MINIs Only Driving School

[NHRef]

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

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

[snid]

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

[GadgetGav]

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

[blalor]

Quote: Originally Posted by GadgetGav (original)

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

Me too!

[jwardell]

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.

[GBMINI]

Definitely interested ....

[ravioliworld]

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

[snid]

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!

[retsej]

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

[GadgetGav]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell (original)

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.

[NHRef]

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 . . .

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by GadgetGav (original)

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...

[MisterMINI]

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

[comport]

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?

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by comport (original)

if it were closer to home, it would be a guaranteed slam dunk decision

Where's home?