Defending Champion Mars Joins Turner BMW GS Squad

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Defending IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge champion Luca Mars has joined Turner Motorsport as part of the team’s two-car BMW M4 GT4 EVO program.

Mars, who won the 2025 GS title alongside Jan Heylen in RS1’s Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, will join 2017 series champion Dillon Machavern in the No. 95 BMW, while the 2023 title-winning duo of Robby Foley and Vin Barletta will be at the wheel of the No. 96 entry, marking a full-time series return for the BMW factory driver.

For 19-year-old Mars, who took two wins last year en route to a controlling title win with his Belgian co-drivcer, it will mark his debut in BMW machinery.

“I’m really looking forward to joining Turner Motorsport,” he said.

“They’ve been around for a while and have had success with the BMW so I’m looking forward to getting in the car at Daytona.

“I’ve raced against Dillon many times, and he’s a good competitor so I’m excited to be racing with him. The goal is obviously to win another championship, but also just being with the team and learning the car.”

Machavern added: “I’m very optimistic about the season ahead. This is my eight season competing with Turner Motorsport.

“Will always puts together an awesome line-up, and this season is no different. I’m excited to have Luca join the team. He knows what it takes to win, and is a welcomed addition.”

Foley, meanwhile, returns to full-time Pilot Challenge competition after making five starts in the series last year.

“I’m really excited to be back racing in GS with Vin,” he said. “I’m really passionate about this series, and we’ve had a lot of success in the past, so I’m hoping to pick up where we left off in 2023.”

Foley will again dovetail his Pilot Challenge commitments with a full season of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, alongside Patrick Gallagher, in Turner’s GTD class BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

“I’m excited to bring four GS champions together,” said team owner Will Turner. “It’s a strong line up and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in 2026.

“My crew is the best and we have the talent behind the wheel so I’m hoping the two can get the job 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