2022 Autocross School

Almost all of us can relate to the joy of driving your car a little lively on a winding backroad, and start to realize how performance-oriented our vehicles are, if given the opportunity. As a good, law abiding motorist, you never can realize your car’s potential on public roads. You also may be hesitant to participate in a track day, as we have all heard a phrase similar to “never take a car to the track you are not comfortable with being totaled”. As such, many BMWs live a life of commuting, errands, and an occasional backroad blast. However, if you are wanting to see what your BMW can do and want to experience “sheer driving pleasure” without the potential risk of a track day or a traffic violation, autocross and autocross school is for you!

The Windy City BMW Club Autocross School takes driver’s education to the next level. Learn car control techniques in the classroom and on a closed course in a fun, safe environment. This school is a non-competitive event where you will learn how the Windy City BMW Chapter runs competitive autocrosses, and start to get a feel of how your car truly performs.

Bring your own car and find out what your BMW is capable of doing. Non-BMW vehicles are also welcome to participate! The school is designed for people who are new to autocrossing. Novices/rookies will have priority should the school fill up.

The day will start with a classroom-like element, where we will discuss car control physics related to weight transfer, tire adhesion, seat position, and racing lines. The Windy City BMW Autocross manual will be included. Then, your instructor 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 instructor to see how it’s done!

After a few demonstration runs with an instructor, we’ll break up into two run groups and you will begin driving the course with your instructor and put your lessons into practice!

STUDENTS: This event is limited to 20 students. We are looking for students with no previous experience or very limited experience (3 autocross events or less).  If you have 3 or more previous autocrosses under your belt and are interested in attending, please email autocross@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, associate member, or guest of a member to participate)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

• 8:15am – 8:55am: Student & Instructor Check In (Complete your pre-event car preparations and self tech sheet!)
• 9:00am – 9:15am: MANDATORY safety meeting for students and instructors
• 9:15am – 9:45am: Student Classroom and Worker Training / Instructors stage their cars in grid
• 9:45am – 10:15am: Course Walk with Students and Instructors
• 10:20am – 10:50 am: Instructor demonstration runs with students, 2-3 runs per student
• 11:00am – 12:15pm: Morning student Run/Work session
• 12:15pm – 1:00pm: Lunch
• 1:15pm – 2:30pm: Afternoon student Run/Work session
• 2:45pm – 3:00pm: Final Driver’s meeting
• 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Event wrap and clean up

LUNCH: On your own. There is fast food in the area or bring something to eat and drink.

RUNS: Instructor runs and fun runs (if they occur) are for the benefit of enrolled students. However, guests that wish to “Taste” autocross may ride with instructors during the day when students are not driving.

HELMET: 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 with a valid driver’s license (LEARNERS PERMITS NOT ALLOWED, sorry), 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.  The waiver also applies to guests and non-driving participants.  NO PETS, NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

FEE: $55 for members, $65 for guests of members

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER, NO WALK UPS WILL BE ALLOWED!

Registration is completed on MotorsportReg: https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/windy-city-bmw-autocross-school-2022-now-arena-cca-563564

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.  Autocrossing is about the cheapest form of racing 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!