Genesee Valley Chapter Forum / GVC Chapter Forums / GVC Chapter Events

Driving School Qualifications

baxter — Wed, 18 May 2011 21:08:08 GMT

I note that the Mosport event is solely for Intermediate and advanced DE types. How does the chapter define the standards for determining the driving level one belongs in?

Pictures from AutoX 9/10/11 Letchworth

theblue — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:26:10 GMT

Here are pictures of hopefully everybody's cars from today. enjoy and use as you wish. you should be able to click "size" or something for native res. I grant the club unlimited use of the images.

[url=http://www.aaronbluestone.com/bluepics/index.php/Letchworthautox]http://www.aaronbluestone.com/bluepics/index.php/Letchworthautox[/url]

regards,

Aaron

How many BMW's do you own right now?

m3jim — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:42:22 GMT

I've only got one, a 1998 M3, silver over black, ~90,000 miles

Is there an iPad 2 case with a keyboard and stylus slot? Anywhere?

Kourtney — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:20:09 GMT

Is there an iPad 2 case with a keyboard and stylus slot? Anywhere?
I'm looking for a case for my new iPad 2 that has a Bluetooth keyboard as well as some kind of pocket or nook to hold my stylus so I don't loose it. Or if that doesn't exist or is way expensive what would be your best alternative? Any input helps. Thanks!

--------------------

[url=http://www.708buy.com/deal/ipad-2-accessories]ipad2 accessories[/url] [url=http://www.708buy.com/deal/ipad-2-leather-cases]ipad 2 leather case[/url] [url=http://www.708buy.com/deal/ipad-2-covers]ipad2 cover[/url]

hey everyone

hazynighthawk — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:20:09 GMT

Hey guys. I was told to check you guys out because you have alot of high speed classes and track days. I was also told you don't need a BMW to join you guys. I have a 2010 Mazdaspeed3. The regular track days at watkins glen are only 55 mph id like a little more than that. So ill be looking around and keeping up to date. If you guys could also let me know of the next time you have a high speed day it would be appreciated.

thanks!

Bimmerfest 2011 East Coast

Ebkenn — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 03:49:36 GMT

Is there anyone from the area going to the Bimmerfest East Coast 2011 Event. Bimmerfest is the largest BMW car show in North America. Typically held in California -- Bimmerfest is hitting the east coast for a second show in 2011. Come check out the hottest BMWs and the best BMW tuners!

http://www.bimmerfest.com/bmw-events/Bimmerfest-East-2011/

When: Saturday, August 6th, 2011

Where: Ripken Stadium, 873 Long Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001

Entry Fee: TBD

Just wondering if there are any club members interested in going.

Aug. Ross Bentley school

herfc00 — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 07:41:21 GMT

I noticed photographers taking pictures at the August event at Watkins Glen but did not see any signs for them. Does anyone know how to contact them about photos? Thanks,
Randy

Watkins Glen - Opening Day 2010

pontiacgxp — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:08:22 GMT

Thank you Gene Skic for a great time on Saturday 4/24/10 leading us all to a great time at opening day at the Glen. This was my first trip to the Glen and as a new member it exceeded my expectations.

The weather was perfect, everything was organized and we had the opportunity to go 4 times on the track...the last run was fast!

2010 School Registration

JOELAPICKI — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:23:43 GMT

When will pre-registration open this year?...........got warm in Maryland this week and the juices are flowing.....Joe:cool::cool:

GVC-Watkins Glen Sept 2009 Photos

mlee4984 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:14:21 GMT

Hi All,

I was just at this event this past weekend, anyone know if tracktimephotos were there??? Or was there no photography taken?

Thanks
-Mike

Mosport - Incredible Event

JAPFPE — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:01:46 GMT

Thanks to all the GVC folks that organized the recent Mosport HPDE. It exceeded expectations in both the format (very liberal passing rules) and the track. For those that may be on the fence for future Mosport events (like I was), you will not be disappointed.

