Let me start with what a Driving School is not… even though you are driving on a racetrack with about
30 other drivers of similar driving ability, it is not a race. It is not a timed event; there
are no winners or losers, nor awards. Passing in corners is not allowed, and you are neither expected
to shift at redline, nor go screaming through corners with tires squealing.
A driving school provides an opportunity for you to learn high performance driving skills in your own
vehicle, 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.
It is hoped that the skills you learn will benefit you in your day-to-day driving, especially when confronted
with emergency situations such as slippery road conditions or having to avoid hitting a deer on a country
road.
What Can you expect ?
Our weekend events at Watkins Glen draw about 120 students that are grouped into 4 run-groups of about
30 students each. (Weekday schools are about 90 students in 3 run groups). Each run-group is comprised of drivers of similar driving experience and skill
level. Your time at the track will consist of track-time with in car instruction, classroom sessions,
and some free time to catch your breath and compare notes with your peers. What you are taught
on the track depends on your skill-level. Novice students are taught how to navigate the track,
the location and use of flagging stations, and how to develop a smooth and consistent driving style.
More experienced drivers continue to work on their consistency and finding the proper line, while developing
new skills such as threshold and trail braking. For the most experienced drivers, students are
allowed to drive solo, though they are still encouraged to have periodic in-car instruction to refine
their skills and prevent them from getting into bad habits.
Every time you are on the track, you will have an experienced instructor in the passenger seat with
you until you are 'signed off' and are allowed to run solo. You can be signed-off when you have
proven to your instructor that you understand the principles of high speed driving, can consistently
drive the correct line, and demonstrate proper on-track etiquette.
Safety at these events is of the utmost importance. Driver conduct on and off track will be closely
monitored throughout the event by GVC staff, instructors, and WGI corner workers. Violation of
the rules will not be tolerated, and could result in your dismissal from the school.
In the classroom, you will learn the theory behind high performance driving. Classroom topics
range from things like the difference between early and late apexes, to the meaning of under-steer and
over-steer, to understanding the concept of weight transfer under braking and turning. Concepts
that are taught in the classroom are reinforced on the track.
Do I need a racecar or a BMW to participate in a Driving School?
The idea behind Driving Schools is to make YOU a better driver. You don't need a race-prepared
BMW M3 to do a driving school. You will learn to drive whatever you brought. Since the GVC BMW
CCA is hosting the event, many of the cars will probably be BMW's, but you don’t have to have a BMW
to participate in our driving schools. Typically there is a wide range of non-BMW cars, from Porsche's
and Corvettes, to VW Rabbits and Honda Accords. It really doesn't matter. We have even accepted
rentals cars.
What does matter is that your car must be in good shape. Driving on the track will put some extra
stress on your vehicle. It is of the utmost importance that fluids are fresh, nothing leaks, brake
pads are up to snuff and tires have adequate life. If you your car is held together with duct
tape, gum, and bailing wire, your car is not track-worthy. All student cars must have a muffler, a passenger seat,
and equal restraint seat belts or harnesses.
How do I determine if my car is "Track-worthy?"
After you are accepted to a Drivers School, you will need to have a local shop inspect your vehicle
to determine its track-worthiness. A GVC Driving School 'Tech Form (.pdf)' must be filled out and signed
by your dealer, your local garage, or yourself, if you are your own chief mechanic. This inspection
typically takes less than 20 minutes by a competent technician. 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.
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.)
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)
How do I improve my chances of acceptance?
The Genesee Valley Chapter Driving Schools are very popular because the club has been successfully running
schools since 1984 and has a long standing reputation for providing one of the best schools in the nation.
Because these schools are typically over-subscribed, acceptance preference is given to BMW CCA members
with GVC affiliation. To become a member of the BMW CCA and / or request GVC affiliation, please
visit www.bmwcca.org If you are already
a BMW CCA member of another chapter, you may request an additional affiliation through the national
organization for a nominal fee. Note: You must be a minimum of 18 (eighteen) years old, and hold a valid driver’s
license to apply to our driving schools.
How does Application Process work?
After you 'pre-apply' for a driving school online, you will print out the application. You then mail
your application with a check or money order on the day registration opens. Within days, the Driving School
Committee receives 150+ applications. Priority is given to complete applications,
postmarked on the correct day. Applications from Genesee Valley Chapter BMW CCA members are processed
first, and these students are assigned to run groups. As soon as we get ~33 qualified students
per run group, the school is full.
If the school doesn't immediately fill-up, we continue to accept GVC members for the next week,
after which we accept applicants that are members of the BMW Car Club but without GVC affiliation. And if
the school is still not full, we accept non-BMW CCA members. If the number of qualified applications
on the first day exceeds the number of available spots, those applicants who didn't get in are asked
if they would like to be placed on the waiting list, or if they want their check destroyed or returned.
Does my insurance cover my car at the track?
Read your policy. It probably says that you are not covered if you participate in 'racing” or
“timed” events. Driving Schools are NOT 'racing events' and timing is strictly forbidden.
However, our driving schools are held at facilities that are specially designed for racing. The
intent of our school is to make you a better driver, not to teach you how to race. It is up to
you to fully understand what your policy covers or doesn’t cover.
Can I drive a convertible or SUV on the track?
No. Convertibles, SUVs, Minivans and Trucks are not allowed as Student vehicles at our schools.
That includes Z3’s, Z4’s, X5's, X3's, Porsche Cayenne's, etc.
Can I do a 1-day school?
Our events are for 2 days. We do not allow people to sign-up for just 1 day. Note: OFest
2008, is the only exception. Only at this event, may you sign-up for one or more days during the
5 days that the driving school is offered. Please visit the official Ofest website for more information
and to register for the event.
Email:
WebMaster