Driver's Education Schedule for 2010
at Portland International Raceway

Join us for a great day at Portland International Raceway. This year we have FOUR days. The Tri-Club day will be hosted by the Alfa Club this year.

• Monday, March 29, 2010
• Monday, May 10, 2010
• Sunday, June 20, 2010 (Tri-Club hosted by AROO)
• Monday, July 5, 2010
• Monday, August 9, 2010

Our programs include Advanced, Intermediate, Novice and Instructor sessions.

Pre-Registration – VERY IMPORTANT - Registration is now open for these events.

The driving school is limited to a total of 85 cars, on first come, first serve basis. Sign up early to guarantee a spot.

This event is held a Portland International Raceway (PIR) in Portland, OR. The facility is just off I-5 at the Delta Park Exit. Food, lodging, automotive supplies and fuel are available at several nearby locations.

To register please visit bmwaca.motorsportreg.com.

Please Join FOPIR (Friends of PIR)

I’m not sure if you have followed any of the news this summer related to Portland International Raceway, but at city council meeting earlier this year the Mayor made the suggestion that PIR should be moved. Now, a Citizens Advisory Committee has been asked to find ways to reduce noise in north Portland. PIR is currently high on the Committee’s list of sources of noise. This committee will be coming out with its recommendations in the next year. So once again PIR is under attack.

Now more than ever PIR needs your support. A broad spectrum of PIR users has formed a non-profit corporation to champion the benefits of PIR, and is looking to get as many members as it can. BMW Automobile Club of America is actively involved and has appointed a member to FOPIR's Advisory Council. I urge you to go to the Friends of PIR website, www.friendsofpir.com, and join. There you will find information about the organization, its mission, and its objectives. It costs you nothing, it obligates you to nothing, but your membership will help build that organization’s numbers and with those, it’s strength to preserve and enhance the great community resource we enjoy. Please go to their website and join now. If you are already a member, please encourage others to join.

If we don’t act now, we may end up one day wondering what ever happened to PIR.

Thank you
Greg Meythaler
Chief Driving Instructor
BMW Automobile Club of America

Driving School FAQ

The driving school is designed for club members and enthusiasts who share and interest in developing and improving personal driving skills.

What is a driving school and why should I attend one?

Club driving schools give the opportunity to drive your car the way it was meant to be driven. That is fully utilize the capabilities of the vehicle in a safe and enjoyable manner. The school is a learning experience that will teach real-life skill and techniques applicable to everyday driving. This is not a race driving school and not a timed event. Emphasis is on technique and smoothness. Speed is a secondary consideration and comes with skill and patience. Each new participant receives training and is accompanied by an instructor. When sufficient competence is established, the participant is allowed to go solo.

Can I hurt my car or myself?

Safety is the number one goal of the school. That is the reason the club sponsors this event to build driving skills for participants. Because you are in control of the vehicle, you choose the appropriate safe speed for the conditions. If you are new to the track, your instructor will help assess you abilities and make appropriate suggestions. The club provides SCCA-approved turn workers, and has medical safety staff on site in the remote event care is needed. Our schools are well-planned, organized and safe.

Helmets are MANDATORY

HELMETS ARE MANDATORY
Acceptable helmets are SNELL SA/M 2000 approved or later. DOT Helmets are not acceptable. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Can I actually bring my daily driver?

Of course, we encourage it! You do not need a modified car to participate. Be aware that proper preparation of the car is important for your safety as well as the safety of others. The vehicle will be required to pass a safety and tech inspection prior to the event. We encourage bringing your daily driver to the event because it makes sense to best drive the car you drive most! If considering using a rental car, carefully read the contract.

What about insurance?

For insurance and liability purposes, remember this is not a timed event, not a race, and not considered a speed event. With specific insurance questions contact the Driving Chair in advance.

I am not really a fast driver… What can I expect?

This school is perfect for you. All participants are divided in to several run groups based on experience level and car capabilities. The ground school and your instructor will guide you through the basics braking, handling, acceleration, shifting, and skid control. This attention to detail means a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What if I am going to be late to the event but still want to participate?