Thanks again!

Joe

mosport registration/tech inspection

GEOFF.FRANKS@GMAIL.COM — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:56:37 GMT

I've been to a few of the driving schools at the glenn, and know there's usually some registration/tech inspection stuff going on the night before at the Seneca Lodge. Is any of this done at mosport? if so, where/when? If not, do we just show up at the track the day of and tell them what we're there for?

SOLO Novice School

Dan96Z3 — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:04:12 GMT

Any plans for a club sponsored novice autocross class? The SCCA class filled up in 2 hours.

May 9th, 10th Ultimate Driving School at Watkins Glen Update

m3jim — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:00:11 GMT

posted Tuesday, April 7, 2009: Registration for the May 9, 10 Ultimate Driving School at Watkins Glen opened last Friday, and the response has been good. The Novice run is nearly full, but the other run groups still have slots. So if you'd like to take advantage of our $100 discount for Novice students, or of you're an experienced student and want to drive Watkins Glen again, there is still room. Fill out an application and mail it in.

See you at The Glen !

June 6 Test & Tune Cancelled. June 7 autocross is still on!

AndyBlake — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:25:18 GMT

We've decided to cancel the Saturday Tuning Day we had scheduled for June 6 at the Seneca Army Depot because not enough autocross event leaders are available that day. We will still run the scheduled autocross on Sunday, though. Seneca Army Depot is a big place and we'll have a long, fun course layed out with a lot of slaloms, lane changes, and fast sweepers.

Please remember to pre-register to help speed registration.

Andy

Minis at the Spring Driving school

MDILLON — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:20:56 GMT

All the minis on victory lane for a group picture. :cool:
[img][/img]

Roommate for May 9/10 DE @ WGI??

Matt at Dunlop — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:57:48 GMT

Fellow BMWCCA members -- I'm Matt, from the Norther Ohio chapter.

I'm interested in participating in the May 9/10 DE @ WGI, and I'm looking for a roommate for the weekend to help offset my hotel costs. I'm a pretty friendly guy, easy to get along with, and I don't snore.

I visited WGI during 2008 Ofest as a sponsor (Dunlop Tires), and now I'm dying to get back. Splitting a hotel room with another DE participant would certainly help justify the expense of the trip.

If interested, please reach me via email at mneidert@neo.rr.com.

Thanks,
Matthew Neidert

Autocross registration is open!

AndyBlake — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:21:19 GMT

You may have noticed there are now links on the GVC web site to register for autocross events.

Please take a couple minutes to create an account and register for events you plan to attend. We will take the registration list from the web site on Friday night before an event and load it into our timing system – that’s right, no more cards to fill out!

If all goes well, our registration at the site will just be a matter of checking in, showing your driver’s license and member card (for reduced entry fee), and paying the entry. It should move along faster this way, especially if most people pre-register. Along with new software, we have also acquired some new wireless timing gear. The old timing box (built by Jim Dresser) with the little switches is finally being retired after over 20 years of faithful service.

I hope to see a lot of people from last year come back and a lot of new people show up for driving fun in their BMWs and other cars.

Thanks to our GVC webmaster, Jim, for helping bring the autocross program to the 21st century with online registration.

Question about Seneca Lodge Cabins

JimH — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:16:28 GMT

Does anyone have any experience with the cabins at the Seneca Lodge. We have a dog and the options are limited. Are the cabins clean? I don't care that they don't have air conditioning or TV.

Autocross 2009 Schedule?

shaun — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:01:03 GMT

I'm guessing when its ready, it will be posted, but when is it usually released?

Insurance for driving school

gloveria — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:30:24 GMT

My current insurance carrier has declined to insure my car for my first Watkins Glen driving school experience. Further, they don't offer any special rider to cover such an event. Does anyone know of an insurance company that might be willing to insure my vehicle; even if only for the two day event?

Drivers Schools 2009

sbmw — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:20:21 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I have never done a drivers school, but very interested in doing one this year.

