Auberlen Joins ST Racing for Pro Class BMW M4 GT3 Entry

Photo: Chris Owens/IMSA

BMW factory driver Bill Auberlen will make the switch to ST Racing for this year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship, teaming up with Varun Choksey in the team’s newly expanded second BMW M4 GT3 entry.

Confirmed on Wednesday, this season will mark the first year of a new multi-year contract that will see Auberlen help celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW of North America in 2025 and race through the 2026 season, when he will celebrate his 30th anniversary with the brand.

During his decades of competition, the 55-year-old has amassed more race starts behind the wheel of a BMW than any other driver in the world. His record of 65 victories in top-level IMSA competition has placed him at the top of the all-time win list. He also leads the IMSA all-time pole list.

Auberlen drove for BimmerWorld in the Pro class last year, with the team recently announcing a reconsolidated effort around Pirelli GT4 America competition.

“I am excited to begin another chapter with BMW and BMW of North America,” said Auberlen. “In addition to driving the Roundel to the top of as many podiums as I can, I have always enjoyed mentoring up and coming drivers.

“I’m happy to welcome Varun to the BMW brand. ST Racing has already enjoyed quite a bit of success in SRO competition, and I hope Varun and I can contribute to even more great results.”

Auberlen and Choksey will race in the Pro class in the series, which features a pair of 90-minute races on each weekend.

Choksey, 27, spent the previous two seasons racing in Porsche Carrera Cup North America, finishing 11th in the Pro class last year.

“It is important for me to continue to race a GT3 car and learn the intricacies of the co-driver relationship in the next stages of my career,” he said.

“SRO is a great step because GT World Challenge America offers great competition with excellent manufacturer support.

“When I was looking at next steps, Bill’s name was put forward as someone I should speak with. After a few calls, our families got together at Petit Le Mans 2023, and we began to make a plan.

“Bill put together a test at Buttonwillow with ST Racing and it went very well. I believe Bill and ST Racing is the combination that is the perfect move for me.”

The No. 28 ST Racing entry joins the already confirmed No. 38 machine that will be driven by Samantha Tan and Neil Verhagen.

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