Video: E36 M3 sounds incredible at Watkins Glen

24th August 2022

Henry Biggs

When it comes to motorsport the E30 BMW M3 is usually regarded as ahead of the rest of its brethren but perhaps that's simply because we are looking in the wrong places. Cross the pond and it was its successor, the E36 M3 which made a big impression, particularly in the hands of PTG Racing.

The team began campaigning the car in 1995, immediately taking class pole at the Daytona 24 Hours. The following year it took the class manufacturers' championship and the year after that all three – driver, team and manufacturer – championships as well as wins at the Daytona 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours. In 1998 it went even better winning the two flagship races as well as both the USRRC and Sports Car triple championships.

Which is a long way of saying that the car you are watching here, howling around Watkins Glen, is a very special one indeed. And former Rolex 24-Hour winner Scooter Gabel is the right person to be showing it off. The laps are incredibly precise and smooth, running right through the six-speed manual box and then back down again with some exquisitely timed heel and toe action. All in all, a masterclass.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Charging round Road Atlanta in a C3 Corvette