About this event
Windy City BMW HPDE at Blackhawk Farms Raceway on August 22, 2025
If you have never run a track event with Windy City BMW, contact us for approval. This event is limited to highly experienced track drivers as no instruction will be provided, and the pace will preclude novice drivers.
"After carefully evaluating the risks and potential consequences of having an on-track fire in an EV, we will not allow those vehicles to participate in the 2025 HPDE Series at either Autobahn or Blackhawk."
Windy City BMW will return to the nearby Blackhawk Farms Raceway in August. Again, you’ll have the opportunity to have your lap timed, Autocross-style.
Click here to watch a video of Blackhawk Farms Raceway
Each run group will have four 25-minute sessions on track. If you choose timed laps for your 5th session, indicate that option when registering. Timed laps will be from a standing start at pit out, one full lap around, and then exiting at Turn 5. Lap timing will continue until the session is over. Open slots for these runs are limited and will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
We’re planning 3 groups:
One group will include Instructors/Experienced HPDE drivers and consist of open-track for all five sessions -passing anywhere with a signal.
The 2nd group will also be instructor/solo, passing anywhere with a signal. It will have four open-track sessions, with the fifth track session being standing-start timed laps.
The 3rd group will be vetted autocrossers with five sessions. They will have four sessions—passing will be restricted to the three straights—plus one final session, during which you will have a standing start timed lap. There will be no autocross points or time factoring based on vehicle classification.
The Autocross Committee will vet and contact Experienced Windy City autocrossers to see if they want to participate in this novel event. All participant cars must meet the HPDE requirements (i.e., convertibles must have a fixed rollbar across the full width of the car, hardtops must be in place, etc.).
There is no in-car or lead/follow instruction (hence, this event is not open to novice drivers, Instructors/Experienced HPDE drivers, and vetted Experienced autocrossers only).
There are no spectators or ride-alongs at this event.
Click here for the Event Schedule: Friday Track Schedule
For drivers unfamiliar with Blackhawk Farms, there will be a low-speed conga line before the event gets hot; we will supply the lead cars. There is no passing, and the limit is 50 MPH.
This event costs $225 for each driver in each group.
The $60.00 fee to become a CCA member is "non-refundable" regardless of the date of any cancellation
Event requirements
Required items to bring with you when signing in at registration
- Completed Tech Inspection form.
- Helmet to be checked.
- Must be 18 years of age at the time of the event.
Dress Code for Drivers and Instructors
You need to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt while on the track at Blackhawk
Vehicle Technical Inspection
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE TECH SHEET AND HAVE IT FILLED OUT AND SIGNED PRIOR TO THE EVENT--THERE IS NO TECH PERFORMED AT THE EVENT--NO SIGNED TECH SHEET MEANS YOU GO HOME--(NO REFUND)
BMW CCA HPDE regulations no longer allow chapters to sponsor pre-technical inspections for track events. The tech sheet is required to be signed by the inspector and the participant and handed in at registration. You can take your car to be inspected at your dealership or your favorite independent shop.
Complete the inspection no earlier than 4 weeks prior to the event. Remember cancellation deadlines apply.
Click here: TECH INSPECTION SHEET 2025
Track Damages
You will be held personally responsible for damages to the track that may occur. For example, if you spill oil on the track or damage a tire wall or concrete barrier, Blackhawk Farms Raceway will bill Windy City BMW CCA for these damages. We will, in turn, have you reimburse us for this cost. This applies to any charges incurred for the use of tow trucks or ambulance above what we have agreed to in our contract with Blackhawk Farms Raceway for the event.
Helmets
Helmets must be Snell 2015 or 2020. SA- and M- ratings are both acceptable.
If buying a new helmet, note the coming end of using “M” rated helmets and the shorter limit for using a new Snell M2020 helmet. Helmets must be rated to the following Snell or FIA standards. With the current standard as Snell 2020, helmets meeting the Snell 2015 standard are allowed through the grace period (the eleventh year) until the end of calendar year 2026. SPECIAL NOTE: Snell Motorcycle (M) Helmets. Upon the release of the Snell 2025 standard, “M”-rated (motorcycle) helmets will no longer be allowed. M2020 helmets will only be grandfathered until 12/31/2026—FIA-Rated Helmets. FIA standards are generally updated every 8 to 10 years. · FIA 8860-2010 helmets are accepted until 12/31/2028 · FIA 8860-2018 and 8860-2018APB helmets currently do not have an expiration date. · FIA 8859-2015 helmets currently do not have an expiration date.
Cabriolets (convertibles)
- Convertibles must have SCCA-type rollover protection and hardtops.
- Please email HPDE@windycitybmw.com for prior approval.
Race Prepped Cars
- Working mufflers are required.
Hotel
- The Best Western Hotel at 5910 Technology Dr. in South Beloit, IL, offers a reduced rate for those attending an event at Blackhawk. Contact them directly by phone (815-389-4211). Do NOT use the BW 800 number or any booking site like Expedia, etc.
Recommended Items to bring with you to the track
- It is “Recommended” to have an additional set of front and rear brake pads.
- Read or review the "High-Performance Drivers Manual
Click here: High-Performance Drivers Manual
Registration packets for the HPDE Event
- Driver Registration Packet: Drivers packet - Blackhawk 2025
- Workers Packet: Workers packet - Blackhawk 2025
- Friday Track Schedule: BHF 2025 Schedule
Please remember, the Windy City BMW Chapter members who organize and run this event do so as volunteers!
Windy City BMW would like to thank the following sponsors for this event:
