BMW Performance Driving School: Learning Total Car Control
Slipping and sliding around in a car isn’t something most people do for fun, and it certainly isn’t something people do intentionally.
Well, most people.
But there I was behind the wheel of a BMW M3 at the BMW Performance Driving School, drifting around turn after turn, tires squealing. Or maybe it was me who was squealing. Turns out, slipping and sliding around intentionally is a lot of fun.
The School is uniquely equipped to teach people like you and me the ins and outs of car control. BMW brought out pro instructors for my session (a Two-Day M School), held at the exclusive Thermal Club. Their initial classroom teachings were far beyond keeping your hands at ten and two (it’s actually nine and three) — they go over every important detail. Turns out I was sitting inside the car all wrong, and my side mirrors weren’t even looking at the right things.
After that brief introduction to driving theory, we headed out to the tarmac to put everything into practice. The BMW Performance Driving School has multiple driving exercises, and I experienced everything from autocross in an M2 Coupe to drifting in an M3 sedan. Turns out, 523 horsepower isn’t nearly as intimidating as it sounds, and the instructors helped to correct my mistakes over the radio after each run.
After a delicious lunch, I was back at it for an afternoon of driving. The Rat Race was so much fun, chasing down another car as I tried to maintain control. Day two was even more intense, with lead/follow driving on Thermal’s larger tracks, timed autocross and hot lapping with some instructors behind the wheel.
The BMW Performance Driving School offers so many different options for all skill levels. I’m counting the days until my daughter can attend BMW Teen School, where instructors can introduce her to the basics of car control. There’s also Driver’s School for intermediate drivers and Group Events that can handle both intimate gatherings and larger gatherings. All of it is set against the beauty of Palm Springs, offering a vibrant nightlife and luxurious hotels.
I thought I knew it all, but a turn at the BMW Performance Driving School really showed me just how much I was missing in my everyday drive. I can’t wait to go again — I hear Advanced M School has even more intentional slipping.
To book your class, call 888-345-4269 or visit BMWPerformanceCenter.com
Media credit: Images courtesy of BMWPerformanceCenter.com
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