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What is a Driving School ?
A driving school provides an opportunity for you to learn high performance driving skills in your own
car, on a racetrack, in a controlled environment, with in-car instruction.
The purpose of a driving school is quite simple: to improve your driving skills.
The knowledge and skills learned at a high performance driving school will certainly carry over to “the street”, making you a more skilled, confident, and safe driver.
Why come to a GVC event ?
The Genesee Valley Chapter has over 26 years of experience conducting HP driving schools, and is nationally
recognized for its innovative, state-of-the-art instructional program emphasizing personal instruction and graduated
skill development in an environment that emphasizes camaraderie, safety and fun.
Our highly trained and experienced in-car instructors coach participants at all levels of skill development,
from novices to club racers and instructor candidates, reinforcing the theory and practice of high performance driving
taught in the classroom by one of our master classroom instructors.
What will you do at the event ?
Students are divided into different “run groups” according to prior experience and evaluations from previous schools, if any.
Each run group gets a minimum of 4 half-hour sessions of in-car instruction each day of the school.
Between sessions, students attend interactive classroom sessions geared to their skill level.
Students gain experience by riding with their in-car instructors during the instructor run sessions.
Depending upon the event program, Novice students partake in car-control exercises in the infield paddock area on day one, where, under the guidance of an in-car instructor, they practice what they have learned about vehicle dynamics at speeds much lower than those experienced on the track.
On Club Race weekends, students can watch practices, qualifying, and races that are slotted throughout the day as separate run-groups.
In addition, the GVC conducts a...
Novice Orientation: To make the experience more enjoyable for new-comers, there is a ~1 hr. presentation and Q"&"A session the night before the event at the Seneca Lodge, which covers the school schedule and curriculum, the layout of the track facilities, where to go for help, and how to prepare for the experience.
Track “Walk”: A guided tour of the track led by the Classroom Instructor is held at the end of the first day. You will be transported in vehicles to selected corners
on the track, where you will disembark to examine and discuss the track features on foot with the classroom instructor.
Garage Party: After the track walk, we convene in the Kendall Garage to meet and mingle with other drivers, instructors, friends and family, while enjoying complimentary food, beer and wine.
First time students are highly encouraged to read, The Rookie Chronicles – What you might want to know
as a first time driver written by GVC member, Jeff Gabel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special race car or a BMW to participate in a GVC Driving School?
No, driving a BMW or race car is not a prerequisite for participating in a GVC
HP Driving School. You may drive a street car of any marque, as long as it is
NOT a convertible, roadster,SUV, SAV, Minivan or truck. (That includes all Z3’s, Z4’s,
X5's, X3's, Porsche Cayenne's, etc.) We also do NOT allow students to drive single-seat vehicles, or
vehicles lacking a front passenger seat. Instructors ride with all students, and must be provided safe seating in the car.
How do I determine if my car is "Track-worthy?"
Driving on the track will put some extra stress on your vehicle. All cars that drive on the track must conform to our
technical and safety requirements as detailed on our 'Tech Inspection form'.
This form must be completed and signed by a certified mechanic and by the driver, and presented at on-site check-in.
The inspection typically takes less than 20 minutes. Many dealers will provide this
service for free, while others may charge a nominal fee. If there are items that do not meet the
minimum standard on the tech form, you will need to have these items taken care of and the car re-inspected
before bringing it to the track. You are responsible for making sure that your vehicle meets the
requirements specified by the tech form; if it does not, you will not be allowed
to drive on the track and you will forfeit your event fees. GVC reserves the right at any time to disqualify any
vehicle deemed unsuitable or unsafe for use in our school.
The required tech inspection checks such things as brake pad thickness, fluid freshness and level, validation
that the battery is securely held down, the throttle-body linkage works properly, there are no major
cracks in the windshield, headlights and brake lights function properly, and there are no oil, gas,
or antifreeze leaks.(The list is longer than this, but this gives you an idea of the types of
things that are reviewed.)
Do I need any special equipment?
Helmets are required and to be worn while in the pits and on the track. The helmet needs to be
Snell approved and must be Snell 2000 rated or newer (either 'M' or 'SA' type helmets are fine).
Though the club cannot provide helmets to students, first time students may want to borrow a properly
fitting helmet from a friend for their first event or two, until they if they decide that they want
to continue with the sport. (Helmets typically run $150-$400)
Seems like a lot of money, do I get a break as a first time student?
Yes, we offer a "take the plunge" $100 discount for first-time drivers who have never been to a Genesee Valley Chapter driving school.
This offer is limited to a maximum of 35 novice students (30 members, 5 non-members) at each school.
In addition, BMW CCA members get an additional $50 discount. To become a member, please visit 'www.bmwcca.org'
How do I sign-up for an event?
The GVC is now using MotorSportReg for registration. You will need to make an account there, then sign up. There is a link
to MotorSportReg in each event listing.
Does my insurance cover my car at the track?
Read your policy. Over the past 5 years many auto insurers have changed their policies to exclude coverage
for claims "occurring on a surfaced used for racing" or "at a high-performance driving event".
If your policy does not cover your car at track events, you may want to consider
purchasing HPDE event coverage through Lockton Risk Services. Premium
estimates are provided on the MotorSportReg website for each event.
Can I bring friends and family members?
Yes, there are plenty of places from which to watch you while you are having fun on the track. Friends and family will need to sign a gate waiver and be put on a visitor list if
they are driving up separately. And if they are not "into cars," there are many other things that they can do in the area. Watkins Glen is a beautiful summer resort
located in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes, one of the top wine-producing regions in the country. Besides the many wineries, restaurants,
shops, and fun activities for the whole family, the area boasts a variety of nearby state and local parks noted for their spectacular gorges and waterfall.
Can I do a 1-day school?
No, we currently we offer 2-day events for novice students, and 2 or 3 day events for more experienced drivers.
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