Partee Racing is a comprehensive motorsports facility and machine shop, specializing in building BMW race and performance engines and particularly Alusil-based BMW engines such as the S62, S85, and S65. We also provide custom on-site and remote ECU tuning through our nationally renowned tuner, Matt Lambert, for all BMWs and some other makes, as well as renovate and manufacture custom carbon fiber and billet parts for specific BMW models, including the E39 M5, the E46 M3, the E60 M5, and the E9X M3.
Partee Racing’s strict aim is to be a unique form of motor sports provider–one focused myopically on and tailored to achieving its customers’ automotive goals, regardless of whatever process or part that requires. It is run by a team of experts who are first and foremost enthusiasts and enjoy the experience of working on customer cars every bit as much, if not more than customers enjoy the result. Our facility essentially belongs to our customers because we built it for them; they and BMW enthusiasts are always welcome there.
Peter recently retired from a nearly 33-year career as a financial restructuring attorney with a major law firm. Peter’s automotive enthusiasm began with early 70’s F-body Pontiacs, then shifted to BMWs in the early 80’s. After establishing his legal career, in 2005, Peter bought his dream car—a Lemans Blue E39 M5 with a Dinan S2 kit installed, driving his enthusiasm for BMWs to even greater heights. In 2015 this led him to establish Partee Racing–a small engine shop at Virginia International Raceway, specializing in building S62s, with Dusty Renteria the former head of Dinan’s engine shop. As the engine business grew rapidly and expanded into S54s, S65s and S85s, Partee Racing moved into its current 15,000 square foot facility in Danville, Virginia, about 15 minutes from Virginia International Raceway.
At the heart of Partee Racing’s tuning excellence is Matthew Lambert, a seasoned expert whose journey began in 1991 in Dallas, Texas. Starting as a high school apprentice at Bimmer Auto, Matthew honed his skills in drivability, engine management, and diagnostics. His passion for performance tuning led him to establish Cedar Performance, focusing exclusively on performance upgrades and modifications.
Today, as Partee Racing’s dedicated tuner, Matthew brings a wealth of experience and a creative touch to OEM-level calibrations. With his vast expertise, especially in turbo applications, Matthew is excited to push the boundaries of tuning for classic and modern platforms, ensuring topnotch performance and innovation.
Christopher Knerr’s journey into automotive excellence began at an early age, working alongside his grandfather, a BMW master technician, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for precision and performance. At 17, Christopher joined the Army, serving with distinction for a decade, including deployments with the 753rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. Following his service, he pursued studies in Aerospace Engineering, further refining his technical expertise. In 2020, he launched his own composites company, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative skills. Now at Partee Racing, Christopher is channeling his passion into design and manufacturing, focusing on creating high-performance BMW components while stepping away from the day-to-day demands of running a business.
John Ashworth grew up immersed in the world of high-performance motorsports, regularly attending events at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), where his passion for precision and speed was ignited. After graduating from DCC’s renowned Precision Machine Technology program, he spent four years honing his skills in the Nuclear sector before transitioning to the Precision Industrial Machine Manufacturing industry, where he excelled for nearly a decade. Two years ago, John founded his own company, coming full circle to the top of an industry he has admired since childhood. Now, he sees this venture as an incredible opportunity to contribute to a field he has spectated and been passionate about his entire life.
Partee Racing builds a community of enthusiasts who interact with each other through forums like M5Board.com
