Car Control Clinic 2004:
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Photos
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Experiences:
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Windy City Car Control Clinic-The Best Deal in Town
Parents of driving teens, you missed your opportunity to cram a year or more of
REAL WORLD driver’s education in one intensive day on September 18, 2004 at Maywood
Park. The C-3 (Car Control Clinic) event is focused on having your less than experienced
driver explore the capabilities of the car they normally drive.
First of all, this was not a driving event for “go fast” BMW owners. Maybe 30% were
BMWs (percentages are higher when you add the Minis). What was really interesting
was the number of SUVs in the clinic. Some were quite large.
Second, the event was all done on wet pavement. Even though it was a sunny day,
the club utilized a Maywood Park harness track water truck to increase the handling
challenges for the drivers.
The majority of the drivers were teens with what appeared to be less than a year
or two experience. Others included those who had acquired a BMW and wanted to see
what they could expect in poor driving conditions or a significant other trying
to get with the BMW experience.
The drivers had to navigate a skid pad (about a 50 ft circle), a figure 8 (two skid
pads about a 100’ apart), a lane change hazard where they had to maneuver with limited
warning and a slalom with differing turning rhythms. Each had a controlled braking
area. One braking area was a curve in the wet. Many cones were hit. This is much
better than curbs or worse in real life.
My teen had received her license about two months prior to the event. When asked
what were the significant skills she acquired she indicated the ability to “know
how to really stop” her car, “how to look ahead” into traffic and “not being afraid”
of wet weather.
Nick, one of the many club instructors who gave their time and energy for the day,
found the “spin lever” (the parking brake) on our Mini. The wet skid pad was the
ideal location. My teen did at least three or four 180s. As far as I was concerned,
mission accomplished.
The next school is scheduled for 2005. For $45 you may get $1000s or more of value.
New members have joined Windy City, just so they can get their teen involved, it
is that good.
Having been a BMWCCA member since 1978 and a Windy City member since 1984, the Car
Control Clinic has got to be the most valuable event the club has held. Thanks to
Randy Everson and everyone else who make this day a success.
Event Photos:
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