GVC 6th Annual Derek Hanson Memorial HPDE
Watkins Glen InternationalAbout this event
GVC 6th Annual Derek Hanson Memorial HPDE at the Glen
- Lapping for instructors and solo-qualified drivers (more than 4hrs of open track/day)
- Instructed Groups for Novice through Advanced students
GVC Ultimate Driving School #124
Watkins Glen International
Looking for quality track time? Perhaps something extra? This is the event for you!
This HPDE is the third of three of GVC HPDE's for 2025. This "hybrid" event combines lapping with abundant open-track time for instructors, solo-level drivers and approved advanced drivers along with intensive on-track sessions and classroom instruction for all levels of student drivers on the theory and practice of high-performance driving.
Excellent in-car Instruction and coaching!!
Event Features
- 1 to 3 days Open-lapping for Solo (GVC Group S or equivalent, SLIP* L4 and up), instructors, and pre-approved Advanced (Group 2, L3-4) students.
- Two-day Driving School in 2 instructed groups for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced students (GVC Groups 4, 3, 2 SLIP L2-4), Saturday and Sunday
- Items of note:
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for open-track, please contact the Registrar or a GVC Chief Instructor.
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Advanced Data Coaching is available to all advanced drivers who are interested in taking the next leap in driving skill development. A highly-qualified Data Coach will work with you to utilize data from your vehicle to reveal opportunities for improving your driving technique. In addition to personal 1-on-1 coaching, we have a limited number of AiM Solo 2 data loggers to use for the weekend at no extra charge. We are confident that you will see track performance gains that will rival modifications to your car costing thousands of dollars by improving the most important component in your car - you! Fee is $60 for 2-days of coaching. Only six AiM units available, so don't wait to sign up!
Event Format: On-track sessions run Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Example Schedule: Example Schd_HPDE.pdf
Friday: Open-track day for Instructors, GVC Group 1 (Group S), A-plus (A-solo) drivers from other chapters/clubs, and pre-approved* GVC Group 2 (Advanced) drivers.
Saturday/Sunday: GVC Group 4 (Novice) students, Group 3 (Intermediate) Students, Group 2 (Advanced) Students will be combined into two instructed run groups, with four 25 min. sessions per day. All others: Open Track format with breaks for the two Instructed run group sessions.
Track Schedules will be sent out to all attendees prior to the event
Bonus Features (complimentary unless otherwise noted)
- GVC Driver’s Resource Center: The hub of event operations. Helpful advice and assistance for all participants and guests
- Mechanical and technical services for your car provided on-site by "The Little Speed Shop" (discounted parts and labor for participants)
- Tire and performance parts auctions, beverages, and other goodies courtesy of our generous sponsors
- Friendly and helpful staff to make this experience your “Ultimate Driving School”
Open Lapping: If you are not an instructor, a member of GVC Group S or other recognized solo group, or have not run with GVC and previously been approved for open lapping, but think that is the group for you, please provide your driving resume to the Registrar or GVC Chief Instructor for approval ASAP after you have registered.
If you would like to be admitted to GVC's solo run group (Group S), please register for Group S checkout*:
Group S is open only to upper-level experienced drivers who have previously been checked out and approved for the Group. Admission to Group S requires a checkout by the Group S coaches.
Drivers wishing to check-out for Group S MUST register using the "Group S checkout" option. This is a three-day registration option limited to 5-6 drivers. Checkouts are typically done by the GS coaching staff on Friday morning.
Once approved for GS, you will automatically be qualified for open-track at GVC HPDE's. GS drivers in good standing are pre-approved to register for Group S at future GVC events without the need for further evaluation.
At this event, drivers who do not pass checkout may be permitted to drive on Saturday and Sunday as open-lappers with approval by the GS Lead Coach and the Chief Instructor.
Complete details about our HP driving schools, including the Group S application procedure, may be found here:
http://gvc-bmwcca.org/What_is_a_Driving_School
Registration and Fees:
- BMW CCA Members: GVC chapter members are afforded highest priority for slots at our events, followed by BMW CCA members from other chapters. Non-members are charged an additional $100 above member fees. GVC will apply $100 of the non-member fee pay for a one-year new (or renewed) membership in BMW CCA. Join the club today to avoid the $100 non-member surcharge! http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=new_member
- Registration after the deadline is only possible by special arrangement, and only if there are still slots available (email the Registrar: registrar@gvc-bmwcca.org).
- Fees (BMW CCA members; Non-members add $100)
- Instructed Groups 2-4 (Advanced, Intermediate, and Novice): $785 (Sat/Sun) only. Personal instruction, and classroom sessions both days.
- Friday open track add-on option for pre-approved* G2 drivers only: add $450
- Group S checkout applicants: $1360 (Fri.-Sun.). Group 2 (Advanced) drivers seeking admission to Group S. Includes open-track Friday-Sunday as a tentative member of Group S.
- Group S (Solo):
- Friday Open Lapping: $600
- Sat - Sun only: $860 (Sat.-Sun., 4+ hours on track daily)
- Friday open track add-on option: $450
- Instructors:
- Friday Open Lapping: $450
- Sat - Sun only: FREE
- Friday Open Lapping (add-on): $150
- Garage Bays:
- First come, first serve $60 - quarter bay (Rent 2x if you would like 1/2 bay)
Cancelations:
- Fees may be refunded or credited toward a future GVC Driving School only if cancelation occurs prior to 30 days before the event.
- No refund or credit after the 30 day deadline unless we can fill your run group slot with another driver.
Accommodations
The host hotel is the historic Seneca Lodge (http://www.senecalodge.com/) located at the upper entrance to beautiful Watkins Glen State Park off NY 329. The Lodge is famous for its food and racing heritage. The bar is notable for its collection of over 60 years of racing memorabliia, as well as an extensive selection of fine beverages. Another favorite place to stay very close to the track is the Falls Motel in nearby Montour Falls. http://www.thefallsmotel.com. These lodgings fill quickly, so make reservations early.
Many other accommodations are available in Watkins Glen, from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to the luxurious Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.
Camping at the track: Not available.
Off-site camping: Available at nearby Watkins Glen State Park and other private campgrounds.
For more information, please consult our website: http://gvc-bmwcca.org/Info_About_Watkins_Glen
Event requirements
This is a Genesee Valley Chapter BMW CCA event.
Vehicle and driver requirements must comply with BMW CCA and GVC minimum standards detailed on the GVC website: http://gvc-bmwcca.org/Event_Requirements_DrivingSchool
Pre-Event Tech Inspection: All track vehicles are required to undergo a technical inspection within the month prior to the event. If the vehicle is used for any other track event(s) between this inspection and our event, it must be re-inspected. Inspections must be performed by a qualified individual or shop using the GVC pre-event tech form, which must be signed by the participant and submitted at event check-in. Drivers are solely responsible for the safe condition of their vehicles, and for any damages to track property during the event.
GVC Tech form: https://gvc-bmwcca.org/_download/GVC_Tech_Form.pdf
IMPORTANT: GVC’s policy* for cars equipped with automatic “crash avoidance systems” (CAS)
CAS technologies go by different names depending on manufacturer, but they all have the same basic function. The two systems of concern are: 1) Rear collision warning/automatic braking systems designed to prevent rear-end collisions at highway speeds; and 2) Active lane-keeping assistants, which generate audible and tactile warnings, and in some cases apply counter-steer, to prevent an unsafe lane change in traffic when the driver takes no action. When operational, these systems may be unsafe in conditions typically encountered on a racetrack at HPDE events.
Therefore, cars equipped with either or both these systems will be allowed on track ONLY if the systems are completely shut down and remain off until the ignition is turned off . We have been assured by BMWNA that these systems can be completely shut off by the driver on all current BMW models. Cars from other manufacturers will only be allowed if the driver can demonstrate that the system may be manually shut down. Vehicles in which such systems are “hardwired”, and therefore CANNOT be manually turned off by the driver, are not permitted on track at GVC driving schools.
It is the responsibility of the participant to follow the vehicle's shut-down procedures to the letter before leaving staging and entering a "hot" track. If these procedures are followed, we have been assured that CAS-equipped cars will be safe and compatible with the HPDE track environment.
*Please note that the policy outlined herein applies only to Genesee Valley Chapter driving events, and does not necessarily represent the national policy of the BMW Car Club of America or its affiliated chapters.
