BMW Sets 2026 GT4 Academy Roster

BMW has announced the second intake of names for its GT4-focused M Racing Academy, featuring three drivers from three different continents.

The Bavarian manufacturer launched its academy program, aimed at GT4 drivers, in late 2024, with four drivers (Nerea Marti, Berkay Besler, Matthew Million and Niels Troeger) forming part of the initial class.

Ahead of the 2026 season, BMW has unveiled its latest intake of drivers, which were selected from a pool of 12 prospective candidates.

After a selection process that included practical driving contests, mental and fitness tests, driver and media interviews and an esports challenge, the brand has selected Thomas Rackl, Josh Green and Ryder Quinn to form part of its second roster of academy drivers.

Three current factory drivers (Jens Klingmann, Max Hesse and Robby Foley) observed and evaluated the nominees and will be closely involved with the program next year.

All three selected drivers raced BMW GT4 machinery in domestic championships this past season, with Rackl and Quinn racing in ADAC GT4 Germany and Monochrome GT4 Australia, respectively.

Green, for his part, captured the Pro-Am championship with Random Vandals in Pirelli GT4 America as part of a partnership with Sam Craven.

“We are entering our second season with the BMW M Racing Academy, and I am very proud of the programme we launched in 2025,” said Bjoern Lellmann, BMW M Motorsport head of customer racing.

“The focus is clearly on the academy concept. Our ‘Class of 2026’ now has the unique opportunity to spend a year gaining insights into the work of BMW M Motorsport, which can significantly advance their own racing careers.

“Our three BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann, Max Hesse, and Robby Foley are perfectly suited as mentors with their open-minded approach.

“The participants can learn an incredible amount from them. I am very much looking forward to the coming year.”