BMW North America, LLC announced today that it will join the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Manufacturers ‘ Championship in 2009.

“BMW is happy to be back as a SPEED World Challenge sponsor to support BMW drivers in the very competitive Touring Car class, ” said Larry Koch, M Brand Manager for BMW of North America, LLC. “World Challenge racing is always exciting and gives BMW a wonderful stage to showcase the strengths of the 3 Series platform. “

BMW has won three SPEED Touring Car Manufacturers ‘ Championships, the last in 2004. Last season James Clay, driving a BimmerWorld 325i, scored BMW ‘s 49th World Challenge victory, placing BMW third in all-time World Challenge manufacturer class wins.

BMW 3 Series models eligible for SPEED World Challenge competition are the 325i and 325Ci (E46), 325i (E90) and 330i (E90).

Divided into two separate series and races (SCCA SPEED GT and SCCA SPEED Touring Car), the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Championships are America ‘s top production car-based series. Competing at 10 high-profile venues in 2009, the series is an important showcase for the world ‘s leading auto brands and makers of performance parts. SCCA SPEED World Challenge events are a maximum of 50 minutes in length, feature standing starts and the world ‘s most popular manufacturers racing head-to-head. For more information see www.world-challenge.com.