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THE CHASE – BMW M3 VS. BMW RR

18/04/2011

The question of who would triumph in a special race between a BMW M3 tuned by Akrapovic development partner a-workx and the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike is not new. But with a bold new movie, BMW has finally settled the score. Stylish and energetic, The Chase is the story of what happens when RR rider Rico Penzkofer and M3 driver Nico Bastian go head-to-head on the racetrack. The film opens with the two rivals discussing their machines over dinner – with each man firmly convinced he is fastest, they agree to race and shake hands over a bet on who will be first to cross the line.

BMW RR and M3 tuned by Akrapovic development partner a-workx

The action quickly moves to the famous Akrapovic factory in Slovenia, where the BMW M3 and RR are given expert fine-tuning before they take to the track. Slick camera work brings the power and quality of the motorcycle and car to life – we see and hear those famous Akrapovic exhausts and a team of engineers checks, tunes and tests every detail to make sure The Chase will be completely fair.

The M3 and RR start from opposite ends of the racetrack, each racer vying to be the first to pass his opponent. Sounds of exhausts and a dynamic filming style keep adrenaline levels sky-high as we finally hear the words: “gentlemen, start your engines”.

The crucial thing to remember as they tear round the track is that while The Chase is a movie, the race itself is for real. The two men fighting for bragging rights are a motorcycle racer and racing driver, not actors. The action on the track, the tension and the end result are all genuine.

Keeping it authentic meant going ahead with the race even when it began to rain – potentially harming the RR’s chances of coming first. As it unfolds on-screen, a graphic keeps track of each machine’s position on the road and a “wet track” warning flashes up – more reminders that this is no fake.

Of course, there can only be one winner and adrenaline levels peak as he catches up with, and finally passes, the unlucky loser. But with the trial over, the pair shake hands on the other side of the finish line – both satisfied it was fair.

The Chase is the perfect showcase for two of BMW’s most iconic machines, as well as the craftsmanship of Akrapovic products. Directed by the award-winning director Ryan McManus, the film looks slick and clean, with plenty of close-up shots of the car and motorcycle. Two different endings have been filmed – a conventional one where the two competitors give interviews to camera and a second conclusion with a funny twist – but race remains the same in both versions.

Release date: 2 May

First teaser: 18 April

BMW Motorrad Brand Channel on Youtube www.youtube.com/bmwmotorrad

The competitors

Nico Bastian

Born 15 April 1990 in Heidelberg, Germany

Job: racing driver, instructor and presenter for Sport 1, Porsche Carrera Cup and Seat Leon Supercopa, races Mini John Cooper Works and competes in the German MINI Challenge series

Drives: anything fast

www.nicobastian.de

Rico Penzkofer

Born 8 July 1975 in Borna, Germany

Job: motorcycle racer and team manager of Penz 13, competing in the FIM World Endurance Championship and Isle of Man TT, Macau Grand Prix

Rides: S 1000 RR

www.penz13.com