The first full season of BMW M6 has been bit of a struggle in the GTLM class. There are plenty of debates whether a larger car like the M6 is truly has a home within a GT sportscar class, but BWM certainly has a proud tradition of sportscar racing. Rumors persist that the driving line-up is due for a shakeup and the car is due for a revision in 2018 with GTE regulation changes and a new LeMans initiative.
Regardless, the M6 car still cuts a distinctive silhouette. The quick and violent transition over Turn 3 gives the photographer situated from the outside of the track a good look at the stability of each car through the turn. Some cars leap over the curbs and other cars carefully cut around them.
This shot of the #25 BMW M6 isn’t terribly dramatic. It doesn’t show a wheel in the air or a car out of control. A close look at the left rear, however, shows the amount of body roll and stress imposed on the left side of the car mid-corner. The car compresses and slides through the corner as it sets up for the run downhill through the esses.
Unfortunately, the BMW team did not have a good Petit Le Mans. The #100 car suffered from early contact and an alternator problem. The #25 car retired with two hours to go with steering rack problems.
Camera Settings – 1/800 shutter speed, f/5.6, ISO 100, 420mm.