About this event
Join North Star BMW Club the weekend of May 30 - June 1, 2025, for Sommer Schnell, our annual performance driving school, on the Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) competition course!
Your high-performance vehicle is an amazingly capable car. At our Sommer Schnell HPDE, you can realize your car's capabilities, learn the limits of those capabilities under controlled conditions, and practice the skills needed to control your car safely within those limits. This two-day program, hosted by our Chapter since the 1980s, provides a unique opportunity to drive your car at speed and experience the thrill of becoming one with your vehicle.
Sommer Schnell is open to drivers, 18 years or over, of all experience levels, with all makes and models of hardtop cars.
Friday, May 30, is an open lapping day for instructors and pre-approved, advanced/A-Plus level drivers with a verifiable driving history. Friday is also an excellent opportunity for newer drivers or those unfamiliar with BIR to come out and watch from various vantage points along the course. Or, catch a ride with an instructor (helmet required)!
Please contact ssa@northstarbmw.org if you have questions on qualifications or have not driven with us during our advanced/instructor days.
Participant Price
- Saturday and Sunday: Cost is $525
- Add Friday (advanced/A-Plus drivers only): Cost is $350
- Friday Only (advanced/A-Plus drivers only): Cost is $350
Hotel Reservations
Make a reservation soon. Hotels fill up fast.
We blocked rooms at these two hotels. Call to reserve and mention "North Star BMW Club" to get the discount rate.
Days Inn & Suites Baxter - $124.00 + tax per night (3 or more nights), $149 + tax per night (2 nights)
14466 Dellwood Drive North, Baxter, MN 56425
(218) 829-3080
Rapid River Lodge - $169.00 + tax per night (without waterpark)
7376 Woida Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
(218) 825-7234
Saturday Night Dinner
We continue the long-standing tradition of hosting dinner at Baia Della Italian Kitchen (Formerly Prairie Bay Grill) on Saturday evening, May 31, at 7:00 PM. The cost is $47; meal choices are listed on the registration page.
Track Site Registration
Weekend Check-in / Registration is conducted in the classroom at the track near the Competition Course paddock. Come prepared for registration staff to do the following:
- Review your valid driver’s license
- Collect your completed and signed technical inspection forms
- Inspect your helmets. Snell EA (Elite Application), SA (Special Application), or M (Motorcycle) rated years 2015 or 2020. And FIA- Rated Helmets: FIA 8860-2010, FIA 8860-2018, 8860-2018APB, and FIA 8859-2015.
- Have you sign a waiver for the weekend and distribute wristbands
- Hand out Student Information Packets
Friday Check-in Times
Check-in for instructors and pre-approved advanced students driving on Friday is from 7:30 am to 8:30 am.
Participants driving on Saturday and Sunday and arriving before 6:30 pm on Friday can also register at the track. Do make sure you’re there before 6:30 pm as registration staff will not be there afterward.
Saturday Check-in Times
Check-in for remaining participants will be on Saturday morning from 7:30 to 8:00.
Cancellation Policy
If your plans should change, you may designate a substitute to attend in your place. If you need to cancel your registration, you may do so through May 20, 2025. No refund will be made after May 20, 2025. Refund will be made to the original form of payment.
Have Questions? Please email us at ssa@northstarbmw.org.
Event requirements
Please read all the following details before registering.
BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA) Membership
BMW CCA membership is required to attend this event. Join or renew by visiting bmwcca.org. A 1-year membership is $58.
Vehicle Types Allowed
All makes and models of hardtop cars are welcome.
SUVs, vans,Targa, and t-tops are NOT allowed at BMW Performance Driving School events.
Convertibles - A factory-installed convertible hardtop is allowed. All others are not allowed without:
- A roll bar or a roll cage that meets event specifications. Must have approval from the event coordinator or chief instructor.
- Arm restraints in soft-top vehicles
- Five (or more)-point harnesses for both driver and passenger
Contact North Star at ssa@northstarbmw.org before registering to discuss your convertible vehicle or equipment configuration.
Helmet
A helmet is required. A helmet meeting one of the following standard is acceptable:
- Snell-Rated: SA2015, SA2020, M2015, M2020
- FIA-Rated: FIA 8860-2010, FIA 8860-2018, FIA 8860-2018APB, FIA 8859-2015
If you do not have a helmet, rentals are available in the twin cities. Please get in touch with the event coordinator with questions.
Tech Inspection
A vehicle tech inspection must be performed, and a “Driving School Technical Inspection” form must be completed, signed, and turned in during track site registration in June. The form can be downloaded from Technical Inspection Form.
Motorwerks BMW is offering a complimentary tech inspection by appointment between May 5 and May 23 during regular service hours (Monday – Friday, 7:30 – 3:00, and Saturday, 8:00 - 1:00). Call 888-866-0520 and tell the service representative you’d like to schedule a “BIR performance driving school tech inspection”. Bring a copy of the “Pre-Event Technical Inspection” form to your appointment.
The Spring Social and Tech Event on May 10th (10:00 am till Noon) at Eurosport of Plymouth is another opportunity for a complimentary tech inspection. More information and registration at Eurosport Spring Social and Tech Session.
Drivers can also choose to have a different shop complete the inspection and sign the Driving School Technical Inspection form (at their own expense).
A completed and signed form is required for the event check-in at Brainerd in May, so don’t forget to bring it along!
Summer Driving School at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC)
Although not required, attending our Spring Driving School on May 4th at DCTC before Sommer Schnell is highly recommended for novice or first-time track drivers.
May 4th Spring Driving School Registration
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