After our interview with Schmid Motorsport we wanted to go one step further and find out the story behind the championship of BMW 318ti Cup.
So we asked Florian Sternkopf, founder and organiser of the BMW 318ti Cup.
We wanted to know the reason behind the creation of the series, how it has developed over the years and why it has become one of Germany’s most successful grassroots racing championships.
Why was the BMW 318ti Cup created?
Every championship has a story, but very few are created to solve a real problem in motorsport. We wanted to know what inspired Florian Sternkopf to start the BMW 318ti Cup back in 2016 and what the original vision behind the series was
Question
What inspired the creation of the BMW 318ti Cup back in 2016? What was the original vision behind the championship?
Florian Sternkopf
At this time there was just karting and then the touring car way with the beginning of GT4 racing or TCR, or the formula way with F4 in Germany. Both ways with cost muchmore than 200k. No really entrance level for guys from less expensive karting or slalom. We also have this problem, that we raced in amateur series, but to be on front you need also more than 100k. So, it was time to create a series with low costs to makethe entrance possible to everyone. We had the possibilities in our workshop to build 10 cars, so we did and take the first three seasons as a rental business with these 10 cars
EnduVision’s thoughts
Florian’s reply is that the championship was never meant to be just another one-make series. Instead, it was meant to bridge the huge gap between karting and GT, Fórmulas etc.
The first three seasons of the BMW 318ti Cup featured cheaper rental cars, giving drivers who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to race on circuits the opportunity to do so.
Why was the BMW 318ti E36 Compact chosen?
Introduction
The BMW E36 Compact may not be the most iconic model in BMW’s history, but it became the foundation of one of Germany’s most competitive championships. We wanted to understand why this particular model was selected.
Question
Why was the BMW 318ti E36 chosen as the foundation of the series?
Florian Sternkopf
We need to know, that we have to choose a rear wheel driven car, so BMW was easy to choose. It also had to be a low-cost car, so we took the E36, then we thought aboutthe sedan, or coupe, but we know they was loved be much young guys and would be much more expensive as the compact. It was not the nicest version of the E36 but by far the cheapest.
EnduVision’s thoughts
Rather than choosing the fastest or most desirable BMW, the organisers focused on affordability. The E36 Compact perfectly reflected the championship’s philosophy: keeping costs low while creating a reliable and competitive racing platform for every driver.
What makes the BMW 318ti Cup different?
Introduction
Europe is home to many successful one-make championships, yet the BMW 318ti Cup continues to attract impressive grids year after year. We wanted to know what makes it stand out from the rest.
Question
What makes the BMW 318ti Cup different from other one-make championships in Europe?
Florian Sternkopf
The biggest factor are the costs. That’s why we have these many competitors. After that we have to name the fairness between the teams. We fight hard on the track, butwe help each other in the paddock. The last point is the regulation of every problem. We are always friendly, helpful but strict with decisions. Also, our controls are strict. We have two technical controllers and not just a dyno who comes to every race. So,we try to hold the costs down by protect our regulations.
EnduVision’s thoughts
Three key elements define the championship: affordable costs, a respectful paddock atmosphere and strict technical regulations. While the racing is fiercely competitive on track, Florian explains that cooperation between teams away from the circuit is equally important. Combined with rigorous technical inspections, these factors help maintain one of the fairest racing environments in European grassroots motorsport.
What happens behind the scenes during a race weekend?
Introduction
Fans usually see only the action on track, but every successful race weekend depends on countless hours of preparation behind the scenes.
So we asked Florian what a typical weekend looks like from an organiser’s perspective.
Question
What does a typical race weekend look like behind the scenes for the organisers?
Florian Sternkopf
Normally everything from the organization has to be done before the weekend. So, we just have the administration of the drivers and the safety checks before. After thatwe do a driver briefing with our own race director who is the same at every race and then we start into the free practice. After every counting session (quali, race1 and race2) there will be parc fermé with regulation controls. So really normal. Before theweekend you have a little bit stress by build all lists and do the social media advertising but after more than 10 years we have a super team for all that.
EnduVision’s thoughts
Race weekends may appear simple enough to fans. Florian says the bulk of the work is done before anyone arrives at the circuit. From organising driver documentation and technical inspections to coordinating race control and media activities, all details must be planned in advance to guarantee the smooth running of the championship.
