GVC Chapter Driving Event Ultimate Driving School at Watkins GlenSaturday, May 08, 2010 to Sunday, May 09, 2010 LocationWatkins GlenEvent RegistrarJim Dresser
Saturday, May 08, 2010 to Sunday, May 09, 2010
We are now using MotorSportReg to handle registration for this event. Click here for a direct link to register for this event.
The Genesee Valley Chapter has over 25 years of experience conducting HP driving schools at Watkins Glen, and is nationally recognized for its carefully structured, state-of-the-art, 2-day instructional program emphasizing skill development and safety.
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.
The knowledge and skills learned here will certainly carry over to “the street”, making you a more confident and safe driver.
Format: Students are divided into different “run groups” according to prior experience, evaluations from previous schools, and vehicle type. Each run group gets a minimum of 3 half-hour sessions of in-car instruction each day of the school. Between sessions, students get classroom instruction in an interactive environment appropriate for their skill level. Students also gain experience by riding with their in-car instructors during the instructor run sessions. On the first day, novice students also partake in car-control exercises in the infield paddock area, 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.
We provide extensive written materials to help prepare you and your vehicle prior to coming to the track. To make the experience more enjoyable for new-comers, there is a presentation the night before the event covering the schedule and curriculum of the driving school, the layout of the facilities, where to go for help, and how to prepare for the experience.
Bonus Features:
· 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, where you will disembark to examine and discuss the track features on foot with the classroom instructor.
· Garage Party: On Saturday after the track walk, we convene in the Kendall Garage to meet and mingle with other drivers, instructors, friends and family, while enjoying complimentary finger-food, beer and wine.
· UDS Souvenir Shirts: To commemorate the event and give you bragging rights back home, you will receive a limited edition Ultimate Driving School shirt to go along with the school tech sticker for your car.
Event Venue
 A major drawing card for our school is the chance to drive the legendary Watkins Glen International road-course, which traces its roots back to the legendary races held here just after WW II. These early races were run on still-existing public roads in and around the town of Watkins Glen, and the current track layout echoes that of the original course. Its long straights long turns, and dramatic elevation changes make it both a joy to drive and a challenge to master.
Watkins Glen is a beautiful summer resort located at the southern-most tip of Seneca Lake, 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 waterfalls.
Drivers: Drivers must be at least 18 years old at the time of the event, and possess a valid state or national (foreign nationals) driver’s license.
Vehicles
Cars of any marque are welcome* if they conform to our technical and safety requirements as detailed on our Tech Inspection form (see below). This form must be completed and signed by a certified mechanic and by the driver, and presented at on-site check-in.
We specifically DO NOT allow the following:
1. OPEN-TOP CARS (convertibles, roadsters, etc.) EXCEPT vehicles with manufacturer-certified roll-over protection. Please email or call the Registrar if you are unsure whether your car is eligible, or have questions about this policy.
2. TRUCKS, SUVs, or SAVs (including BMW X3, X5, X6, Porsche Cayennes, etc.)
3. SINGLE-SEAT VEHICLES or VEHICLES LACKING A FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. Instructors ride with all students, and must be provided safe seating in the car.
*GVC reserves the right at any time to disqualify any vehicle deemed unsuitable or unsafe for use in our school.
Enrollment: ~130 students divided across 4 run groups, including Advanced 'A' and 'B' Groups (~20 or more days experience), an Intermediate 'C' Group (~5-20 days), and a Novice 'D' Group (~0-4 days). The number of days of experience is approximate. Instructors make up the remaining fifth run group on the schedule at this school.
Registration fee: Includes garage party and Ultimate Driving School shirt
BMW CCA Members: $420 (US)
Non-members: $460
Novices: $320 members, $420 non-members
The $100 discount is only for BMW CCA members who have never been to a Genesee Valley Chapter driving school. First-timers must run in the Novice (D) Group. This offer is limited to a maximum of 35 novice students at each school.
Registration Procedure
· Registration is done on the Motorsportreg.com website.
· Registration closes two weeks prior to the event.
· Registration after this deadline is only possible by special arrangement, and only if there are still slots available or late cancellations (call the Registrar).
· Registration is not complete until the application has been filled out and payment has been received.
Cancellations: Fees are refundable before the deadline, subject to a 5% charge to cover billing. Alternatively, fees can be credited toward a future GVC Driving School without billing charge. Fees are non-refundable after the deadline unless another student is available to take the vacated slot.
Required Forms*
· Tech Inspection Form: When you have been accepted as a student for this event, you will receive an email confirmation. Attached to that email will be a Pre-Event Safety Inspection (“Tech”) Form and a Medical Form (see below), also available by following this link: GVC Tech & Medical Form (.pdf).
Please read these forms carefully well in advance of the event.
The Tech form specifies the minimum requirements for your track vehicle. You must have a competent professional mechanic inspect your car, make any needed repairs, and sign the Tech form to signify compliance. The GVC reserves the right to reject any vehicle that is deemed unsafe for track use.
· Emergency Medical Information and Contact Form: This form is used to provide information to medical professionals in a medical emergency; by signing this form you are explicitly permitting the GVC to distribute this information to the appropriate medical personnel. This form for internal use only; it is retained only for a short period after the event, at which time it is destroyed.
*You will not be allowed to participate in the school without first presenting completed and signed Tech / Medical forms at Check-in. No car failing inspection may be used on the track until it is repaired and re-inspected.
Waivers: At the time of check-in at the event and when first entering the track, all participants will be requested to sign waivers of liability, one for the GVC and BMW CCA, and another for the track.
Helmet:
· A Snell-rated helmet (Snell 2000 or 2005, 'M' or 'SA', open or closed face) is required.
· Loaner helmets are available only for guests taking demonstration rides with instructors. Participants must bring their own helmet.
Questions?
For answers to questions regarding registration or our Driving Schools in general, please email the GVC registrar.
If you are an instructor for other chapters or car clubs, but have never instructed for us, please visit the Instructing with GVC web page for information about how to become an instructor for the GVC.
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