Hello All,
Just a couple of things to consider after reading the posts. The school is valid for all driving activities, it's goal is to experience, anaylze, and understand what is happening with the car in motion. That is true for AutoX or open track. Understanding when and where to 'go fast', and when to go 'slow' is the key to actually going fast. To drive well, you have to be 'smart' about driving, and that is what happens at these events. The process is true for a 100mph run down the straight or a 30mph run weaving through cones. it is the same problem, and your responses will be the same, just at different speeds. The techniques are the same, identify the place where the course if fastest, and the most important corner that leads onto the straight, then work back from there in order of importance, go slow and be sure that you execute those parts of the course where carring speed is crucial.
About the S2000 incident. I didn't actually see it, but in talking it through, it sounded very much to me like the car was starting to slide to the outside of the track. The student had put more steering input to bring the car to the left, tighter to the apex, when the front tires got traction and the car corrected sharply, or the weight brought the back end around. The student did fail to compensate and correct for the slide. The car tooka bounce in the tires, and from then on the student and instructor where just passengers. Both walked away from the car with little more than bruises and bruised egos. The student had a replacement S2000 within the week. Frankly, this just the kind of training that the student needed to maintain car control, you can't get it out of the driver's license test manual!

Passing is in designated zones only, and it is another aspect of the school that applies to any driving you do. You must be aware of what is going on around you! I am sure we have all been cut off by an in-attentive driver, so be aware! You will only be passed by one car a time, and it is important you learn how to be passed too! One of the neatest things about motorsport are the friends you make, and a great thrill is being able to go door-handle to door-handle with someone you trust and respect, courtesy is a must.

I hope to see a lot of you out there in May, and get a lot from the event.
Aloha,
Jim

 

JCIP,
Thanks for your comments. For those of you who don't know, JCIP hails from the big island and has been one of our driving instructors for the Aloha 500.

Ultimately we all set our own limits on how we drive. In normal street driving we hope not to reach our limits and end up loosing control of our MINI. Through driving courses and with instruction we try to learn what we can do and what our cars are capable of. It takes time and requires practice. Safety is always of concern and of highest priority whether at the track, autocross or on the street. And safety for drivers, instructors and bystanders must be maintained.

During the Spring Fling if it appears that a driver or drivers are doing anything that would be risky there would be zero tolerance from the management and the problem would be addressed. We don't need more excitement than the normal amount that comes along with a track event.

One of the good things about the Spring Fling is that it is very MINI friendly and there will be quite a few familiar MINIs and drivers. The instructors are very open and interested in our MINIs. All this makes for a fun day.

 

Beastmaster,

Do we know how the sign ups are doing for Spring Fling?

I know of quite a few MINI owners that are already paid up and ready to go. For those of you who are still thinking please be aware there is a cut off of about 40.

Don't delay- spring into action and fill out those forms. :smile:

 

I'm not sure about the signups. I have to check with Owen. However, it is typical for the apps to trickle in and then the floodgates will open in the last few days. IF turnout is HUGE, we may not be able to take people at the last minute or last couple of days. I was ready to cut people off in the last week of Spring Fling as we were overwhelmed with participants.

My advice, get your app and payment in ASAP.

 

Beastmaster,

Thanks, just checking. I'll email Owen and ask about the interest so far.
I have told alot of people so I hope nobody will wait too long and get closed out too soon. I'll let you know if it looks grim.

 

Owen says he is starting to get applications in with payment and that there is still room. He will try to get enough instructors so that we can take care of 40 participants.

Can't hurt to be a little early.

Gee, isn't it tax time soon? :???:

 

>>Owen says he is starting to get applications in with payment and that there is still room. He will try to get enough instructors so that we can take care of 40 participants.
>>
>>Can't hurt to be a little early.
>>
>>Gee, isn't it tax time soon? :???:

Did you have to mention taxes! I'm dreading my tax bill this year. I could probably buy another MCS with that check I'm going to have to write.

 

>>>>Gee, isn't it tax time soon?
I hope the tax collector doesn't read this!

 

Beastmaster,

What run group should I request for the Spring Fling? Low Intermediate, or Novice?

Or, is this something that BMWCCH will determine once all the applications are in, so it doesn't really matter what I request?

Thanks,

MINIangelD

 

Angel - Either one of those groups will do. I just don't want to see you push yourself into a group that makes you uncomfortable. I think since you have done one of our DEs in the past and have been participating in Solo 2, Low Inter would be a good group for you. The pace is a little more relaxed than High Inter as that group can drive. If yo want to go into Novice, you may, but you would go through the Car Control Clinic again and your open track time will be limited.

