about execution and a good pit stop and not making any mistakes.

“Obviously a little bit selfishly, I think we have one of the best teams in the business.

“Our crew always executes and I’d put them up against anybody. It’s great to see them get their hands on a piece of new machinery and what they’re able to do with it. 

“We still have a lot to learn. Today was a really, really good day. 

“You can’t sit up here and say we didn’t have a good BoP because we did. All of the BMWs were fast. 

“I think what you have to do is have to make sure you win on days like today. When they’re right in front of you, you have to win.

“That’s what it really comes down to everyone, the teams, the drivers, everyone putting it together.

“That’s what I’m most proud of. You get the opportunity and you don’t give it away because you don’t get them very often.”

Sellers and Snow combined to lead all but two laps in the race and ended up finishing third among the total GTD Pro/GTD entrants in the 20-car field of production-based machinery.

Its closest challenge came from the No. 27 The Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 of Maxime Martin in the final 30 minutes until slight contact was made between the two cars while battling for the lead on a restart.

No further action was taken by IMSA race control for the incident, which resulted in Martin’s car sustaining damage before ending his race in the wall.

“There was one point in the race where I had some contact with Maxime Martin,” Sellers admitted. “It probably put us in a bad place there that ultimately could have shaped up differently. 

“I’m super sorry for the way it ended on their day. But I’m glad we could get it done.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John