BMW M2 Cup Launches This Weekend as DTM Support Series
Photo: BMW
The BMW M2 Cup launches this weekend at the Lausitzring, as part of a new support series for DTM aimed at up-and-coming drivers seeking to advance their careers through the sports car racing ranks.
A total of 11 cars are on the entry list for the pair of races, with cars entered by established teams such as Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport, FK Performance Motorsport and ME Motorsport. Drivers 15 and older are eligible to race.
Participants in the M2 Cup will receive “extensive support” including ADAC’s “Road to DTM” package, which assists the Cup winner in moving up to ADAC GT4 Germany, as well as broad support from BMW M Motorsport.
The support includes driver coaching with factory drivers, media training, test drives in the BMW M4 GT4 EVO for the top three finishers in the championship, as well as the participation in the selection process for the BMW M Racing Academy.
In total, the BMW M2 Cup prize pool totals €170,000.
“We are very pleased that ADAC is organizing the BMW M2 Cup in the 2026 season,” said BMW M CEO Frank van Meel. “The one-make cup has always delivered spectacular racing action in the past, and we can’t wait for it to be revived with our new entry-level vehicle.
“With the BMW M2 Racing, we are continuing a proud tradition.
“Like its predecessors, it will redefine the entry-level segment. It is affordable, powerful, easy to maintain, and cost-efficient, with typical M precision and drivability – ideal conditions for the BMW M2 Cup.”
The M2 Cup, featuring the 313-horsepower BMW M2 Racing race car, is one of the most affordable entry points in sports car racing, with a list price of €98,000 in Germany.
The new single-make series joins GT4 Germany and ADAC GT Masters on the DTM support bill.
“The BMW M2 Cup is the optimal series for motorsport beginners and, on the DTM platform, a springboard to higher classes,” said ADAC Motorsport director Thomas Voss.
“We are delighted to offer young drivers the opportunity to start their motorsport careers in a sporty and attractive series with an appealing race car.”
BMW M Motorsport Head of Customer Racing Björn Lellmann added: “The BMW M2 Cup combines several aspects of our customer racing commitment: our new entry-level car BMW M2 Racing, the strong connection to our teams, and our commitment to talent promotion.
“I am very pleased that some of our long-standing partners are participating in the BMW M2 Cup and are taking the opportunity to help very young talents take their first steps in motorsport.
“Many thanks to ADAC, all participating teams, and all colleagues at BMW M Motorsport who contribute to the success of this project.”
In addition to the season-long drivers and teams, the will also be a VIP car with an alternating celebrity driver at each event.
This weekend, five-time German Rally Championship champion Marijan Griebel will be taking part.
The M2 Racing is also eligible in SRO’s TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School and FFSA Tourisme – TC France, along with NLS and Michelin 24H Series competition.
A dedicated class for the new-for-2026 IMSA Airbnb Endurance Challenge was announced earlier this year but has yet to feature an entry after two eligible events, following an initial delay.
2026 BMW M2 Cup Schedule:
June 19-21 — Lausitzring
July 3-5 — Norisring
Aug. 14-16 — Nürburgring
Sept. 11-13 — Sachsenring
Oct. 9-11 — Hockenheim
Source: Sports Car 365