BMW CCA established its "Friend Of The Club" award in 2015 to recognize members who have demonstrated outstanding enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to the club, and who have devoted their time and talent to improve and enhance the club experience. Among those who have now been selected for the BMW CCA's highest individual honor is Erik Wensberg. On July 22, 2017, appropriately enough at the BMW corral during the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series race weekend at Lime Rock Park, Erik was presented this high honor.
Erik was the M Brand Manager for BMW of North America in the 1990s and responsible for BMW NA's successful racing program in the U.S., including supporting many BMW corrals at races around the country. Where many BMW CCA members first benefitted from his efforts was when he took to Munich all the letters from BMW CCA members asking for the E36 M3—which up to that time, BMW AG had refused to send over here—and won approval to sell a U.S. version of the E36 M3 in the U.S.
As great as that was for us M3 owners, Erik's contribution to the Club began long before that and is still ongoing to this day. He was instrumental in local chapter events and programs and served as an advisor and mentor to BMW CCA officers at every level. For many years he has been an advisor to the BMW CCA Foundation, especially the Tire Rack Street Survival program where he has been indispensable in obtaining corporate support and sponsorship.
Erik was presented his Friend of the Club award by two people distinguished in their own right: Lou Ann Shirk, who currently serves on the Club's National Board as the BMW CCA North Atlantic Regional Vice President, and long-time CCA member Larry Koch, who succeeded Erik as BMW of North America's M Brand Manager.
Congratulations, Erik, for your well-deserved inclusion in the latest class of BMW CCA Friend of the Club awardees.—Scott Blazey
[Photo courtesy of Larry Engel.]
