BMW Skips Women Entirely in Second M Racing Academy Class Despite Strong Field

December 5, 2025

• BMW’s second M Racing Academy intake selected three male drivers—Thomas Rackl, Josh Green, and Ryder Quinn—from a pool of 12 candidates after comprehensive testing including fitness, mental evaluations, and esports challenges. All three raced BMW GT4s in 2025, with Green winning Pro-Am in Pirelli GT4 America.
• The selection process notably produced an all-male roster despite GT4’s growing female talent pool globally. With proven women competitors across ADAC GT4 Germany, GT4 America, and other series, the absence of female representation raises questions about BMW’s commitment to diversity in motorsport development.
• Factory drivers Jens Klingmann, Max Hesse, and Robby Foley will mentor the 2026 class, building on BMW’s academy program that launched in 2024 with four drivers including Spain’s Nerea Marti as the lone female representative in the inaugural group.

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