BimmerWorld Kicks Off 2025 Pirelli GT4 America Season on the Podium

The 2025 Pirelli GT4 America season roared to life at Sonoma Raceway, marking BimmerWorld Racing’s return to competition with the No. 36 OPTIMA Batteries BMW G82 M4 GT4 driven by James Clay and Charlie Postins, and the No. 82 Red Line Oil / Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems USA BMW M4 GT4 piloted by James Walker Jr. and Tyler McQuarrie. 

Sonoma Raceway’s 12-turn, 2.5-mile layout, featuring nearly 15 stories of elevation changes, set the stage for an action-packed opening round. 

 

RACE 1: A PODIUM FINISH TO START THE SEASON
James Walker Jr. started the race 5th in Pro-Am. James Clay, meanwhile, launched from 4th in Am. Unfortunately, Clay’s race was cut short on the opening lap in Turn 4 when he was collected in a multi-car incident, forcing the No. 36 BMW to retire early. 

 

After the full-course yellow, another major incident in Turn 2 reshuffled the field, bumping Walker Jr. up to 5th place. When the pit window opened under yellow, the BimmerWorld crew brought Walker Jr. into the pits where he handed the No. 82 over to McQuarrie. As the field cycled through pit stops, McQuarrie found himself in 3rd place.

On the restart with 27 minutes remaining, McQuarrie wasted no time, gaining two positions immediately—one as the BimmerWorld pit strategy played out and another with a decisive move in Turn 2. Now running in 2nd place, he continued to push. A bold pass on the No. 4 Aston Martin in Turn 4 moved him into 3rd overall while holding steady in 2nd for Pro-Am. McQuarrie’s aggressive yet calculated moves highlights his experience at Sonoma, his home track where he has had a history of strong performances.

With strong pace and a clean racing line, McQuarrie maintained his position to the checkered flag, securing a well-earned 3rd-place overall finish and 2nd in class—an excellent way to kick off the season.

RACE 2: CHALLENGING CONDITIONS SHAKE UP THE FIELD
Sunday’s race presented a whole new set of challenges as heavy, sideways rain greeted the drivers at the start. Due to the tricky conditions, the race began single-file with an extra formation lap in an effort to maximize safety and green flag racing.

Tyler McQuarrie started 6th in Pro-Am, while Charlie Postins rolled off from 3rd in Am. McQuarrie found himself immediately in a scrum of cars while both he and Postins fought through slick conditions. Unfortunately, McQuarrie received a drive-through penalty for his involvement in contact with a competitor in Turn 2, which set him back in the order.

Postins, meanwhile, was making impressive gains, climbing to 2nd, including a strong pass up the inside of the No. 43 McLaren into the tight right-hander of Turn 9A. His wet-weather driving skills were on full display, as he expertly navigated the changing grip levels. He was closing in on the class leader when an incident involving another BMW while Postins entered the pits put him into the wall, ending his race early.

A full-course yellow was thrown, and when the pits opened, nearly the entire field—including McQuarrie—came in for driver changes. Walker Jr. took over the No. 82 but unfortunately received a 5-second post-race penalty for exceeding the minimum pit stop time.

With 20 minutes remaining and a dry line forming, Walker Jr. restarted in 6th place. Despite the penalty setback, Walker Jr. put in a determined drive, making up ground where possible. As the race unfolded, Walker Jr. continued to push, ultimately finishing 4th in class—salvaging valuable points from a challenging race.

Charlie Postins, discussing the difficult weekend for the No. 36 car, remained upbeat:

“We always like a good challenge.”

LOOKING AHEAD
While the results at Sonoma were mixed, BimmerWorld Racing left with their heads held high and looking forward to the 2025 season. The No. 82 crew, with a podium finish, credits strategy and teamwork to their successes this weekend at Sonoma. While the No. 36 team looks to rebound and make their mark as the season progresses.

The BimmerWorld Racing effort is backed by an outstanding group of partners, including OPTIMA Batteries, Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems USA, and Red Line Oil, along with core technical supporters PFC Brakes and Diffsonline. Their commitment allows the team to remain at the forefront of BMW racing in North America.

The next stop on the calendar is the three hour endurance race at Circuit of the Americas April 25 – 27, where the team will look to capitalize on the lessons learned from Sonoma and push for even stronger results. Stay tuned for more updates as BimmerWorld continues its 2025 championship campaign!

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