Learn to Drive
BMW adds M4 GT4 Experiences and Race Licensing School at their Performance Center West
BMW is adding new racing experiences to the roster at is Performance Center West.
BMW Performance Center Driving Schools have added to their curriculum offerings with the BMW M and M4 GT4 Experience, the M4 GT4 Private Coaching with Data and Video Session, and the Race Licensing School. All courses are offered at their driving school in Thermal, California.
BMW M and M4 GT4 Experience
Photo courtesy of BMW
This full day program carries a $2,795 price tag and includes driving various BMW M cars and the M4 GT4 race car. Attendees start their day with a classroom session that reviews proper driving technique then they receive an overview of the car and are outfitted with a racing suit and helmet. Next, they head to the Thermal Club track and get in some guided laps behind a BMW instructor, experiencing speeds up to 140 mph I the M4 GT4 race car.
The M4 GT4 model driven is the exact same as the race car driven in series around the world. It's powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces more than 430 horsepower while the rear wing, front splitter, and Continental racing tires make this car stick to the track through the corners.
Each session includes:
- VBOX data and video system in the M4 GT4 to record the session.
- Access to professional instructors, trackside crew and support.
- All driving gear for the duration of the class – racing suit, helmet, gloves and shoes.
- Lunch at the BMW Performance Center café.
- Insurance, with a $2,500 deductible for vehicle or property damage
BMW M4 GT4 Private Coaching with Data & Video (Half Day)
Photo courtesy of BMW
This half-day, $4,995 program includes 125 miles of track driving in the M4 GT4 race car. Students start with a classroom session that reviews proper driving technique before being outfitted for their M4 GT4 driving session. The class includes:
- VBOX data and video system in the M4 GT4 to record the session.
- Time in the BMW M4 GT4 race car, one professional instructor and trackside support.
- All driving gear for the duration of the class – racing suit, helmet, gloves and shoes.
- Lunch at the BMW Performance Center café.
- Insurance, with a $2,500 deductible for vehicle or property damage.
- More miles can be purchased on the day of training. The program is designed for one driver. However, two drivers sharing a car can be arranged upon request.
- The schedule is flexible. Please call 888-345-2269, and one of the BMW Performance Center driving instructors will reply to answer any questions and schedule the coaching session. Discounts are not allowed for this program
BMW M4 GT4 Private Coaching with Data & Video (Full Day)
Photo courtesy of BMW
For $9,995, students get a full-day private program that includes 250 miles of track driving in the M4 GT4 race car. The days starts with a classroom session that reviews proper driving technique before being fitted out for their M4 GT4. The class includes:
- VBOX data and video system in the M4 GT4 to record the session.
- Time in the BMW M4 GT4 race car, one professional instructor and trackside support.
- All driving gear for the duration of the class – racing suit, helmet, gloves and shoes.
- Lunch at our BMW Performance Center café.
- Insurance, with a $2,500 deductible for vehicle or property damage.
- More miles can be purchased on the day of training. The program is designed for one driver. However, two drivers sharing a car can be arranged upon request.
Race License School: The Path to Professional
Photo courtesy of BMW
After you've been through BMW's Advanced M School or the Two-Day M School, BMW Performance offers a SCCA-certified school to take your skills to the next level on your way to becoming a pro driver. Students can add the one-day school to an Advanced M School or Two-Day M School session and get qualified all at once.What will be learned:
- Learn the colors. Green. Yellow. Red - No there aren't any traffic lights on the track. But there are flags, and you'll learn what each represents while you're out there to maintain safety.
- Passing. Don't let off. - Start off with you in a BMW, behind your instructor in theirs. They will coach you through the art of passing under both braking and acceleration. Then, we'll bring on a classmate and coach you both as you battle for first place.
- Keep Rollin'. Practice race starts - In racing, how you start can impact how you finish, and we'll show you how to get started right in a grid set up, as well as rolling starts. Learn how to navigate with other cars on track while setting up for that first turn.
Additional information be found at https://bmwperformancecenter.com. Courses can be booked online or by calling 1-888-345-4BMW.