Club News

    The BMW CCA Foundation office recently enjoyed a visit from Bill Auberlen, long-time BMW racer and current driver for BMW Team RLL in the American Le Mans Series. You know the passion Bill has for driving BMWs on the track; he displayed that same passion when he visited the Foundation office. Bill had that “kid in a candy store” look in his eyes as he toured the museum. In fact, he saw a vintage BMW Motorsport watch from the 1970s, and asked if he could buy it; however, it wasn’t for sale. Bill went on a hunt for one in Roundel with no success, but eventually found one on eBay.

     

     
    Auberlen is an extraordinary friend of the Club and the BMW CCA Foundation, and spent time with Michael Mitchell, foundation curator, touring the library, archives, and museum area of the 3,000 square foot Foundation office. There he saw many of the treasures the Foundation has collected over the past ten years. Before leaving, Bill autographed a wall in the front showroom, and the front bumper from one of the E46 Turner Motorsports M3s.
     
    About the BMW CCA Foundation
     
    The BMW CCA Foundation is now in its eleventh year since being formed by the National Board of the BMW CCA in 2002. During that time and through donations from Club Members, BMW NA, and our acquisitions, the Foundation has been able to put together an impressive collection of BMW related items—from cars, motorcycles, motorsports, clubs, and more. The Foundation’s current 3,000 square foot office houses between 30,000 and 40,000 BMW items—this includes everything from books, magazines, brochures, press kits, models, trophies, artwork/posters, and so much more. 
     
    If you are visiting the BMW Performance Center and/or Manufacturing in Greenville, South Carolina, be sure to stop by the Foundation for a tour. They will be happy to show you around and you can see the items that Bill signed in person. If you have any BMW items you would like to donate to the Foundation for the library, archives, and museum—for a tax-deductible donation—please let them know. Just contact Michael Mitchell for further information at michael.mitchell@bmwccafoundation.org.