Title: Tommy Milner Calls Out BMW for Unsporting Behavior in Daytona 24 Hours GTD Pro Race
Tommy Milner, a seasoned IMSA veteran, did not mince words following the 2025 Daytona 24 Hours race. Expressing his frustration, Milner criticized the Paul Miller BMW team for their questionable tactics during the battle for the GTD Pro lead. In a post-race interview with IMSA Radio, Milner voiced his disappointment, stating, “That’s not what racing is about. It’s not what sports car racing is about.”
The incident unfolded with less than three hours remaining in the race when Milner, driving the #4 Corvette, found himself under pressure from Connor De Phillippi in a BMW. However, it was Augusto Farfus in another BMW, several laps down, who became the primary obstacle. Farfus aggressively blocked Milner, allowing the sister BMW to gain ground. Despite race control penalizing Farfus for blocking, the damage was already done.
As the tension escalated, Farfus’ actions led to a critical mistake by Milner. In a moment of chaos in the international horseshoe, Milner’s Corvette sustained damage, colliding with De Phillippi’s BMW. The ensuing repair attempts by the Corvette team proved futile, resulting in a mechanical black flag for Milner and a mandatory pit stop.
In a candid interview, Milner expressed his disappointment in Farfus, the team, and BMW, emphasizing that such behavior tarnishes the spirit of sports car racing. He condemned the #48 BMW’s strategic pit stops aimed at maintaining a lead over him, labeling their actions as “dirty racing.” Milner reiterated that while competition is inherent in racing, unsportsmanlike conduct and intentional interference have no place on the track.
Milner’s frustration with the situation was palpable, evident in his confrontational gesture towards Farfus as the latter served his penalty in the pits. Despite the setbacks, Milner maintained his composure, highlighting the importance of fair competition and mutual respect among competitors.
The aftermath of the incident left a bitter taste in the mouths of both fans and participants alike, underscoring the need for sportsmanship and integrity in motorsport. As the racing community reflects on this contentious episode, Milner’s outspoken stance serves as a reminder of the values that underpin the sport and the expectation of honorable conduct on the track.
In a sport where split-second decisions and strategic maneuvers can make or break a race, incidents like the one at the Daytona 24 Hours serve as a sobering reminder of the fine line between competitive edge and ethical boundaries. As the dust settles on this controversial race, the spotlight remains on the importance of upholding the principles of fair play and integrity in motorsport.
