Thunderbolt Driving School & Safety Seminar
New Jersey Motorsports ParkAbout this event
Join the NJ Chapter for the inaugural season at NJ Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ. This is a two day driving school and safety seminar.
The event will be run on the signature Thunderbolt Raceway, featuring over 2.25 miles of asphalt, 14 challenging turns, a one half mile straightway and approximately 40 acres of full service paddock space.
One of the goals upon which the Audi Club North America was founded was the idea that driving skills can and should be improved with practice in a controlled environment. After all, how better to enjoy your car than to be confident that you really know how it will react in all situations? This event will be held at a racetrack due to ample space, no oncoming traffic, plenty of runoff room, and workers before each corner with flags to warn drivers of any upcoming danger. Despite being at a racetrack, the event is not competitive, is not timed, and most certainly is not racing.
Lessons and skills learned at these events really do transfer to everyday driving, as numerous former students attest to all the time. Many prior students report avoiding accidents thanks to things they learned at these events. Many others report simply enjoying their daily commute more knowing more about themselves and their cars. There really is no better way to improve your skills.
What you will learn at a performance driving school:
- How to handle your car in a emergency situation
- Understanding of braking dynamics
- Increased confidence in the performance characteristics of your vehicle
Beginners will focus on classroom time and exercises prior to on-track lapping with an instructor in the car at all times. More experienced students will focus more on track learning, however every participant will be required to attend classroom sessions.
This is not a racing school, nor is it a competitive event.
Save $50! - Register prior to 9/6 to receive the discounted rate of $375 per student.
Students are required to be ACNA members to register.
Note: While the event organizers will make every effort to maximize track time, due to the possible track conditions and weather the number of sessions and session length can not be guaranteed.
Event requirements
BEFORE REGISTERING, please review the following requirements and information:
- ACNA Member in good standing
- Must be 18+ years old with a valid driver’s license with a photo ID.
- Must have the first page of the Tech Inspection form completed by a certified mechanic within 4 weeks of event.
- Brake fluid must be flushed within 6 months of event.
- There will be a Pre-event safety check on the day of the event which your car must pass to be eligible to participate.
- Failure to meet safety check or incomplete Tech forms will disqualify students from event and forfeiture of entry fee.
- Open cars (convertibles) must have rollover protection which meets or exceeds the specs found here. No SUVs are permitted on track.
- Equal restraints required for driver and instructor and must be securely mounted to stock mounting points or directly to the frame.
- All drivers must have a helmet with a Snell SA95 certification or newer. A limited number of helmets are available for rent.
- Long sleeve shirts and pants are required for all drivers and passengers on track.
Classroom Sessions:
This is a driver's education school and is not practice for any racing or speed contest. All participants are required to attend classroom sessions designed to teach vehicle dynamics and driving techniques. These sessions will continue throughout the day to help participants understand the fine art of high speed driving. Failure to attend as required will result in loss of driving privileges.
Tech Inspection:
You will be required to have a qualified individual/mechanic inspect your vehicle and verify its safety. This inspection should occur within four weeks of the event. In addition, on the evening prior to the event our tech crew will collect all Pre-Event Safety Inspection Reports and perform a spot check of every vehicle. You are solely responsible for insuring that your vehicle is safe before you come to the track. Failure to present a completed Pre-Event Safety Inspection Report or failure to pass our spot check will disqualify you from participation in the event and your entry fee will be forfeited
Pre-event tech inspection and registration will occur at the Country Inn by Carlson Millville on Monday October 20th, from 4 to 7 PM. You will need to have your pre-event tech inspection form filled out by your mechanic no more than 30 days prior to the event. The inspection form can be downloaded from here.
Other Requirements:
All participants will be organized into run groups in accordance with experience, skill, and type of vehicle based on the experience of the applicants. Participants not "signed off" to solo will be required to drive with an instructor on board at all times. Under no circumstances will timed laps be permitted! If you are seen with a stop watch or lap timing device at any time, you will be asked to leave and forfeit your ability to participate in this or future Audi Club Driving Schools.
Medical Information Form:
Completion of the Medical Information Form is at the option of the Applicant, though it is highly recommended. Complete this form if you would like rescue personnel at the racetrack to have your medical information readily available should you incur personal injuries or suffer from an illness while participating in the event. If you opt to complete the form, you must strictly follow the instructions. A sealed envelope with this form will be delivered to the rescue personnel before driving begins. After conclusion of the event, your envelope and its contents will be shredded.
Instructors:
To qualify as an instructor, you must have previously been certified by ACNA or another acceptable group. Please contact the event master prior to signing up in order to confirm your status prior to signing up.
Instructors are asked to attend a complimentary dinner following the tech inspection at 7:00pm to review this new track via in car video and a corner-by-corner walk through.
