June – BMW IA Chapter Driving School Time Again
Posted by Fred Bell on May 19, 2013 · Leave a Comment
We have some traditions in our chapter, and one of the longest-standing is our Longest Day Driving School, held every June since 2002. This year’s details: MidAmerica Motorplex (near Council Bluffs) is the Where, June 7-9 is the When, and YOU are the Who. The tradition always includes some of the same elements – fun on the track, good times with fellow club members and enthusiasts, and several social gatherings as part of the whole event. And each year, we try to add some new features to complement both the instructional side and the fun factor.
MidAmerica Motorplex (MAM) is one of the best tracks available for learning more about high performance driving and car control. The track layout is considered very technical, so figuring out the best line through its large variety of corner shapes can be challenging. Meanwhile, it has very low penalties for doing something wrong, unlike tracks that are lined with steel (“Armco”) barriers or concrete walls. Advanced drivers can keep working on new techniques with only the grass as the main casualty from error. And, novices find MAM very easy to get used to while learning what high-performance driving is about.
Saturday and Sunday are when most of the action happens for students; Friday’s track session is reserved as an orientation and skills-polishing day for instructors and advanced students.
Just go to the LDDS page, Longest Day Driving School. Or, register online at Motorsportreg.com. Hurry – we have a very useful event memento that is free to those who register by May 7, our way of saying thanks to those who sign up early. Our host hotel, where we also provide the Friday evening reception, is the SpringHill Suites in Council Bluffs, phone 712-256-6500. We have a block of rooms reserved; just ask for Iowa BMW Club. The room block is in effect until May 5. Final deadline for registration – Monday, June 3 or sooner if the school fills up.
Oh – we missed the Why in the leadoff! In no particular order – because it’s fun, it can be a challenge, it can help you in street driving skills – and it’s fun!