Driving School/HPDE

BMW Car Club of America New York Chapter

High-performance Driving School

What is High Performance Driving School? In short, it is a school and not a race. While the events take place at a racetrack, and driven at high speed on the track, it is not a race.

Sometimes the events are referred to as HPDE (High Performance Drivers Education) or track day. It is an opportunity for you to explore the limits of your car and your abilities in a controlled environment with an instructor in the passenger seat, with additional classroom time to show you the way to control your car at higher than highway speeds.

How does it work?

Perhaps you own a performance vehicle (BMWs are recommended but not mandated) and want to learn how to drive it at high speed? No Autobahn in the USA — so take it to the track!

The car has to pass a safety inspection (above and beyond your normal state inspection) before the event and a tech check at the track, you also need a helmet (M or SA 2015 or newer) and need to bring a positive, open attitude to the event.

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

How does it work?

Then you will attend a classroom training session. While on the track have an in-car instructor with you. Expect several sessions during the day, both in classroom and on track.

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

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

Unload your car. This includes all loose items, front floor mats, and spare tire. Then go to tech (unless held the previous evening). Once you have your vehicle checked, 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 valid drivers license and BMWCCA membership card).

Once you have signed the appropriate forms, you will be given a packet of instructions, track map, flag rules, passing rules, schedule, Event and Instructor critique forms. PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PACKET!

You are then free until the drivers meeting. Be aware of the schedule for the day, but be flexible, as the schedule can vary if something happens on track or if there are any unexpected delays.

During the day — feel free to talk to other people. We all love this stuff, so go talk cars with someone (your fellow gearheads understand your obsession).

Above all, have fun!

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Driver School at New Jersey Motorsport Park

April 12th 2024 - April 14th 2023

Our performance driving series returns to New Jersey Motorsports Park to kick off the 2024 driving events. This event, a partnership with the New York and New Jersey Chapters, is an excellent weekend opportunity to dust off the Winter cobwebs and get ready for an exciting driving season.  Friday is an Open Track format for approved "A-Solo" drivers and Instructors whilst Saturday and Sunday will be the modified HPDE School format with traditional instructed student run groups augmented with classroom instruction.  For those advanced students who are interested in striving for ITS certification, the 3 day event is also slated to incorporate an Instructor Training School. 
Registration and additional information is available on: 

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Mike Allen at [email protected]

High Performance Driver School at Lime Rock park

April 27th 2024

The Patroon, Connecticut Valley and New York Chapters invite you to a co-hosted HPDE on April 27th at Lime Rock Park in beautiful Northwestern Connecticut that will appeal to Drivers of all levels and Instructors alike.

This will be a FULL Day Event, sharing time with the LRDC. Students should expect 4 x 20 minute sessions with debriefing between sessions.

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Mike Allen at [email protected]