BMW goes downhill, gets into the bobsled business

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

BMW is designing a new two-man bobsled for Team USA for use in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The automaker is partnering with the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation to redesign the sled that's been in use for the past 20 years by leveraging BMW expertise in lightweight materials, aerodynamics and chassis dynamics. While the US has repeatedly taken the top spot on the podium in the four-man event, that honor hasn't fallen to the two-man team since 1936.

It took BMW a full year of development to craft a prototype. Team USA is currently evaluating the sled, and the design will likely be refined further over the next year in preparation for the upcoming games.

As you may recall, open-wheel racer Bobby Rahal took the helm at the US Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation back in September with the goal or furthering the sport's development, though the BMW involvement predates Rahal's position with the group. Check the full press release below for more information on the new BMW-designed sled.

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BMW goes downhill, gets into the bobsled business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bobby Rahal to chair U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

BMW has been responsible for some odd combinations over the years - the 5 Series GT being one of the most obvious - but now it's reported that the automaker has helped team up the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation with none other than legendary open-wheel racer and team owner, Bobby Rahal. Rahal will be chairman and ambassador for the newly founded USA Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation nonprofit organization.

The USABSF was created to support its current athletes as well as fund youth programs and technological advancements, and Rahal's job is to help develop the sport, find new sources of fundraising and recruit new board members. Over the last three winter Olympic games, the U.S. bobsled and skeleton teams have amassed nine medals, and they are looking to continue their dominance in the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia with Rahal's help.

Rahal was introduced to the USBSF CEO Darrin Steele (shown on the left in the image above) at a race in Sebring, Fla. in 2011 and the two met again this year at the Indianapolis 500. The official announcement was made last week during the Baltimore Grand Prix weekend.

Curt Tomasevicz (on the right in the image above) is a two-time world champion in the four-man bobsled and he was also on the 2010 gold medal Olympic team.

Bobby Rahal to chair U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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