IMSA: TUDOR Championship GTD racers earn top BMW awards

BMW has named Turner Motorsport's drivers as two of the world’s most successful privateer BMW race drivers of 2014.

Besting more than 283 BMW racing drivers across the world, Turner Motorsport driver Markus Palttala was awarded the 2014 BMW Sports Trophy. The 37 year old Finland native accepted a check in the amount of 30,000 euros [$37,000] from the BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt at the annual award ceremony, held at the new BMW Driving Academy location in Maisach, Germany.

“To a certain degree, the BMW Sports Trophy epitomizes the DNA of BMW in motorsport,” said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director. “For over 50 years these competitions have allowed us to acknowledge the most successful privateer teams and drivers, who enjoy success around the world with BMW racing cars, thus making them excellent ambassadors for our brand. In 2014, our team monitored and recorded the results of the BMW drivers and teams in a total of 60 racing series and events. This amounted to an incredible 6,000 individual results from 1,400 drivers. It is impressive how many drivers and teams around the world put their faith in BMW cars.”

Said Markus Palttala: “It is an amazing honor to win the BMW Sport Trophy. This is definitely one of the highlights of my racing career thus far and it has been extra special to do it with Turner Motorsport. With the championship win fresh in our minds, 2014 has really been an amazing season," said the Finn who just completed his DTM testing in Spain earlier this week.

Turner driver Dane Cameron, crowned GTD driver Champion in the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, was also honored at the BMW Sport Trophy Ceremony as one of the world’s most successful privateer BMW race drivers. Cameron was awarded 20,000 euros [$24,500] for second place in the 2014 BMW Sport Trophy points standings.

“Driving a BMW for Turner Motorsport this season has truly been a year to remember," commented Cameron. "Between our wins at Laguna Seca [BOTTOM], Watkins Glen, Road America and VIR as well as several podiums and of course the Championship, there is not much out there that could top it. Now finishing second in the BMW Sport Trophy it is that much more special.”

Palttala and Cameron captured the Team Championship for Turner Motorsports in the TUDOR Championship GTD class with four wins, six podiums and 10 top-ten finishes in the No. 94 BMW Z4 GTD. A fourth place finish in the 10-hour Petit Le Mans [TOP] allowed the duo to clinch the Championship for BMW and Turner Motorsport in the team’s 302nd professional race with BMW and final race of the 2014 season.

Just three years ago, Turner driver Paul Dalla Lana was awarded the 2011 BMW Sports Trophy in the 50th awards ceremony for his incredible performances in both the Continental Tire GS class and Rolex Series GT class. Prior to 2011, team owner Will Turner earned third place in the 2006 BMW Sport Trophy rankings, marking a major highlight in Turner’s racing career.

“First I want to congratulate both Dane and Markus for their performances this past season," said Turner, "they were honestly the “dream team” together in the BMW Z4 GTD. It is great to see that BMW recognizes both of our drivers for all the hard work and dedication they put in this year. The awards ceremony and party is always an excellent experience and I am happy we can be here again.”