Palmer 2 - Driving School - Still Socially Distant
Palmer Motorsports ParkAbout this event
Boston and White Mountain are back!
This new event is a return to Palmer Motorsports Park for our second HPDE, still socially distant due to the requirements for social distancing from the CDC and the State of Massachusetts.
This event is limited to Instructors and Advanced/ISG students ONLY, however, we will be offering a low speed Novice orientation session described below.
This school will be operated as TWO single day events and qualified drivers will see lead follow instruction, on track exercises and solo development time.
Novice Orientation: We will be hosting a small number of novice students with a low speed, helmets off lead follow orientation of the race track. This will be held around the lunch hour and is open for registration below.
Please be advised that anyone coming to the track will need to observe CDC and State guidelines, which to be clear, means wearing a mask and maintaining social distance while not wearing a helmet. The Boston chapter team will be setting up registration and tech in accordance with these guidelines and we would very much appreciate that our track family respectfully keep each other safe, both on the track and in the paddock. We will have some additional requirements within the following registration pages to set expectations as well as in our pre-event documentation that will be forthcoming.
We will be running the track in the REMLAP Clockwise direction and these two single day events and with the exception of the novice orientation session, are open to instructors and Advanced/ISG students only.
Qualifications: ISG and Advanced. Drivers in other chapter's advanced programs, such as A-Solo/S-Group, may register for this event but may have to provide a driving resume if we cannot find you in MSREG or DE.com. The registrar will contact you for details. Note this will be a much scaled down event and it is possible that not everyone will be accepted.
Independent Study Group. For advanced students who want to extend their skills in a safe, fast-paced coaching environment, the Boston chapter of BMWCCA offers its Independent Study Group (ISG)
To promote continuous advanced skill development for experienced, independent drivers, ISG encourages students to identify the areas in which they want to improve, then allows them to create a personalized curriculum for achieving their goals.
At each event, every ISG student is assigned a coach who will work with them to achieve their goals. ISG drivers are often offered additional solo track sessions and the opportunity to drive in the instructors’ run group.
ISG Qualification - Soloed drivers with substantial experience and the skills to drive a consistent line, at an advanced run-group pace, on a variety of race tracks are eligible for consideration. After passing a thorough checkout drive with an ISG instructor, which emphasizes awareness, safety, consistency, and pace, the ISG candidate is admitted into the group.
ISG on Track, Classroom and Exercises - On the racetrack, ISG drivers spend working sessions with their assigned coach to execute their personalized plan. Classroom sessions comprise lively discussions of driving lines, corner approaches, speeds, data analysis, and a wide range of additional topics. Specialized exercises are offered to improve situational awareness, increase comfort levels in close-quarters driving, and practice passing.
Classroom
Classroom will be held in accordance with social distancing guidelines but will be required specifically related to briefings for exercises. The day of event packet will outline our plan for classroom.
Your day is divided between driving on the track, classroom sessions, or free time. Yes, this is a school, and there is mandatory classroom time. All participants are required to attend classroom sessions to learn vehicle dynamics and driving techniques. Failure to attend will result in loss of driving privileges.
What is a Driving School NOT?
We plan to break the day into sessions with Lead Follow for assigned instructors, exercises and solo time. As mentioned previously, there will be a limited number of driver entries, and the experience level requirement is high. This translates to a lot of track time.
Safety of the event is of the utmost importance. Driver conduct will be diligently monitored throughout the day by the staff, instructors, and corner workers. Infractions of the rules will not be tolerated, and will likely result in dismissal from the school.
Registration Fees
Weekend - All drivers may register for two day weekend (Saturday and Sunday). Saturday and Sunday are not available as standalone days.
Automated Collision Avoidance Systems - Before you register please note cars with automatic braking and/ or lane drift correction systems will not be permitted to participate unless the systems can be fully turned off for the track sessions; proof that the systems can be turned off must be provided (i.e., information in Owner's Manual, etc.)
The registration fees for this event are as follows:
Registration WEEKEND |
Per Day Price | Per Day Price: After AUGUST 19th |
Instructors | $275 | $275 |
Driver - ISG + Advanced | $275 | $275 |
Wait-List Rules
Due to the limited number of student slots available for this driving event, it is possible that we receive more registrations than we can admit, hence a Wait-List will be created. Applications will be admitted from the Wait-List on a first come, first serve basis.
Questions?
For questions regarding registration or Driving Schools in general, please email the registrar using the "Contact Host" button on the right side of this page.
NOTE: Single event insurance is not available for Palmer Motorsports Park from Lockton. If you're interested in purchasing HPDE insurance for this event, please contact Lockton about bundling this event with other events you may be attending this year, or contact one of the other HPDE insurance providers, such as OnTrack Insurance
Event requirements
Before registering, read and understand:
- ProceduresAndRulesBoston2020 - COVID (2).pdf
Here's what you need to know. This is important.
- TechInspectionlBoston 2020 PLUS WMC -1.pdf Once again for 2020 a number of our supporting Independent Boston Area BMW Service Shops have offered to provide pre-track inspection services free of charge to our club members as a means to make attending a driving school easier and safer. You can, of course, still go to your shop of choice for a pre-event tech inspection and or inspect your own vehicle if you are qualified. The following is a list of our supporting inspection shops in alphabetical order.
- Ace Performance - Tewksbury MA
- EuroTech Motorsports - Natick MA
- German Performance Service - Brighton MA
- Landshark Automotice - Natick MA
- Northshore MotorWerks - Peabody MA
- Schneller BMW - Newbury MA
- Turner Motorsport - Amesbury MA
- Wile Motorsport - Walpole MA
At the event you'll need:
- TechInspectionlBoston 2020 PLUS WMC -1.pdf
Student & instructor cars must be inspected before the event. Required. - Medical Information Form Boston
Bring completed form in an envelope to registration. Required. - Palmer Sept 19-20 Schedule.pdf
More information to make your experience better:
-
Driving Evals SLIP Student's Guide
Evaluations are performed on-line using Driving Evals using the Skill Level Instruction Program.
- First-Timer's Guide
New to the track? This guide is just for you. - Palmer Guide
Travel information, track map, and description of Palmer Motorsports Park
2020 Rules and Procedures
The 2020 Procedures and Rules have a notable update from last year - helmets!
- Before you register please note cars with automatic braking and/ or lane drift correction systems will not be permitted to participate unless the systems can be fully turned off for the track sessions; proof that the systems can be turned off must be provided (i.e., information in Owner's Manual, etc.)
- Drones or other remotely controlled aerial vehicles? Nope. Leave 'em home.
- SFI 31.1 and FIA 8860. Snell SA2010 or M2010 or newer helmet is required - unlike last year, Snell SA2005, M2005, (and older) helmets will not be accepted!
- Eligibility rules for Targa/T-top cars and high-performance SUV/SAV/CUVs have been clarified.
Questions?
• For answers to questions regarding student registration, or our Driving Schools in general, please email the registrar using the "Contact Host" button on the right side of this page.
New-to-Boston Instructors
• If you are an instructor for other chapters or car clubs, but have never instructed for the Boston Chapters, please contact the registrar