Can someone provide an approximation of what the registration/ admission costs are for your two day event? Do they differ much or at all between Mosport and Watkins Glen?

Just trying to prepare in this regard in advance.

Thank you

Autocross Runs

margaret — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:50:55 GMT

I want to thank Andy and all the GVC guys who arrive before dawn at every event to provide us with a great day at the autocross. Word has gotten out that it's a fun event and so the number of participants has significantly grown. But this has put a crimp in the # of runs we receive. I was wondering if we could discuss ideas on how to get back to 5 or 6 runs per event. Hope it was a good O'Fest and everyone's car performed well.

Margaret
'88 325is
'90 MX5

O'Fest

GMATT — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:58:33 GMT

:D I just wanted to take a moment to thank all involved in the O'fest activities.

I had many volunteers for Club Racing ( and some that got Volunteered!) :) without all of you the event would not have been run so smooth.

Again Thanks and I'll buy you a beer @ the next meeting!:w00t:

Gary Matteson

GVC BMW CCA

Club Race Chair

Pictures from Watkins Glen 8/27-28

ROBIN — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:21:23 GMT

I had a great time at the driving school last month. There was an instructor and his girlfriend that had a blue late model BMW in the corner of the parking area (along the grassy area, closest to the track, with a tent) next to where I parked. His girlfriend took several pictures of me driving on the track and even a short film clip. I gave them my email address to forward them to me, but I haven't gotten them yet. Unfortunately I did not get their names. If anyone knows who they are or if they read this message, I'd really like to get the pictures.

I was driving the black 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

Thank you -

Robin Alpaugh

ralpaugh@empire.state.ny.us

Mosport School - Thanks

MLG2CA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:23:53 GMT

I would like to thank all the people behind the school that was held at Mosport Monday-Tuesday. Everything ran very smooth and no incidents :D

Even the rain cooperated by arriving at oportune times.

Thanks again guys and see at the Glen in August.

Mario

Mosport

GMATT — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:03:44 GMT

A BIG thank you to the people that helped me out.

A blow out @ speed:w00t: is no "fun" but my student and I were fine.

So Thanks again for all the help!

Gary

Mosport

GMATT — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:32:48 GMT

Greetings............For anyone interested, we are meeting @ thruway exit 47 on Sunday @ 11 am............

Might be easier to get over the border in a group:P

GVC Log Cabin Wednesdays!!!!!!!

GMATT — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:09:41 GMT

Hello.............A couple of GVC members go to the Log Cabin every wed. This is a open invite to ANYONE who would like to join us.

Myself, Gary M., Dan M. and Seth B. usually meet up by the Beer tent:w00t: around 6:30 pm.

Hope to see some of you there!

Bringing your BMW ( or other nice car;) is encouraged!

RIT Auto-x 7-22 Post your pics!

SIMON325E — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:51:01 GMT

Unfortuately I could only snap them when I wasn't driving so no BMWs. Post em if you got em.

Autocross Rules

Dan96Z3 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:22:22 GMT

New to this site and BMWs in general. I just purchased a 1996 Z3 and was interested in some not-too-competitive autocross events. What are the car requirements for your events other than safety etc.?

Also, not directly related to autocross but does the club host any technical sessions etc. to help the do-it-yourself mechanics? I am currently experiencing dead power windows and wouldn't mind some advise on where to start.

autocross results archive?

root — Sat, 03 May 2008 18:01:06 GMT

is there a way to look at last year's autocross results? since we keep running BIMP in the same config year on year, i would like to keep track of the times. Alas i forgot to backup the results before the end of the year, can we resurrect them, even if just for a little while?

What can the Club do for you?

m3jim — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:36:48 GMT

How can the GVC chapter help it's members? What would you like us to try? How can we get more local members involved? Should we have meetings every other month at some local 'watering hole' ?

