Interview with Charly Lamm: “I remain connected to BMW with all my heart”.

Sachsenring. At the start of the week, BMW Team Schnitzer
announced that 2019 will herald some personnel changes for the
long-established team from Freilassing (GER). On 1st
January, long-term team principal Charly Lamm (GER) will hand over
management duties to Herbert Schnitzer Jnr, son of team founder
Herbert Schnitzer Snr. Lamm will be actively involved in the
changeover to the next generation, before taking a step back after
nearly four decades in the front line at BMW Team Schnitzer. This
weekend, the successful team principal is competing with BMW Team
Schnitzer in the ADAC GT Masters. At the start of the second race
day at the Sachsenring, Lamm talks about his motives, his connection
to BMW and what the future holds.

 

Charly, it is hardly possible to imagine BMW Team Schnitzer
without you at the pit wall. How did your decision come about?

 

Charly Lamm: “To start with: I’m still at the pit wall here at the
Sachsenring – and I’m committed to the team as ever. But I had been
thinking for some time about what the future could hold for me. I am
63 years old and motorsport has driven my life since I was 17. There
wasn’t much time for a private life. On the other hand, for a race
team like Schnitzer Motorsport it is extremely important to move with
the times and put young, modern structures in place. Motor racing is
always changing, so I felt it was the right time for the team and me
to take this step. I would like to thank Herbert Schnitzer Snr, who
gave me this opportunity for a long and exciting journey in motorsport.”

 

How did BMW Motorsport react?

 

Lamm: “BMW Motorsport indicated that it will fully support the
changeover to the next generation. During one of our many discussions,
Jens Marquardt also made it clear that he would like it if BMW
Motorsport could continue to benefit from my experience – regardless
of my role at Team Schnitzer. I was delighted to hear that, and it is
something I can see myself doing. The support our team receives from
BMW – and the level of personal appreciation for my efforts in this
context – do mean a lot to me. The reactions from the BMW Motorsport
family to our announcement have brought back many great memories. We
really had a great time together, and continue to do so.”

 

Is it possible for someone like you to really let go of motor racing?

 

Lamm: “As the saying goes, two hearts beat in my chest: one for BMW
and one for Team Schnitzer. That will always be the case. I owe much
of my motor racing career to BMW and I remain connected to the brand
with all my heart. Over the coming weeks, Jens and I will meet to
consider what new role I could assume in this context. Of course, I
will be on hand to advise Herbert Schnitzer Jnr to deal with any
questions. But first, it is important to devote all our energy to
completing the ADAC GT Masters season and keeping the BMW flags flying
in Macau.“

 

Do you think that Schnitzer Motorsport is well set to face the future?

 

Lamm: “Yes, we have put Schnitzer Motorsport on the right path
together.  In this context, it was really important that BMW
Motorsport was involved in all considerations about the future of
Schnitzer Motorsport at an early stage. This exchange of views was
crucial as we naturally enjoy a close connection. Our colleagues from
Munich support us as we strive to reach our common goal: continuing
the Schnitzer success story as a BMW team in touring car and GT
racing. In that respect, we have already come up with some interesting
ideas for the coming year. The team is as motivated as ever. Extensive
experience mingles with fresh ideas and innovation. That is a recipe
for success in motorsport.“

 

This weekend will see your penultimate appearance in the ADAC
GT Masters this year. What do you think of the season so far?

 

Lamm: “We are experiencing a season of ups and downs. The highlight
was Spielberg, when we got all four Schnitzer drivers on the podium.
We were able to show there that we can still really compete with the
BMW M6 GT3, just like in the previous year. However, we have also had
some races in which we couldn’t make the most out of our
opportunities. That has a noticeable effect in a series as tough as
the ADAC GT Masters. We definitely want to complete the season with
good results and positive experiences in the remaining races.”

 

How do you view this year’s Schnitzer project landscape and
what would you like to see in the future?

 

Lamm: “Our departure from touring car racing was an important moment
for the team. However, Schnitzer has always been actively involved in
international GT racing so it was not difficult for us to assume this
new role. We have been getting to know the ADAC GT Masters as an
exciting challenge in the GT racing segment since 2017. The team was
made welcome right from the start. We have added to our racing
schedule with appearances in international classics, such as the
12-hour race in Bathurst or the GT world finale in Macau. There are
also tasks and activities that the general public might not notice,
such as support for development work. From my angle, the team would be
suited to competing in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring again. The
same is true of more starts in international GT racing. This love for
the ‘Green Hell’ on the one hand, and for races around the world on
the other hand, have long been the driving force for me and the team.”

 

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