Searching for driving instruction or track time.

[87e30]

So it's my dad's and my birthday this weekend and we are searching for something to do.

We had the idea of going to a track. He's not super into driving or anything but I thought it would be a good way to try and get myself some driving instruction.

No idea where to look though. Anyone in the pacific NW area have a driving school or any ideas?

Thanks.

[BraveUlysses]

Only ProDrive or ProFormance will let you on a track with 0 experience.

CCA, PCA, NW Alfa Club all require you to attend a skills or intro day before you can join a HPDE/Driving School day. CCA and PCA both require tech inspections prior.

Finding an event the week of is pretty short notice, as many events fill up weeks in advance.

[87e30]

Only ProDrive or ProFormance will let you on a track with 0 experience.

CCA, PCA, NW Alfa Club all require you to attend a skills or intro day before you can join a HPDE/Driving School day. CCA and PCA both require tech inspections prior.

Finding an event the week of is pretty short notice, as many events fill up weeks in advance.

Yeah I realize that. Some general info would be good too! Thanks.

I personally don't think it would be very beneficial for me to get out on a track with no instruction.

It's probably really expensive to get instruction anyways.

[BraveUlysses]

Personally, I really enjoyed the CCA Driving Schools. You need a track inspection and to take one of the Car Control Clinics prior to a on course event.

Cascade SCC in Portland will let you take a Driving School without prior experience. I had a good time at the one event I attended but since they don't require real tech inspections, there is bound to be someone pissing coolant or having shit fall off their car.

[87e30]

What would you suggest if I have 0 experience. No auto-x. No track time.

[Lance Racing]

ProFormance who operate at Pacific Raceways have driving schools that I believe will get you lapping by the end of the day if you take their one-day school.

Their web site has schedules and prices.

http://www.proformanceracingschool.com/

A number of their instructors are PRO-3 drivers and know the E30 chassis well.

BMW Club events are cheaper, but not held as often, and you don't get as much track time or one-on-one instruction. Their next school at Pacific Raceways is July 10 I believe.

Any program is going to start with parking lot excercises to go over basic vehicle dynamics, train your eyes where to look, and proper technique for holding the steering wheel, shifting, etc. Once all that is mastered, then they start to apply the skills to the race track.

You wouldn't believe how many bad habits we have to break while getting people ready to drive on the track. Poor hand placement on the wheel, poor seating position, etc etc. People just get in bad habits, and the schools work on breaking them and put in good habits.

[Hallen]

www.motorsportreg.com has listing for most of the clubs and tracks for lapping days or HPDE's.

I know that the Portland chapters of the BMWACA, PCA, etc, do not require a previous car control clinic for doing HPDE's. You will be assigned an instructor and you won't get on track without one, but that is a good thing. A week out is too short of a time to be ready for a track day though. You will need helmets as a minimum. A good car inspection will be required for all PCA events, and you will want to prep the car anyway.

You can register for a track day further out and just give your Dad the registration for his birthday.

[87e30]

ProFormance who operate at Pacific Raceways have driving schools that I believe will get you lapping by the end of the day if you take their one-day school.

Their web site has schedules and prices.

http://www.proformanceracingschool.com/

A number of their instructors are PRO-3 drivers and know the E30 chassis well.

BMW Club events are cheaper, but not held as often, and you don't get as much track time or one-on-one instruction. Their next school at Pacific Raceways is July 10 I believe.

Any program is going to start with parking lot excercises to go over basic vehicle dynamics, train your eyes where to look, and proper technique for holding the steering wheel, shifting, etc. Once all that is mastered, then they start to apply the skills to the race track.

You wouldn't believe how many bad habits we have to break while getting people ready to drive on the track. Poor hand placement on the wheel, poor seating position, etc etc. People just get in bad habits, and the schools work on breaking them and put in good habits.

Thanks for all the info guys.

And yeah I can imagine. I'm always driving wondering to myself if I'm doing it right. Just simple stuff. Maybe if it doesn't work out for my father's and my birthday's I'll have to treat myself. I'm only 18 so hopefully they can be broken easily. :)

I shall look into these things.

Shit... it's expensive. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. But 535 bucks and that's with your own car. AKA i need to change the brakes and get new tires at a minimum.

[87e30]

You can register for a track day further out and just give your Dad the registration for his birthday.

yeah... the problem is this is something I've really wanted to do and my dad just thinks it could be fun but doesn't have the same interest that I do. So it looks like we'll be doing something else. (My step mom is gone over this weekend so kinda narrows it down.)

Looks like my procrastination caught up to me again. fuck.

[Lance Racing]

The biggest reason for the difference in cost between ProFormance and BMW Club schools is the instructors are paid at ProFormance. BMW Club is an all volunteer effort.

Check out the July 10 Car Control Clinic with the BMW Club. That's a lot less money.

It will give you a lot more confidence in what you and your car can do.

[DipStick]

If you are a BMW CCA member there is a HPDE at Portland International Raceway on July 6th. No tech inspection-in-advance and no prior classes, schools, or experience required. I have a few HPDEs under my belt, but I am bringing my dad along, who has zero experience, and he'll run in the novice run group...its gonna be a blast!

Paul Larson

[87e30]

Not a BMW CCA member.

Should I read or anyone want to quickly lay out the costs, benefits, and reasons of becoming a member?

[DipStick]

For me, its pretty much for the track days. In this region, it can get you into Porsche, Alfa, and I think Audi lapping days along with the BMW days of course. There are several other benefits, and they are listed on the BMW CCA website. Its $40 a year and you get some periodical local BMW newsletters and magazines to boot. Its 10 bucks to add on a family member (your dad?)

Long story short; Almost a must for affordable non-competitive track time.

www.bmwcca.org
Full benefits are listed there.

[808AWD325xi]

The July 6th event is a BMW ACA Portland HPDE at PIR. You need to be a a current BMW ACA Portland, BMW CCA, Mini, or Tri-Club member to register for the event.

http://www.bmwacaportland.com/driving_education

[87e30]

Hmm. I appreciate the information guys. It looks like I won't be getting out onto the track immediately (my car needs some... work) but it's definitely shown me that it's possible to do.

Seems like it would be a blast.