In Pictures: Bruno Spengler's rise to world champion racer
Canadian driver set to defend his 2012 title as the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season starts Sunday
A collage of photos from Bruno Spengler’s childhood that his father, Alexis, keeps in the family home at St-Hippolyte, Que.
Spengler behind the wheel of his 2003 F3 car.
Spengler at his first test with Mercedes in 2005 at the Italian Circuit of Mugello.Wolfgang Wilhelm
Spengler driving his AMG-Mercedes C-Klasse 2004 at the 2005 race on the Istanbul Park Circuit in Turkey where he took his second career points finish with Mercedes. He finished eighth.
Spengler celebrates his first career DTM win at the Norisring Circuit with teammate Mika Häkkinen. It came in his fifth race after switching to a factory team at the beginning of the 2006 season. Häkkinen was third.Wolfgang Wilhelm
Bruno Spengler on the podium at the 2006 race at the Norisring following his first career DTM win.Wolfgang Wilhelm
Spengler talking with Mercedes press officer Wolfgang Schattling prior to a media breakfast at the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Spengler’s BMW Team Schnitzer had a cake delivered to the team garage in celebration of his 29th birthday on August 23, 2012.
Spengler performs his trademark hood surf after taking BMW’s first DTM win in more than 20 years at the Lausitzring in early May, 2012.
Spengler hugs his mechanics in the Winner’s Circle after scoring his third victory of the 2012 season at the Oschersleben Circuit.
Spengler signs autographs at the Hockenheim Circuit on the Friday before his dramatic season ending win that sealed the championship.
Spengler crosses the finish line to win the season final in Hockenheim, a victory that delivered the 2012 DTM crown by a slim three points over rival Gary Paffet of Mercedes.
Spengler takes delivery of his personal BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition at the BMW M factory in Garching, near Munich, on April 29.
Bruno Spengler and Philippe Létourneau pose in front of one of 54 Limited edition BMW M3s made to celebrate the Canadian’s 2012 DTM championship.