Folks,

The White Mtn. chapter of the BMWCCA is planning its driving events for 2007. A number of participants in New England area MINI events have expressed interest not in racing but in learning how to drive their MINI better.

The Advanced Driving Skills School (ADSS) is just such an event. Conducted in a large parking lot, the instructors help you to learn how your car handles in the wet (skid pad; under/oversteer) and in emergencies (sudden braking; braking and lane change). The day wraps up with a mini-autocross event.

For more information on ADSS, go to: WMC - Advanced Driving Safety Skills School (http://www.wmc-bmwcca.org/adss_school.html)

This is an all day event which costs approximately $85.00. Two drivers may share the same vehicle, making it possible for families and friends to share in the learning experience.

Typically, the event is held in a parking lot (NOT on the track) at New Hampshire International Raceway (NHIS) outside Concord NH.

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY, please take this poll to help us determine the level of interest by MINI owners for a MINIs only driving school.

Thanks for your help,

Pete

I'll help however I can, but I want my skidpad time! Mmmmm... figure-8 skidpad...

I clicked participate, but I'd be happy to help out too.

I clicked participate, but I'd be happy to help out too.
Me too!

I wouldn't foot the bill as I've already done it. But I might observe or stop in at lunch time or something.

For those wondering, the ADSS is something that everyone should do. It's not really for track driving or racing but for preparing you for emergency situations on the road. It should really be a requirement for even getting a license.

For those that attended the MOP get into it event, that is derived from the ADSS. You get the same turning and braking maneuvers, and same mini-autocross. (However you will have more time with each and have an instructor) In addition is class time (if you call sitting in the middle of a parking lot class) which teaches you the technical aspects of what you are doing and trying to do, and the wonderful skidpad...they flood half the lot with firehoses, and two big circles/figure 8. They WILL make your car spin out and you will learn how to correct for it. It could save your life in an accident situation. Oh, and it is fun as hell too. :)

Definitely interested ....

I'd love to do this...especially since I spent the day of MoP's recent Get into It event sick in bed.

Also, the autocross is usually much bigger - second gear! and not timed, at least when I did it.

They designed the autocross course when I did my ADSS so that pretty much every car there spun out coming into one of the turns. It was great!

This sounds like a blast.:nice: Any idea on how cold it will be?:aargh:

I wouldn't foot the bill as I've already done it.

I've done it twice. It's never a bad thing to brush up your skills and how many of us have made changes to our car since we last had any kind of instruction behind the wheel..?
Having said that, if it's not possible to help and take part, the fact that I've done two already means I'd probably lean towards helping if I had to choose one.

Echoing earlier comments, the ADSS is about improving everyday driving skills.

Think about taking the course along with a young driver. Better for new drivers to learn what's going to happen and how to react in a safe parking lot than on a dangerous road!

That braking exercise is applicable on the highway (when someone cuts you off) or in the neighborhood (when a child chases a ball into the street).

While a serious learning event, I've got to admit the skid pad is fun . . . :D


http://www.oxfordmotorsports.com/assets/skid_pad.jpg

http://http//www.oxfordmotorsports.com/assets/skid_pad.jpg

Having said that, if it's not possible to help and take part, the fact that I've done two already means I'd probably lean towards helping if I had to choose one.


Same thoughts from me. Even though I've only done the ADSS once so far. I didn't read closely enough when I voted and put myself in the "observe and help" category. As I said, I want to help, but I also want some skidpad time...

Definitely interested. It's many years since I've had any driving school instruction.

i "voted interested, if at a different location", but i might be willing to make the trip up to NH. if it were closer to home, it would be a guaranteed slam dunk decision; while its in NH, its a much more complicated (read: wife convincing) issue. ;)

are there tentative dates yet?

if it were closer to home, it would be a guaranteed slam dunk decision
Where's home?

Where's home?

Where the heart is..?

Where's home?
NYC, judging by his other post.

Where's home?

Where you hang your hat.

I'd like to participate and can help with whatever.

I am ABOLUTELY interested!

Stay tuned, folks.

LePew and I were at the BMWCCA driver ecucation committee meeting this past Monday.

We have enough interest to hold a class for MINIs only!

Due previously scheduled Advanced Driving Skills and Street Survival Schools (the Advanced Driving Skills School for young drivers), as well as MOT, this course may occur in July.

Stay tuned - and no preregistrations!

Excellent! Can't wait!

I haven't done one of these before. This would be my first day of non-daily driving with thte mini...is this ok?

These kinds of events are especially designed for people who haven't done 'em before. :)

What if you've done them but, your memory is shot so you don't remember doing it. Does that count?:D

These kinds of events are especially designed for people who haven't done 'em before. :)

That's not to say they aren't for those who have tried once to try again. I've done at least five and go back for more every chance I get. Learn something new every time I repeat one of the exercises, even the straight line braking exercise.

And I'll never seem to get enough figure 8 time between the two wet skid pads!

I haven't done one of these before. This would be my first day of non-daily driving with thte mini...is this ok?

These events are the perfect way to learn more about controlling your MINI under safe, controlled, supervised conditions. You'll even be a better "daily driver" afterwards.

What if you've done them but, your memory is shot so you don't remember doing it. Does that count?:D

Pat, are you channeling Theo..? :confused:

I'd definately be interested. It has been too many years since attending driving schools at limerock. For me it would be a little drive to get there but what are MINI's for anyway :). Steve

Pat, are you channeling Theo..? :confused:

MAYBE...........:nice: