Experience of a Lifetime at the BMW Performance Center

This is a sponsored post with A Girls Guide to Cars in collaboration with the BMW Performance Center West. All opinions are my own. #drive2learn

Fast cars
High speeds
Squealing tires
Burning rubber

Yes, I experienced it all at the BMW Performance Center West. It was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience (though I really want to go back!!). Now back home driving around town dropping my son off at school or running to the grocery store I’m daydreaming about my time at the track.

There are two BMW Performance Driving Schools – Thermal, CA and Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina. They have 4 programs – BMW Performance Driving School, Mini Driving Experience, BMW US Rider Academy (offroad motorbikes), and Performance Center Delivery (what an awesome way to take delivery of your new car). Options include a class or group event team building (this is so much better than any team building we used to do when I worked in an office).

BMW Performance Center Thermal California

“I feel the need, the need for speed.” Maverick, Top Gun

While it is a thrilling experience, it is also educational. Confidence in controlling your vehicle. Learning how to drive in different situations and recover when needed in a safe environment with highly qualified instructors.

We started our day in the classroom going over what to expect during our BMW Performance Center experience and learning important driving skills. We learn to drive when we’re 16, but after that, while we do it every day, I think most of us haven’t given skills a thought since.

Then we headed out to the courses. We drove on three different courses will all different models of the BMW car (and SUV) lineup each testing our skills in different ways. On the traditional race course loop, our speeds hit 120+.

The instructors were amazing. Knowledgeable and supportive first explaining the course, then leading us on a slower paced ‘drive through’ and then coaching us as we tried to maximize our speed and technique always in contact on a two-way radio.

We finished our day with a hot lap ride along with the instructors. This is their chance to show off and did they ever. Tires squealing and burning rubber. This is not for the faint of heart. Exhilarating and a great way to cap off our day.

Want to experience it for yourself? The BMW Performance Center offers a variety of experiences from half day to two day or custom group events.

I’m so excited to share that we are able to offer YOU the chance to win your own driving experience.

[Giveaway Closed]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

BMW Teen Driving School

In just 3 years, my son will be driving. EEK. I’m not ready. It will so great for him to be independent and save me a lot of time being able to skip all the driving to school and based. BUT, I’m worried about his safety.

The BMW Teen School includes both a classroom and driving components. The emphasis for this program is not speed but instead safety and how to deal with unexpected driving situations. They offer both 1 day and 2-day options and I’m definitely keeping this in mind as the time nears for when my son will be behind the wheel.