Patroon Driving Schools PDF Print E-mail

Driving School Schedule

 

The Patroon Chapter of the BMWCCA has been holding high performance driving schools for over 22 years at various race tracks in the Northeastern US and Canada. Places like Lime Rock Park, Watkins Glen , Calabogie, Mt Tremblant -some of the best and most challenging tracks in North America.

These events allow our club members to learn how to use their vehicles in a safe manner at greater than legal highway speeds and acquire or hone their skills to keep up with the high performance vehicles that are more readily available these days.  BMWs and Non BMWs are welcome at our events. And we also welcome volunteers to work our events if you would like to see what it is all about.

 



   2008 Patroon Drivers School Schedule

Next Event!

Calabogie Motorsports Park|
Friday, Saturday & Sunday August 22nd, 23rd & 24th
NEW Event--Incredible Course!

The track is a technical course that will challenge both Novice and Experienced
drivers alike. 20 turns in 3.05 miles. Blind apexes, multi apex corners. 40 ft wide
2 year old pavment! --WOW.

www.Calabogiemotorsports.com  

Camping available at the track.
Need a hotel/motel
http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/content/view/16/31/lang,en/

Try Perth, Renfrew or Arnprior
Passports not needed for re entry until June 2009

 

Lime Rock Park
  Saturday October 11th** 
 

** It is a new World at Lime Rock Park. Same Format --Fewer spots--Registration will open in Late July --or buy the Calabogie -LRP Combo!

 

Patroon Chapter Online Registration

http://patroon.motorsportreg.com

Sept 22-27 BMWCCA OFEST Watkins Glen --BMWCCA Members only
NON BMW's Welcome at the O Fest Track Days.
Track Events Wed 24th Through Sunday the 28th


 

 

  

What is a Drivers School

What is a Drivers School?  Well it is a school and not a race. Yes the events take place at a racetrack, and you will be driving at high speed on the track-BUT it is not a race. Sometimes the events can be referred to as an HPDE ( High Performance drivers education) or track day. It is an opportunity for you to explore the limits of your car and your ability, in a controlled environment with an instructor in the passenger seat and classroom to show you the way to control your car at higher than highway speeds.

 

How does it work?  Well I assume you own a performance vehicle (say a BMW?) and want to learn how to drive it and maybe at high speed?

 No Autobahn in the USA -so Take it to the track!

 The car has to pass a safety inspection (not your normal NYS inspection mind you) before the event and a tech check at the track, you need a helmet (M or SA 2000 or newer) and need to bring a positive open attitude to the event. 

You will attend a drivers meeting to go over some basic rules for the events -especially safety rules ( flags, flow of traffic, track rules etc)

Then you will attend classroom training and have an in car instructor when you are on the track. Expect several sessions during the day, both in classroom and on track.

 

After you pre-register for the event -you will receive a confirmation email with forms to get the car checked, some suggestions on preparation, instructions on where to go etc.

 

When you arrive you find a spot in the paddock ( where all the other cars are parked) -Be careful not to block in a trailered car or in front of someone else's "stuff". 

Unload your car-all loose items, front floor mats, spare tire etc out of the car.  Then go to tech (unless there was a night before tech session) once you have your vehicle teched, your tech form will be stamped by an inspector. Park your car back in the spot you selected and then go to on site Registration ( you will need your Drivers license and BMWCCA membership card-if applicable)

Once you have signed off on the appropriate forms, releases etc -you will be given a packet of instructions, track map, flag rules, passing rules, schedule, event and instructor critique forms -and possibly some numbers. READ THE STUFF IN THE PACKET!

 

Then you are free until the drivers meeting. After that-try to stay on schedule, but be flexible-the schedule can vary is something happens on track.

 

During the day -Feel free to talk to other people. Remember this is a mecca of me's

-We all love this stuff -so go talk cars with someone (admit it, most of the people you know just do not get it -right.

 

Above all -have fun! See ya at the track!

 

Contacts

Contacts

 

General EventQuestions

Registrar             Ron Bass (518) 357-9656 (6P - 9P) or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tech issues /Car related questions

Chief  of Tech:   Tom Hansen (518) 331-3637 (6P - 9P)  or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Instructor Contact

Chief Instructor   David Gelardi  (845) 266-4656 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Driving Events Chairman

                            DJ McArdle    ( 518) 674-1510 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Registration

 

 

Registration to Patroon BMWCCA Driving school events is open to any licensed driver over the age of 18 with the appropriate vehicle.

 We accept Cash, Checks and Credit Cards ( online application only)

Online Registration is available @ www.Patroon.Motorsportreg.com

We face new challenges with Regsitration this year. With the changes at Lime Rock Park, we will have a limited number of student & instructor spots available. For the LRP events registration will be open early to Patroon members first --and then the general public later.

We will also have a season pass available, where you can enter all 4 events and guarantee spots at Lime Rock. (open now)

Questions?

Registrar             Ron Bass (518) 357-9656 (6P - 9P) or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

OR

DJ McArdle ( 518) 674-1510 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

     

 

  

 

 

We would like to thank our sponsors

 

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