August 15-16, 2025
WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca, CA
Festorics at Turn 5: Where BMW Heritage Meets the Track
Presented by Continental Tire
Festorics People’s Choice Showdown
This year’s Festorics People’s Choice award was a nail-biter, with the final decision coming down to just two votes. In a thrilling finish, Blaine and Robyn McNutt edged out Bart and Kenya Ziegenhagen to claim the win.
The Winner: 1988 BMW E30 M3
Blaine’s E30 M3 is a benchmark example of motorsport engineering heritage. As BMW’s inaugural M-series homologation platform, the chassis was designed to meet Group A touring car regulations, emphasizing rigidity, aerodynamics, and race-ready geometry. During its comprehensive restoration, Blaine constructed a high-performance 2.5L S14 inline-four power unit, incorporating oversized stainless-steel valves, CNC-machined and flow-optimized cylinder head, high-duration camshafts, equal-length large-diameter exhaust headers, Carrillo H-beam forged connecting rods, CP forged aluminum pistons with optimized crown geometry, integrated oil squirters for piston cooling, and a lightweight Evo-spec flywheel for improved rotational inertia. The result is a powertrain engineered for high-revving reliability and track-grade responsiveness. Coupled with its widened track, flared arches, and precision-tuned suspension geometry, the vehicle delivers exceptional lateral grip and razor-sharp handling characteristics—making it a highly sought-after specimen among collectors and competitive drivers alike.
The Challenger: 1971 BMW 2000 Touring
Bart’s and Kenya’s restoration project, still with its rusted patina, 2000 Touring is a rare specimen from BMW’s iconic “Neue Klasse” lineage. As BMW’s first venture into the hatchback configuration, this two-door model seamlessly fused utilitarian design with dynamic driving characteristics. Imported from France in 2012 by legendary car whisperer Jan Echeverry of San Jose, this machine began its American chapter with mystery and muscle. After being sold to an unknown buyer, it landed at Classic Daily, where it received a heart transplant: an S52 engine from a BMW E36 M3—pure Bavarian fury.
For the next decade, it drifted through hands like a well-kept secret, until it found its way back to Jan’s cousin, Dani Echeverri. In 2024, Bart took the keys and the responsibility to bring it back to life. And they went deep: Refurbished the entire brake system to factory specs. Swapped the beat-up transmission for a Getrag 240 5-speed from an E30. Rebuilt the differential, fixed the heater box, replaced hacked-up springs with proper H&R Sport springs. Repaired the throttle lever and serviced the cooling system.
Sure, it looks like a rolling junkyard fantasy—but don’t let the patina fool you. This beast laid down 232 horsepower on the dyno, nearly 30 years after birth and with who-knows-how-many miles on the clock. It’s loud, raw, and unapologetically fun. Stabbing the throttle feels like waking up a sleeping dragon—which probably explains why the transmission and diff cried uncle.
It’s not just a car. It’s a survivor with attitude. And it’s finally in the hands of people who get it.
Both cars are icons in their own right—one born for the track, the other a rare and stylish road cruiser. I’ve spoken with both couples, and they’re already gearing up for a rematch at Festorics ‘26. Kenya, especially, is fired up to unveil another restoration project she’s been quietly crafting with Bart in their shop. Expect sparks to fly again next year.
—Sven Schindler
People's Choice Winner: Blaine and Robyn McNutt's 1988 BMW E30 M3
People's Choice Runner-up: Bart and Kenya Ziegenhagen's 1971 BMW 2000 Touring
