BMW Driver Training course
08-02-2004 | 01:28 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo, Canada
BMW Driver Training course
I had the chance to take BMW Driver Training (Level 1) on the weekend in Toronto. Let me just say that it was an awesome learning experience and whole lot of fun, too. My head is still spinning with wonder and excitement (almost as fast as the car did in the oversteer correction that I flunked!).
The training focused on these areas:
braking
steering (understeer and oversteer)
obstacle avoidance
slalom steering
We drove 330s (the instructors had Z4s!) and had two people per car with the instructors communicating with us by radio.
I learned about the 9 and 3 steering wheel position (as opposed to the traditional 10 and 2) and how important driving position is in the car. I am sitting a little farther back but higher up than I did and my side mirrors are adjusted differently now.
The most important piece of information that I gained from the training was this: "Always look where you want the car to go." When your car is fishtailing out of control, keep your eyes focused on the direction that you want to go in because your eyes are going to ultimately instruct your feet and hands on what to do. Here's an example: Have you ever wondered how people can drive into a telephone pole? Telephone poles are spaced ~60 feet apart and are narrow. They should be easy to avoid if you need to. The reason people hit telephone poles is because they were looking at them right before they crashed. Even if they wanted to avoid the pole, they were focused on it.
The instructors (in case they're reading this) were absolutely incredible. Thank you, Pierre Savoy and Kelly Williams. I hope to someday be able to drive 1/100th as well as Kelly does! She rocked!
*obligatory Porsche tie-in*
I went with my coworker who drives a 1989 944. He won the prize for the fastest clean run on the slalom course. I was so proud of him!
Happy driving,
--Jody
The training focused on these areas:
braking
steering (understeer and oversteer)
obstacle avoidance
slalom steering
We drove 330s (the instructors had Z4s!) and had two people per car with the instructors communicating with us by radio.
I learned about the 9 and 3 steering wheel position (as opposed to the traditional 10 and 2) and how important driving position is in the car. I am sitting a little farther back but higher up than I did and my side mirrors are adjusted differently now.
The most important piece of information that I gained from the training was this: "Always look where you want the car to go." When your car is fishtailing out of control, keep your eyes focused on the direction that you want to go in because your eyes are going to ultimately instruct your feet and hands on what to do. Here's an example: Have you ever wondered how people can drive into a telephone pole? Telephone poles are spaced ~60 feet apart and are narrow. They should be easy to avoid if you need to. The reason people hit telephone poles is because they were looking at them right before they crashed. Even if they wanted to avoid the pole, they were focused on it.
The instructors (in case they're reading this) were absolutely incredible. Thank you, Pierre Savoy and Kelly Williams. I hope to someday be able to drive 1/100th as well as Kelly does! She rocked!
*obligatory Porsche tie-in*
I went with my coworker who drives a 1989 944. He won the prize for the fastest clean run on the slalom course. I was so proud of him!
Happy driving,
--Jody
08-02-2004 | 01:54 PM
#2
Nerd Herder
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,526
Likes: 5
From: Central Illinois. Cornfields a plenty.
Thanks for sharing. Advanced driving training is an excellent idea, I'd love to do a few DE's- that's a while away for me tho-
They just started a "advanced driving instruction" for teens here in Cincy. I think it's an excellent idea, as most drivers (Especially newer drivers) panic and stiffen when unforseen situations arise.
You can gain experience and confidence by driving auto-x's as well.
Man, there is nothing like playing on a skid pad..
They just started a "advanced driving instruction" for teens here in Cincy. I think it's an excellent idea, as most drivers (Especially newer drivers) panic and stiffen when unforseen situations arise.
You can gain experience and confidence by driving auto-x's as well.
Man, there is nothing like playing on a skid pad..
08-02-2004 | 07:32 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo, Canada
I think all drivers should play on skid pads! It's quite the experience and tells you a lot about what your car can do and how you can mess it up with a little bit of inattention or too much bravada. 
When are we going out driving, NeedPorscheSpeed? I'm a menace in the corners. My car says, "Get the hell out of my way" but not because of the boost or the awesome power. No, no, it's warning about the driver and her unpredictability!
When are we going out driving, NeedPorscheSpeed?
I'm a menace in the corners. My car says, "Get the hell out of my way" but not because of the boost or the awesome power. No, no, it's warning about the driver and her unpredictability!
08-02-2004 | 08:48 PM
#5
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Pierre Savoy is probably one of the best instructors in the business. He has an ability to explain driving concepts in easy to understand (and sometimes quite funny) ways. We try to use him as an instructor in our driving schools as much as possible.
Everyone should take advanced driving training as much as possible. Even experienced DE drivers and instructors should take some tune up training from time to time. It amazes me how people just assume that they know it all when it comes to driving...
Marc
Everyone should take advanced driving training as much as possible. Even experienced DE drivers and instructors should take some tune up training from time to time. It amazes me how people just assume that they know it all when it comes to driving...
Marc