 

Okay, thanks. I was leaning towards Low Intermediate, but didn't want to look like I was trying to make myself out as a better driver than I am. I will sign up for Low Intermediate.

 

FYI. Slots are going FAST! Almost 33% of the spaces are gone. If you want to come, better get your app in NOW!

 

i think, i think mine's in.

 

I know of 5 MINI owners that are attending spring fling. Any more?

 

my $ are in.

 

MINIs for Spring Fling:

minihune
DaKineMINI
kbseto
MINIangelD
bgrpph
esoteric? In an MC with CVT?? Or a 3 series, or a turbo VW??

 

Also erik808. :smile:

>>MINIs for Spring Fling:
>>
>>minihune
>>DaKineMINI
>>kbseto
>>MINIangelD
>>bgrpph
>>esoteric? In an MC with CVT?? Or a 3 series, or a turbo VW??

 

>>Also erik808. :smile:

Great!

>>>>MINIs for Spring Fling:
>>>>
>>>>minihune
>>>>DaKineMINI
>>>>kbseto
>>>>MINIangelD
>>>>bgrpph
>>>>esoteric? In an MC with CVT?? Or a 3 series, or a turbo VW??

 

Kohu'ula cannot come out and play because if he does, he will have to instruct.

 

Signups have kind of held steady. I know of a few more apps that are supposed to come in and that total will bring us near 50% capacity. Just remember to get your app in by April 30th or the price goes up to $299.

I have had questions about the price going up. It has gone up by $50 this year as our insurance has increased as has track rental and other costs such as airfare (mainland and interisland). This is still a bargain as comparable schools on the mainland will cost twice that amount.

The only way we can keep this affordable is due to dealer contributions from BMW of Honolulu and MINI of Hawaii. This was a touchy subject a little while ago, but the dealership General Manager has agreed to continuing support of Spring Fling and Aloha 500.

 

I'll vouch for the cost issue. My Los Angeles Chapter of the BMWCCA's equivalent class was more than double the cost of our Spring Fling. Another bad thing was it was held in the middle of the desert (Willow Springs) and you either had to reserve a hotel there or make the two hour commute (each direction) for two days. We have an excellent deal and opportunity!

>>Signups have kind of held steady. I know of a few more apps that are supposed to come in and that total will bring us near 50% capacity. Just remember to get your app in by April 30th or the price goes up to $299.
>>
>>I have had questions about the price going up. It has gone up by $50 this year as our insurance has increased as has track rental and other costs such as airfare (mainland and interisland). This is still a bargain as comparable schools on the mainland will cost twice that amount.
>>
>>The only way we can keep this affordable is due to dealer contributions from BMW of Honolulu and MINI of Hawaii. This was a touchy subject a little while ago, but the dealership General Manager has agreed to continuing support of Spring Fling and Aloha 500.

 

Oh and another thing, I don't remember the L.A. one offering a FREE technical inspection at a TECH FEST prior to the school either. (Thank you BMWCCofH, MofH/BMWofH, and Bavarian Motor Experts!)

>>I'll vouch for the cost issue. My Los Angeles Chapter of the BMWCCA's equivalent class was more than double the cost of our Spring Fling. Another bad thing was it was held in the middle of the desert (Willow Springs) and you either had to reserve a hotel there or make the two hour commute (each direction) for two days. We have an excellent deal and opportunity!
>>

 

yes, many thanks to BMW of Honolulu and MINI of Hawaii for graciously supporting the event and donating money. it's organizations like you who make the event possible for everyone.

2-4-6-8-who do we appreciate?!

_________________
speak softly and carry a big stick.

 

>>yes, many thanks to BMW of Honolulu and MINI of Hawaii for graciously supporting the event and donating money. it's organizations like you who make the event possible for everyone.
>>
>>2-4-6-8-who do we appreciate?!

????????? Wow.

I'd have to agree that sponsorship of these events is key and appreciated. Thank you.

I've asked SCCA about sponsorship of a driving school/event and it's pretty tough to put on.
We really have limited options and opportunities in Hawaii. There are few venues for this sort of event.
We are lucky to have BMW CCA doing the planning, organizing and for being friendly to MINIs.
Thank you much.

 

Anyone heard or know if we are going to see any classic minis at this year's Spring Fling???