Hey everyone,
I recently received my G82 and I drove as a grandmother while breaking in my car (almost 922 miles). About a month ago I received an e -mail that I received a free track day (2 hours) at the BMW Performance Driving School in Thermal, Ca. I had no idea what to expect and I hoped it would be fun … Below is my review and experience for everyone who didn’t do it.
My day started at 3 o’clock! Had to get up early to defeat La -Traffic. Still without traffic it is two hours’ drive from South Orange County, California to Thermal, Ca. After I prepared and consumed 20 liters of coffee, I set off (about 4 hours). Arrived in the Performance Center at 6 am. While I was parking, I thought to myself, nobody will be here. What am I going to do for an hour? Why does this also start at 6.45 am ??? Well, it gets really hot in thermal, about 100 plus degrees – so starting early is a must to beat the heat. To my surprise, the building was open! I was greeted with friendly staff. They had coffee, cake, snack, water bottles (see photo under Hehe) and other goodies. Place looked really beautiful and shiny. I took some wild photos (see below).
A little after 7 o’clock the instructor came in and left us in a classroom. He loves the other instructors are retired racing cars, which is cool. We have assessed basic safety protocols, bla bla bla. Our session was actually split into two: first part Off Road X5 Drive and then ride on a job.
The first part was cool. See what the X5 can do. There were times when I thought, ok, this will be sketchy, but the car kept its own (see photos below). This was nice but short, low adrenaline.
Second part was great! 5 cars are set up on the track. There are actually enough cars for everyone to drive at the same time. There is no death. Instructor shows you the course (small course/track). What was really funny was when the instructor came to us and said, “there is no speed limit”. LOL! So when I got into the car, I let it tear. Exactly how I play in Gran Turismo. I pushed it to the maximum. I thought I was Charles Leclerc. Take the turns correctly, move down. It was so cool. We have to control 5 cars: I4, M8 competition, Z4 M package I think, X5 m competition and X6 M competition. In principle you get 3 laps and then switch with your partner, 3 more laps and then rotate to the next car. I have to control all cars except the X6. M8 can tear! I was impressed. The Z4 handling was excellent. I really enjoyed it.
Bonus: The last part of the session is that the instructor takes you for a ride in a G80. Lol. I smile because I have never felt so speed. Remember that I have not yet delivered my car. This man was a pedal to the metal, drove and then closed the breaks. It reminded me of all the messages from everyone who said here: just drive the car. It is built to be driven. Crazier than a roller coaster.
Anyway, this experience had a big impact on me. I would ever like to follow my car. I hope that everyone who has doubts about the performance school is considering doing this. Definitely worth it …
#street #rail #BMW #Performance #Drive #Thermal