Ultimate Driving School at Watkins Glen May 10, Thank You

SHR — Mon, 12 May 2008 05:43:16 GMT

I just completed my first track day at the glen and want to publicly say thank you to the GVC. This was one of the most organized and professionally run events I have attended in or out of motor sports. Thank you also to all of the members, instructors, Jeff for the Rookie Chronicles, and volunteers such as Ekstens for offering thier advice, tips, help with the car, and encouragement. Scott

What you might want to know as a first time driver - The Rookie Chronicles

E46323i — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:27:44 GMT

What you might want to know as a first time driver - a beginner's guide to performance driving schools
[b]The Rookie Chronicles[/b]

[b]Description:[/b]
A new GVC BMW CCA member pictorially documents the advice he received in a year of Performance Driving Schools at Watkins Glen, Mosport, and Batavia International Motorsports Park. A 2 part downloadable pdf "book."

This resource was posted last year, and many new drivers found it helpful, so, I'll re-post it. There is a novice driver orientation in the basement of the Seneca Lodge at around 8:00, Friday May 9th for the first school - but in advance of that... skim the document if you're new to the track. The really important parts (as identified by the chief driving instructor) are marked with a blue [b](!)[/b] icon throughout the document.

[b]Reviews from readers:[/b]
[i]• "You can suck less the first time [you go to the track] if you are prepared and do your homework. Axis [axis of oversteer blogspot] recommends you read Jeff's Rookie Chronicles. Jeff did a great job summarizing the track day/driving school experience."
• "I think it's way better than any other beginners guide I have ever seen. The layout is fantastic... "
• "A great starting point and loads of info in an easily digestible form."
• "Great stuff!!! Very well done!!"
• "An excellent guide to the whole Driving School-Track Day thing."
• "Well worth the read - even if you've been on track"
• "Holy sh%t, where was this when I started?"[/i]

[b]Part 1[/b]
PDF, 3MB, 45 pages
[b]Part 2[/b]
PDF, 4MB, 63 pages
[b]Download Page:[/b]
http://www.partnersandnapier.com/gabel/pdf.html
(there's two links on the left side of the page marked Volume 1)
[b]Direct Downloads:[/b]
http://www.partnersandnapier.com/gabel/pdf/Rookie_Chronicles_Part1r.pdf
http://www.partnersandnapier.com/gabel/pdf/Rookie_Chronicles_Part2r.pdf

[b]Screen Grabs of a few pages:[/b]

[img]http://www.partnersandnapier.com/gabel/therookiechronicles-1.png[/img] [img]http://www.partnersandnapier.com/gabel/therookiechronicles2-1.png[/img]
[img]http://www.partnersandnapier.com/gabel/therookiechronicles3.png[/img] [img]http://www.partnersandnapier.com/gabel/Rookie Chronicles_Part 1r-21.bmp[/img]

[b]The full contents of what's covered - if you want to read:

