Driving Schools - White Mtn. Chapter BMWCCA

[NHRef]

The White Mountain Chapter Driving Events committee has been busy
planning the 2005 Driving Season. This is our 11th year hosting World
Class High Performance Driving Schools.

There's lots for everyone, regardless of skill level. We're offering
Advanced Skills Schools for those wanting to improve their car control,
on-track High Performance Driving Schools for those with a desire to
move their driving to the next level, and for the 3rd year in a row
we're working with the BMW Foundation to host a Street Survival Program
geared toward teenagers.

The WMC 2005 Driving Event Calendar looks like this:

Sun Apr 17 - Advanced Skills School @ New Hampshire International
Speedway [NHIS]
Mon Apr 18 - "Cabin Fever" High Performance Driving School @ NHIS

Sun May 21 - Street Survival @ NHIS (w/ BMW Foundation)

Sat Jul 23 - Advanced Skills School @ NHIS
Sat Jul 30 - "Summer Heat" High Performance Driving School @ NHIS (day 1)
Sun Jul 31 - "Summer Heat" High Performance Driving School @ NHIS (day 2)

Sat Oct 22 - Advanced Skills School @ NHIS
Fri Oct 28 - "End O' Summer" High Performance Driving School @ NHIS (day 1)
Sat Oct 29 - "End O' Summer" High Performance Driving School @ NHIS (day 2)

Watch the web site (http://www.wmc-bmwcca.org) for information about
event registration.

Note: These events are not limited to BMWs. Any well maintained car
from an Alfa Romeo to a Z-28 is welcome, so bring your friends along and
have them join the fun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Comments by NHRef:

These schools are not only great skill builders, but an incredible amount of fun! Learn to drive, and then drive, your MINI like it was MEANT to be driven.

If you haven't done this before, the Advanced Driving Skills School is required before you can drive on the NHIS track with the BMWCCA. An excellent day, half spent on a wet skid pad, half on braking and emergency avoidance manuevers ~ with an incredible autocross to pull it all together.

The Driving School gets you onto the road course at NHIS. Part NASCAR oval, part true road course with hill climbing and tight turns, it's a great way to see what you can do in your MINI. And with an instructor in the passenger seat for advice and assurance.

Willing to give it a go???

[Cape Cod MINI]

Pete,
Do you guys drive the track in traffic or is it time trial type driving?

[jwardell]

Does anyone know of any winter driving schools around? Like the BMWCCA ADSS but on a semiplowed lot... My GF is terrified of driving in the snow and a minor accident each year prevents her from gaining any confidence. She could benefit from the summer ADSS too but it won't help her snow driving confidence.

[NHRef]

Two questions:

Do you drive in traffic? Yes, but . . . There are only three places on the track where passing is allowed (the grandstand straight, the back straight and the crest of the hill) AND passing is allowed ONLY when the driver in front waves on the car(s) behind.

This is NOT racing. Obviously, some cars are quicker, some drivers are more experienced. The fact others cannot pass without the lead driver's acknowledgement curtails any thoughts of racing.

Winter schools? I don't know but I doubt it. That said, the Advanced Driving School uses a "wet skid pad," making the surface slick. The two events (wet skid pad and accident avoidance/braking) would replicate most snow situations, IMO.

[jwardell]

It doesn't replicated accident avoidance/braking in snow conditions.
Or even trying to drive in a straight line in snow conditions.

I know it is better than nothing but there are winter schools I have read about in other areas of the country. If you ask me a lot of people out there could benefit from one.

[MetalMiniMayhem]

when are the "ice races"?...

also, what is the fee schedule for the school?.. do you get any kind of certification after completion or is it strictly for your benefit?, etc..

[jwardell]

The guy who runs them sent an email apologizing for his absence and said the lake should be frozen over in another week or two, then they will start. Keep eye on boston-bmwcca.org.

[MetalMiniMayhem]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

The guy who runs them sent an email apologizing for his absence and said the lake should be frozen over in another week or two, then they will start. Keep eye on boston-bmwcca.org.

EXCELLENT!!!!

[LePew]

Just missed a couple of winter driving schools run by the Audi Club:
http://forums.audiworld.com/events/msgs/6589.phtml

Team O'Neil is running their last winter school on Feb. 15th in Dalton, New Hampshire
http://www.team-oneil.com/schedule.php

[jcsinnh]

Quote: Originally Posted by LePew

Just missed a couple of winter driving schools run by the Audi Club:
http://forums.audiworld.com/events/msgs/6589.phtml

Team O'Neil is running their last winter school on Feb. 15th in Dalton, New Hampshire
http://www.team-oneil.com/schedule.php

Team O'neil, huh? $$$$$$$$$

[Cape Cod MINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by jcsinnh

Team O'neil, huh? $$$$$$$$$

Gawd!!! You aren't kidding! Big bucks for the rally school!
Seems somewhat reasonable for a days instruction of winter driving based on the ratio.