How has the BMW 318ti Cup evolved since 2016?
Introduction
The growth of the championship is perhaps its greatest success story. From a small rental-car concept to one of Germany’s largest touring car grids, BMW 318ti Cup has experienced an huge development.
Question
How has the BMW 318ti Cup evolved since its first season in 2016, and what are your ambitions for its future?
Florian Sternkopf
We started our first season in 2016. Until 2018 we just rent 10 cars to all competitors. For every race they changed the cars. In this time much more competitors wantedto join the championship, but it was not possible for us, as a team to handle more than these 10 cars. So, for 2019 we decided to write down our own technical regulations and let everybody build his own car. From then it exploded to a record field of 60 carsin 2024.
At the moment we have a square of round about 40 cars in the championship. The time are harder now. The plan is to hold this level do good events and have good races so that our championship can be on a high level as long as it possible.
EnduVision’s thoughts
The explosion of the championship is proof of the strength of the original idea. The organisers started out with just 10 rental cars, but in 2019 they introduced technical regulations to allow teams to build their own cars. The decision transformed the series, with a record 60-car grid in 2024. It is a more demanding economic environment but the goal remains the same, to deliver close, affordable and fun racing for years to come.
Why should every motorsport fan watch the BMW 318ti Cup?
Introduction
For those unfamiliar with the championship, we wanted to know why they should make an effort to watch a BMW 318ti Cup race.
Question
If you had to convince a motorsport fan who has never watched the BMW 318ti Cup before, what would you tell them?
Florian Sternkopf
Come and have a look. We are not so famous like other series, but we have by far much more action in the races as you can imagine. And here you can see the talents fromtomorrow. From our series came much GT stars since we started. Theo Oeverhaus, Niklas Kalus, Finn Zulauf and much more. They are all GT3 or Porsche drivers now.
So that shows that we closed a gap in Germany to be the school of you talents much less budget the the rich karting guys. We also bring famous drivers to our series sometimes. So if you come to watch it can be the you see Timo Glock, Jeroen Bleekemolen, or Timo Scheider or other 24h Nürburgring winners like Felipe Fernadez Laser, just to name some of them. They are there to promotethe series, coach young talents, or just have fun
EnduVision’s thoughts
Florian’s response is exactly what the championship is all about. The BMW 318ti Cup delivers tight and exciting racing, but is also a proven stepping stone to future GT stars. Drivers like Theo Oeverhaus, Niklas Kalus and Finn Zulauf all began their careers here, while the likes of Timo Glock, Jeroen Bleekemolen and Timo Scheider occasionally grace the grid to help young talent and promote the series.
A final message to EnduVision’s readers
Introduction
To conclude our interview, we invited Florian to leave a message for EnduVision’s readers and for anyone considering either racing in or watching the BMW 318ti Cup.
Question
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to EnduVision’s readers?
Florian Sternkopf
If you want to go racing for low costs, there is no better series than the DMV BMW 318ti Cup, so come and join us. If you are a fan of real racing, then be a spectator.You will never come so close to the action like by us. Please have a look on our Instagram channel or on our website and you will see. Then please let’s meet at the track. You will have much fun
EnduVision’s thoughts
Florian’s words of farewell are the perfect encapsulation of the championship’s philosophy. Whether it’s the aspiring racer looking for an affordable entry into motorsport or simply the fan seeking genuine racing, the BMW 318ti Cup offers an experience that is becoming increasingly rare in modern motorsport.
Final Thoughts
We would like to thank Florian Sternkopf for taking the time to answer our questions and tell the story behind the BMW 318ti Cup.
He has offered us a unique chance to learn not only how the championship was born but also the philosophy and commitment that still today makes it one of the most respected grassroots racing series in Germany.
If you liked our inteview we recommend you to read the following articles abotu the BMW 318ti Cup;
https://enduvision.com/bmw-318ti-cup-the-ultimate-guide-to-racing-specs-pure-competition/
https://enduvision.com/schmid-motorsport-on-life-in-the-bmw-318ti-cup/
Or see they races at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlECLN-g-jOj7mYnBghByAloPiOtxDgYR