2023 Autocross School/Car Control Clinic

Car Control Clinic and Autocross School 2023 – Students and Volunteers Needed!
The Windy City BMW Club Car Control Clinic and Autocross School takes driver’s education to the next level. Learn basic car control techniques in a classroom setting and in practice on a closed course in a fun, safe environment. Then, translate what you learned by connecting these exercises together into a simulated autocross driving event! This school is a non-competitive event where you will learn more about your vehicle and a taste of how the Windy City BMW Chapter runs competitive autocrosses. Bring your own car and find out what your BMW is capable of doing. Non-BMW vehicles are also welcome to participate!

This school is scheduled for Saturday, April 22nd. Please note the school is designed for people who are new to driving and autocrossing. Novices/rookies will have priority should the school fill up, and this event will be limited to 40 students.

The day will start with a classroom-like element, where we will discuss basic car control physics related to weight transfer, tire adhesion, and seat position. Afterwards, you will go out with an coach to practice multiple maneuvers to put the classroom lessons into practice! Following these morning exercises and a short break for lunch, we will take everything you learned in the morning and put it together in a basic autocross exercise. Your coach will walk you around the course, explaining racing lines and how to navigate the “sea of cones”. Next, you will hop into the passenger seat with an coach to see what it’s like in car, then try your hand at driving the autocross course! Finally, to conclude the day, you will have the opportunity to ride with an coach to see what an autocross course is like at full speed with an experienced driver.

STUDENTS: This event is limited to 40 students. We are looking for students with no previous driving experience or very limited experience (3 performance driving events or less). If you have done any performance driving in the past and are interested in attending, please email questions@windycitybmw.com FIRST to be waitlisted. If space is available, we will open it up to attendees with some current experience. (You must be a BMW CCA member or associate member to participate) FEE: $65 for members or associate members

VOLUNTEERS: Our club only exists because of committed volunteers who make events happen! If you want to assist with this event as a driving coach or event worker, we would love to have you! Please email either Randy Everson at hpde@windycitybmw.com or John Schwarz at autocross@windycitybmw.com if you are interested in helping out!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
8:00am – 8:45am: Student & Coach Check In & meet up (Complete your pre-event car preparations and self tech sheet!)
9:00am – 9:15am: MANDATORY safety meeting for students and coaches
9:15am – 10:00am: Student Classroom for Car Control Basics, Coaches practice
10:15am – 12:15pm: Student car control driving exercises
12:15pm – 12:30pm: Car Control Basics Wrap up, brief chat about the afternoon
12:30pm – 1:15pm: Lunch
1:15pm – 1:45pm: Brief Student Classroom on Autocross School Basics followed by course walk with coaches
1:45pm – 2:15pm: Coach “half pace” demo runs with students
2:15pm – 3:45pm: Student autocross driving exercises
3:45pm – 4:00pm: Final student meeting
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Full speed coach fun runs
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Event wrap and clean up
LUNCH: On your own. There is fast food in the area or bring something to eat and drink.
HELMET (for Autocross School Portion): MINIMUM OF SNELL 2015 RATING. We do have club helmets for loan. However, if you can bring a helmet it is best because of limited quantity and sizes.
NOTE:  For students under 18 years old, go to: http://www.windycitybmw.com/autocross/MinorWaiverRelease.pdf for a special waiver prior to attending. Driver and both parents must sign the waiver and bring it to registration the day of the event. One parent must be present at the event. This Minor waiver also applies to guests and non-driving participants.
NO PETS, NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER, NO WALK UPS WILL BE ALLOWED!
Registration is completed on MotorsportReg and is open now! Sign up at https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/wcbmw-car-control-clinic-autocross-school-2023-wintrust-field-boomers-805459

If “double driver” or sharing a car, please note that in the registration. Please note clearly that you are sharing a car and whom you are sharing it with.
We really look forward to having you join us. Learning to control your vehicle at the limit is an invaluable skill that everyone can benefit from. In addition, Autocrossing is about the cheapest form of fun you can participate in – many of us use our daily drivers! More information about autocross can be found on our website at https://windycitybmw.org/driving/autocross-home/autocross-information/. If you have any questions, please contact us!