[Cape Cod MINI]

Pete, what dates are you going. I think I'll give them a try this year. COMSCC has classified my car so that I would need a roll bar or cage and a 5 point harness. I don't want to do that so I'm looking for some other opportunities. Might as well give this a go.
I'll be at the April 17 school and the April 18 track day with BMWCCA .

Still comtemplating trying a run or two with this group: www.hillclimb.org

[tontobird]

Steve, are they requiring a roll bar for driver's ed days, or just for the time trial competition? You don't have to do both days with them. Last year when I ran with them, I did the driver's ed day only.

Quote: Originally Posted by Cape Cod MINI

Pete, what dates are you going. I think I'll give them a try this year. COMSCC has classified my car so that I would need a roll bar or cage and a 5 point harness. I don't want to do that so I'm looking for some other opportunities. Might as well give this a go.
I'll be at the April 17 school and the April 18 track day with BMWCCA .

Still comtemplating trying a run or two with this group: www.hillclimb.org

[Aqualung]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

Does anyone know of any winter driving schools around? Like the BMWCCA ADSS but on a semiplowed lot... My GF is terrified of driving in the snow and a minor accident each year prevents her from gaining any confidence. She could benefit from the summer ADSS too but it won't help her snow driving confidence.

Hey Josh, dunno if this group would have a winter driving class (vs. xcross) or not but might be worth contacting them...


> From: nersolo-bounces@ner.org [mailto:nersolo-bounces@ner.org] On Behalf Of
> Phil Kogan
> Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 7:15 AM
> To: New England Region Solo2
> Subject: [NERSOLO2] Winter Autocross Jan 2

> OK Fellow Car Nutz. The first driving event of the New Year.
>
> Those that are ready to start autocrossing in snow, or just plain want to
> have some fun driving.
>
> When
>
>
> January 2 Two Sessions available Morning ( 9 to noon ) OR Afternoon ( 1
> to 4 )
>
> Where
>
>
> Weymouth Naval Airstation. Heated Building right in the center of our
> area. Porta John adjacent to building. 1300 by 200 ft driving area. Good
> possibility of having some hot chocolate available.
>
> What is it ??
>
> One element has a figure 8 for all you wanna be Drifters, the lobes of the
> figure 8 are 100 ft diameter with plenty of runoff area. Great way to tune
> your corner entry, steady state cornering and exit skills. This is a great
> time, and it can get addictive. The figure 8 also helps even the tire wear,
> and helps keep some oil in the sump.
>
> The other end of the area is an Autocross course. We will try out some new
> ideas. Maybe based on the recent World Drivers runoff recently shown on
> speed channel.
>
> A great way to test out that new G Meter you got for Christmas and just have
> a generally great, no pressure, fun time burning up your tires and trash
> talking to your friends. Snow tires are welcome. No studs.
>
>> Bring your friends. We are looking for people to get a taste of autocross,
> car control, and hopefully some exposure to snow driving.
>
> The Details
>
>> This event is officiated by InControlADT instructors. ( www.incontroladt.com
> ) InControlADT provides driver training to help make our roads safer for
> all drivers. The insurance industry in MA just passed (12/16/04) a 5%
> discount starting in 2005 for drivers completing one of InControl ADT
> classes. This particular event does not qualify as a school.
>
> No Pick Up trucks or SUV's But if it snows you might want to try the
> minivan. No open exhaust. If you are too loud, you will be asked to leave.
>
> Sessions limited to 20 people so you can get Maximum Seat time. No
> working....Well, except going back for your own cones if necessary,
>
> Cost is $ 50 and billing is done through InControlADT (
> www.incontroladt.com ) 888.301.SAFE
> (7233)
>
> There are very strict access restrictions to this site and there is Zero
> tolerance for speeding on or near the base. We meet at the base entrance
> and escort the vehicles on and off the site. So once you are there you must
> stay for the session. There will be no warnings for misbehavior. You will
> be evicted.
>
> Call Sharon and she will help get you set up. 888.301.SAFE
> (7233)
>
> As per our insurance there are No helmets and we will not have official
> timing.
>
> If you have any questions please email me at koganp@charter.net or call me
> at 508-476-3070 evenings.
>
> Hope to see many of you come out to shake off those cobwebs !!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Phil Kogan
>
> www.incontroladt.com
>

[NHRef]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cape Cod MINI

Pete, what dates are you going. I think I'll give them a try this year. COMSCC has classified my car so that I would need a roll bar or cage and a 5 point harness. I don't want to do that so I'm looking for some other opportunities. Might as well give this a go.
I'll be at the April 17 school and the April 18 track day with BMWCCA .

Still comtemplating trying a run or two with this group: www.hillclimb.org

Definitely going on April 18th (Monday) for the track day. Hope to get to Lime Rock and maybe even Watkins Glen by the time the snow flies . . .

You still want to hill climb after seeing photos of the Boneyard!?!