Are you a fan of fast cars? Driving fast? Having adventures? Looking for your next thrilling experience? If you answered yes to any of those then you need to keep reading. I answered yes to all those, so I took a little trip over to the BMW Performance Center to indulge my senses and learn some new driving skills.
I was extremely excited to be spending the day with the instructors at the BMW Performance Center. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel and see what I could do on the track. We were paired with another person from our group and there were 3 experiences we were going to try out today. Our first they called follow the leader. This is where you follow the instructor out on the race track and do everything he tells you to do. We reached speeds of over 130 mph. My partner, Nicole from The Creative SAHM, went first. And while she was driving I did a Facebook live so you can see what it’s like.
As you watch the video you can hear how much direction we are given by our instructor. He really helped to guide us through our time on the track and helped us have a great time while learning new skills. There was a walkie-talkie in the car with us and we could use to ask for assistance if needed. Now I will admit, I had an issue on this first experience. Because I was doing a facebook live and looking back at my phone and then back at the road I ended up with motion sickness. Guess what? It’s not uncommon to become motion sick while participating at the BMW Performance Center.
At first, I was frustrated with myself, then embarrassed. I had been looking forward to this experience since A Girls Guide to Cars told us about it months ago. I had been telling everyone I met I was going to be driving on the BMW Performance Track and how excited I was. So to become ill in the first hour of the day, on the first experience of the day was heartbreaking. Then I was embarrassed because I felt like I let everyone down.
Even though I was beating myself up over this setback, the instructors were not. They were extremely supportive. No one made me feel bad, not one instructor put me down, instead, they helped me. They said hey, it happens all the time, it’s not a big deal. They set up in an air-conditioned car, gave me a little pep talk and gave me some tips to help the motion sickness subside. They even have Dramamine and Ibuprofin available inside the center. I took all their advice and followed it, within 20 minutes I felt like I could get back out there and take on the track.
Since I was ill, I did sit out for one experience. And let me tell you, it looked like a blast. There were 5 different BMW vehicles that you took turns driving around the track. From cars to SUVS you learned how to handle them on the turns and curves of the road. Even though I couldn’t participate I did get to watch and caught some great video of others driving the course.
Our last experience was a timed event. I’ll admit, I was a little apprehensive of getting back behind the wheel. I did not want the motion sickness to come back. So I went first, that’s one of the tips they shared with me. If you are prone to motion sickness do the course first, then step out and let your partner do the course solo. I went first, I did the course. My first time was just over 50 seconds. But by my last try, I was down to around 32 seconds! I was able to shave off 20 seconds by taking the direction of the instructors. For a little perspective, the fastest time was 27 seconds so I felt pretty good coming in around 32 seconds.
Another tip I learned while at the BMW Performance Center is you cannot drive as you drive at home. Racetrack driving is completely different. At home, I drive an SUV and try to make it a smooth ride because I have my daughter in the back of the car. When you are driving on a race track you are breaking hard, accelerating fast and taking turns at speeds you would not do at home. It’s a completely different style. It’s fun, exciting, thrilling and a one of kind experience everyone should have.
I had a great time at the BMW Performance Center and a wonderful stay at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa. Now you can enter to win your own getaway and have a similar experience as I did! Be sure to enter below.
Connect with the BMW Performance Center online | Facebook | Instagram
Contest rules: Entries must be completed by 11:59PM Pacific December 31st, 2018. No purchase necessary; contest open only to US residents 18 years old or older and subject to the laws of the state of California. Winner will be chosen by random drawing from qualified entires and verified by A Girls Guide to Cars; winner will be notified by email no later than January 7th, 2019. Prize will be delivered by USPS to a valid US address; prizes cannot be shipped to a P.O. box. Winners may be asked to provide identification to receive their prize. Prize valued at $1,200, not exchangeable for cash or other items. Prize is limited to one (1) night accommodations at Miramonte Resort, Indian Wells, CA with date of accommodation subject to approval by Miramonte management; one (1) breakfast for two at Miramonte Resort; one (1) half day driving instruction and hot lap package for one person at BMW Performance Center West, Thermal, CA. Travel and additional accommodations are the responsibility of the winner. Contest is administered by and prizes awarded by A Girls Guide to Cars, which assumes no liability for the administration of this contest. Miramonte Indian Wells Resort, BMW Performance Center, Visit Greater Palm Springs Area, and all other event partners assume no responsibility or liability for the administration of this contest. A total of 1 grand prize will be awarded.
You must be logged in to post a comment.