Part1 / Getting Started[/b]
Forward
Hitching a Ride / Driving with an Instructors
Wake Up Call (showing up on time and why it matters)
What the Ultimate Driving School is Not
Cleaned Out
Tech Inspection
Tech Inspection List (what's checked at tech)
Wristbands, Parking, and Helmet Tech
[b]Tires[/b]
Under pressure, Tire Temperature, and Speed Ratings of Tires (by letter, ie: W)
Phil Abrami’s Tire Advice 1
Phil Abrami’s Tire Advice 2, Runin’ in the Rain (and tire pressure in the rain)
[b]Track Basics[/b]
Cones and Corners, Vertical Vision, and Placement
Vertical Vision Examples (Watkins Glen samples)
Anatomy of a Corner (turn in, apex, track out)
Corner Cones, turns 4, 10, 5a, and 1 (examples shown)
Classroom Sessions, Over and Under-Steer Explained
Homework Assignments (driving in your head, and why it works)
On Stage - false gridding your car at the Glen
Passing and point bys (hand signals explained)
Passing Zones at Watkins Glen
Pit-in signal, and Communications with Instructors
How to Sit Down (why it's different vs.daily driving)
Your Feet
The Car Goes Where You Look
Your Eyes
Sight picture
Mirrors
Weight Transfer (what you'll do all day with your car)
Running in the rain, an editorial
Rain, the line, and concrete locations (why concrete is different)
Concrete in turn 1 (old content since turn 1 is no longer concrete as of this posting, but the concept is still valid in other corners)
Running in the rain - the rain line in the Toe (why it's different)
[b]Brakes[/b]
Brakes - an introduction
Hawk HP plus - a review, and HT10s, a review (typical performance brake tradeoffs regardless of brand - I now run Cobalt Friction)
Brake Bedding (how to, and why)
Brake Fluid Primer (wet and dry boiling points)
DOT Brake Fluid Specs, Cool-Down Lap
[b]Part 2 /The Tracks[/b]
Watkins Glen Track Facts, and Elevations
Watkins Glen Corner Names (we usually don't use corner numbers)
Watkins Glen Corners 3 and 6 (shown)
Watkins Glen Corners 5b and 5c (shown)
Watkins Glen Corners 7 and 9 (shown)
Track Notes, Corners 1-4 (notes from a novice POV only, a perspective from day 1 )
Track Notes, Corners 5-6
Track Notes, Corners 7-8
Track Notes, Corners 9-11
[b]Mosport [/b]
Mosport Corneers 8 through 1 (pictures)
Mosport Corneers 10 through 3 (pictures)
Mosport Corners - in car view, corner by corner
Track Notes, Corners 1-2 (notes from a novice POV, with help from the Canadian Chapter)
Track Notes, Corners 3-4
Track Notes, Corners 5a-7
Track Notes, Corners 8-10
[b]The 3 series[/b]
The 3 series (pictures - what grill is what car)
“E” Designations - a list
[b]Modifications[/b]
Modifications, CAI and Shark Injection
My 323i - Specifications (pre E46M3 - a momentum ride specifications list - I liked my car)
My 323i - Description
[b]Safety[/b]
Safety Introduction
Safety Harnesses, Schroth Rallye 4 Quick Fit
Safety HANS (not addressed, Schroth Rallye 4 Quick Fit Pro, the harnesses required for the HANS)
Red Mist
Red Mist in Action (example)
Track Damage (you may pay)
Helmets, Dot and Snell Ratings, Fit
Helmet Sizing
Painting your helmet (you'll want to skip this, but there's no information out there on how to do it, so I included it... with racerboy apologies)
A Poem for Troubled Times - "If you start to spin, put both feet in" - what to do and why
Flags, Introduction
Flags and their Meanings (this is important)
Things you will need
What to bring
What to check when
Seeing the Line, Tips
[b]PTG[/b]
Prototype Technology Group (several pages of off subject pictures of PTG at the Glen)
[b]Autocross[/b]
Autocross introduction (background only)
Autocross-Track Pics, what the track at BIMP looks like
[b]Credits and Thanks[/b]

Hope this helps the newbies...
See you in May
Cheers,
E46323i+E46M3

Housing for Driving School at The Glen

watkinsglenhousing — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:32:27 GMT

Please let me know if any of you will need housing while at any of the Watkins Glen Events.

We have two great homes close by.

GVC Spring Break at the Distillery email out of control

SAB0276 — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:19:15 GMT

For some reason. I've recieved about 100 copies so far (more still coming in) of Spring Break at the Distillery email. Can someone contact the person who sent that out and stop it.

-Scott

Who's gonna be at the Distillery event?

zygotesoup — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:34:52 GMT

Just thought I would take a second to introduce myself. My name is Nate and I purchased a 1993 325i last year. I spoke with Jim Dresser via email about attending the Distillery get together and was wondering who else would be there with what cars. Heres a pic of the "winter beater" ;) Hope to see you guys there!

[IMG]http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q318/zygotesoup/IMG_0369.jpg[/IMG]