[Scrapula]

Did this today with my son. The two cars were an i5 eDrive40 and a 530i.

First up for me was the i5. It actually had plenty of power for the auto cross set up. I got in, adjusted my seat and put it in one pedal. The instructor started to explain, but I told him that is my preference in my existing car. I love RWD cars, but they are just not practical in our rainy weather. Anyway, it held the corners really well. At the end, I was told that I was the first person who didn’t touch their brake pedal while driving the course.

Second up was the 530i. I sucked so much driving this car. I forgot how to brake. I gave it too much brake going into the corners. It was really awkward. Yet, I can still drive a manual transmission with no problems. Overall, it was a nice car for someone who knows how to drive it.

Lots of cars to look at. Both of us loved the Z4. It had the sport seats and was a beautiful purple color. I would love to have this car for summer driving. My husband would kill me though.

[SkykingUSA]

That sounds cool, thanks for sharing and for the pictures. I'll probably be going to the new owner track drive in Thermal, CA in November when it's not so hot. Hope to get the chance to drive some different BMWs to see what they are like.

[SkykingUSA]

Hey Scrapula, one of these is coming to my city in September (just got an email today). When I reserve a spot online, is it just for me, or also for a guest? You indicated you went with your son - did he drive too, or have to reserve his own spot?

Reason I ask, is because I'm wondering if it's something my wife might want to do. I don't think she'll want to drive, but she might want to come along for the trip, and wondering if there is anything for her to do while there (she's not much into cars). I've never been to anything like this before, so have no idea what it's like.

Thanks.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Hey Scrapula, one of these is coming to my city in September (just got an email today). When I reserve a spot online, is it just for me, or also for a guest? You indicated you went with your son - did he drive too, or have to reserve his own spot?

Reason I ask, is because I'm wondering if it's something my wife might want to do. I don't think she'll want to drive, but she might want to come along for the trip, and wondering if there is anything for her to do while there (she's not much into cars). I've never been to anything like this before, so have no idea what it's like.

Thanks.

I registered my son as a driver. If she wants to ride along, I would go ahead and register her so she can sign the waiver. There is also a street tour (you need to get there early) where you can take some cars out for a drive. There’s a good mix of cars and SUVs.

You get a nice metal M water bottle when you check in. Other than looking at BMWs there isn’t a lot to do. There’s a bit of a wait for street drives, so you could get lunch or something. The Seattle one was at an outlet mall, so maybe your location will have things nearby too.

[SkykingUSA]

Thanks for the additional information and the picture. Sounds like a bit of fun for a few hours, I'm looking forward to it.

[RoGo330i]

Like Scrapula, I’ve also done it, and it sounds like our experiences were similar. I found it to be super fun and very informative. You get to drive alongside a professional who guides your max performance around the track more than once. They had a good selection of both ICE and EV. In the SF Bay Area, they also had an SUV launch stretch to go straight ahead as fast as you could as well as opportunity for some time off track for a good old fashioned test drive if you wanted. Plus, everyone there was supportive and excited to share. Have a good time!🚙

[SkykingUSA]

I attended the event yesterday (Friday) but had to cut it short for a family emergency that I had to come home for (everything is ok now though). I did get the do the autocross portion and took a bunch of pictures of vehicles on display and out in the parking lot. :-)

We were able to drive the i5 eDrive40 and the 540ix. I must say, I was surprised at how responsive the 540ix was. It was impressive and definitely felt more traditionally powerful around the track. They set up the event in the parking lot of the Santa Anita Racetrack near Pasadena, CA (horse race track). I also received the black metal water bottle.

Here are the pictures I took:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/L2HaDZnXYFHRLwNe6

[nacs]

Yep I did the Outlet collection run last month as well….The one product guy they had was awesome for detailed questions. I went from there to the dealership to discuss some nuances to contract on Sunday. I’ll give BMW credit for a decent experience and glad I was in the first session so my questions got answered without a line.

[SkykingUSA]

Interestingly, I got a follow up email afterwards with $1000 off the purchase or lease of another BMW, but it's only valid until the end of November of this year. Didn't someone indicate they used to be good for a year? Looks like they're down to 2.5 months now.