Raindrops keep falling on my head
Mother Nature had it in for us. The entire day of training was conducted in frigid autumn temperatures under the pouring rain. Obviously that made for very difficult track conditions, multiplying the risks of aquaplaning, reducing visibility and forcing us to change trajectories.
Each BMW M3 used for the course is equipped with a radio that allows you to follow the directions of the instructor, who breaks down the corners and analyzes the behaviour of each student in real time.
There are multiple exercises, and each student spends a lot of time behind the wheel. And in between sessions of chasing the monitor around the track, we took the skid pad challenge.
Obviously, the exercises themselves are challenging: top speeds over 200 on the straightaway, hard braking, etc., everything backed up by countless tips and pointers. And despite the demanding drills, no one really wiped out during the entire day, all students graciously accepting the recommendations of the instructors.
A lesson in humility
Despite 20 years of motorsports experience, I have to admit that it did me good to go back to school and review the basics, and that’s what BMW offers at all levels.
But keep in mind that the BMW course will not turn you into a race car driver. It will allow you to recognize danger and correctly react in order to avoid the pitfalls of the road, and it will increase your driving pleasure and especially the safety of you and the motorists around you.
photo:Yanick Gougeon
Mother Nature had it in for us. The entire day of training was conducted in frigid autumn temperatures under the pouring rain. Obviously that made for very difficult track conditions, multiplying the risks of aquaplaning, reducing visibility and forcing us to change trajectories.
 |
Each BMW M3 used for the course is equipped with a radio that allows you to follow the directions of the instructor, who breaks down the corners and analyzes the behaviour of each student in real time.
There are multiple exercises, and each student spends a lot of time behind the wheel. And in between sessions of chasing the monitor around the track, we took the skid pad challenge.
Obviously, the exercises themselves are challenging: top speeds over 200 on the straightaway, hard braking, etc., everything backed up by countless tips and pointers. And despite the demanding drills, no one really wiped out during the entire day, all students graciously accepting the recommendations of the instructors.
A lesson in humility
Despite 20 years of motorsports experience, I have to admit that it did me good to go back to school and review the basics, and that’s what BMW offers at all levels.
But keep in mind that the BMW course will not turn you into a race car driver. It will allow you to recognize danger and correctly react in order to avoid the pitfalls of the road, and it will increase your driving pleasure and especially the safety of you and the motorists around you.
 |
photo:Yanick Gougeon
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