Pre-registration and pre-tech is available. This will save time when you arrive and streamline the registration and verification process. Contact the Driving Chair for more information if necessary.

Where is the school held and how do I get there?

The event is held a Portland International Raceway, Portland Oregon, just off I-5 at the Delta Park Exit. Food, lodging, automotive supplies and fuel are available at several nearby locations. If you are coming in from out of town and need assistance or recommendations, we suggest you contact our Track Committee Coordinator and check the PIR website for directions or information.

Can I come and watch?

You are encouraged and welcome to observe the day’s activities. Your good behavior is required, and no alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted at PIR. You will be required to sign a release at the main entrance. If you are interested in helping please contact the Driving Chair in advance. Bring appropriate clothing and shoes to the day. Expect to have plenty of fun.

What do I need to do to prepare my car?

Depending on your propensity for car maintenance you either want to have your car checked out by a mechanic or if you are a DYI guy, it’s time to get out the jack and do some inspections.

• You need to check for suspension play in bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints – wiggle the wheel front to back, and top to bottom, is there any play?
• Inspect your tires – How much tread is left? How is the tire wearing, odd wear patterns tend to point to alignment issues, which should be addressed as it can affect your handling.
• Brake pads – take a couple of wheels off and look, you need good brakes. How do the rotors look?
• When was the last time your brake fluid was flushed? It should be changed every other year.
• Check your coolant. When was the last time your cooling system was flushed?
• Change your oil, you’ll be stressing your engine, give it some fresh lubricant. In hot weather consider a heavier weight oil.

If you are unsure what is good or bad in these areas, have your mechanic inspect the car. It is your responsibility to verify that your vehicle is in good operating condition.  Our tech inspection is not designed nor intended to provide the type of inspection a qualified mechanic would provide for a fee.  We tech using a checklist and address basic vehicle operating systems. 

What should I bring?

• Tools (plus a rag, or paper towels)
• Tire gauge
• Things your car might need (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
• Torque wrench
• Helmet – Snell 2000 or newer
• Lawn chair
• Cooler with drinks
• Snacks or a Lunch
• Jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and raincoat (Hey this is Portland you may need both on the same day)
• Rubbermaid container, or garbage bag or tarp (for loose items from car, like the CDs under the seat

What if it rains?

We run rain or shine. There is a good chance you will learn more on a day with a wet track, as you must be very smooth with the car controls. A quote from one first time student “I honestly believe that learning the proper line in the wet was far more valuable than had the day been all dry.”

What if I need to cancel?

We don’t do refunds, but we can move your registration to a later event with in the same year.
Since we are a non-profit and donate money to various charities at the end of each year, we really can not carry any credit across years.

What do I do when I arrive?

On Track Day come early, it gives you time to pick a pit spot, unload your car. Completely empty your car, remove any loose items from your trunk (leave your spare), empty your glove box and door pockets, and clean out all the loose items under your seat. Also take out any floor mats that are not secured.

After your car has been emptied bring your helmet and put your car in the line for Technical Inspection.

After your car passes inspection check in at registeration before the Drivers meeting (usually around 8:30).

Before you go out you will want to put some air in your tires this will reduce sidewall flex and tread block squirm.

I’ve never done this, will there be an instructor available?

Yes, if you are a novice driver you will be assigned an instructor for the whole day. He will ride with you in all sessions and help you learn the line, how to be smooth, car control basics, etc.

Does an instructor cost extra?

No, our instructors are provided in the interest of teaching and safety.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes are a must. Loose fitting pants, shirts, sweaters, etc. Closed-toe shoes are required. Flat soled shoes like any type of sneaker are fine. Bring umbrellas and layers of clothes so that you are prepared for all types of weather.

What time does it start?

Gates open at 7am, our technical inspection and registration starts at 7:15. Drivers meeting is usually about 8:30am, and depending on the day we run until 4 or 5pm.