2-day M School this Weekend

[Domer88]

Is anyone else headed to Thermal this weekend (4/1-2)?

There are a couple of other threads that talk about the 2-day school, but if there are any additional tips that previous attendees can give me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I'm not normally prone to motion sickness, but I had my doc scrip me some anti-nausea meds just in case.

The email from BMW was light on logistical details. I arrive Friday afternoon, and I'm assuming I'll get a package upon check in at the hotel.

My wife was the one who encouraged me to take the 2 day school, despite the much higher cost. She's a keeper.

[M-ab]

You are going to have a great time. I don't think you will have an issue with motion sickness. The two day school as I recall is one driver per car. I found riding was more of a problem than driving so you should be set. (My last two events at thermal were two to a car - even that was ok until I tried to capture my friend's autocross on my phone.). You are going to love the tracks. If they use the new one it is really nice. Have a great time. Enjoy everyone there bends over backwards to make sure everyone has a safe and fun event!

[Zeroblade]

I've gone for a few Ultimate driving events, Car control clinic and M-track day before and it's pretty much the same across the board. Show up, have license in hand, dress well - no sandals or tank tops lol. Sunglasses are recommended if its damn sunny. They generally have drinks available but always go for the water so the soda doesn't screw with you. Cameras are generally allowed but ask anyway. Right foot gas and hands on the 9 and 3 and don't take them off. Have fun lol

[Space gray]

When I went, the group was lodged at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort. At check in they gave me an envelope with vouchers for meals and a schedule of events. The hotel people were clueless about anything else other than the shuttle pickup time in the morning.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by Domer88

There are a couple of other threads that talk about the 2-day school, but if there are any additional tips that previous attendees can give me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The email from BMW was light on logistical details. I arrive Friday afternoon, and I'm assuming I'll get a package upon check in at the hotel.

My wife was the one who encouraged me to take the 2 day school, despite the much higher cost. She's a keeper.

My wife and I attended the 2-day M School in SC in October 2015. It was something that she had been wanting to do, so naturally I had to go as well (I already took the 3-day Skip Barber Racing School at Laguna Seca in 2001). We've also been to Performance Center West on three different occasions for 1/2 day "Experience" events.

Based on our experience at Performance Center East, your itinerary will probably be the same. You will receive a packet when you check in. Dinner should be provided at the hotel the first night. Breakfast should be provided at the hotel both mornings. Your packet will have information about what time to be in the lobby to catch the shuttle over to Thermal. Lunch is provided both days at the track. Dinner will probably be at the track on the first night.

Wear closed, flat bottom shoes if you have them, as the lugs on some running shoes can interfere with the pedals (Puma makes lots of faux driving shoes). Take sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water between each session. If it gets really hot, there will be EZ-Ups set up with fans. Coolers will be provided at each station with water and cold damp towels to put on your neck and wipe off with. Very refreshing!

Get a good nights sleep both nights, as it can be fatiguing. It helps to not go overboard on alcohol either night, 1-2 drinks at most, if you do drink.

Have fun!

[Domer88]

I'm pretty pumped! I live closer to SC, but I decided to go with Thermal because it's pretty much guaranteed to be dry weather there.

[Pic18]

Are you staying at the La Quinta Resort? My first time there they didn't give me the welcome packet, and when I went to my room it wasn't there either so I had to go back and ask. Long Story short, if they don't hand you a packet at check in ask for it.

There maybe "get together" the first evening, but at a minimum I think they give you a couple food/drink vouchers. The second night (after first day of driving) there is a group dinner.

My biggest advice is get there early for the shuttle, and be advised it does not necessarily stop right in front of the lobby. If you are La Quinta it parks across the way and they almost left without people because they were waiting in the Lobby instead of finding the bus. Have fun, it is a great time and the instructors are all great/laid back.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by Domer88

I'm pretty pumped! I live closer to SC, but I decided to go with Thermal because it's pretty much guaranteed to be dry weather there.

The current weather forecast for SoCal is dry and sunny for the next week and the desert areas are forecast to be sunny, in the low 90's with 0 chance of precipitation!

We only live about 2.5 hours from Thermal, but we went to SC because we have friends in Atlanta; Greenville, SC; and Asheville, NC. We decided to make a 2-week trip out of it, with the M School on the middle weekend. It rained pretty heavily the day before the school and the track was damp the first morning, but it was great weather both days. My wife's company also owns hotels in Hilton Head and New Orleans, so we made side trips there the previous week and following week as well. We were actually in Hilton Head just after that hurricane hit Charlotte and it rained heavily the entire drive from Atlanta to Hilton Head. My wife met with the GMs at each hotel, so it was a "business trip" and the company paid her airfare!

In 2015, BMW hadn't completed their own building, so class and meals were held in large, rigid-frame semi-permanent tents which were air-conditioned. While those structures weren't too bad, I'm sure the new building will be much better. Thiat was another reason why we chose SC because that facility was well established.

[Domer88]

The hotel is:
Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Domer88

I'm pretty pumped! I live closer to SC, but I decided to go with Thermal because it's pretty much guaranteed to be dry weather there.

Im sure it will be fun

[jmg]

I just confirmed my voucher today and I was thisclose to booking this weekend at Thermal! Unfortunately I have plans I cannot back out of. Have fun! Let us know how it was with a detailed report when you get back!

[kupcake]

My wife and I just did the 2 day M-school at Thermal earlier this month. The Miramonte Resort is an oasis, with beautiful grounds. I am prone to motion sickness, but be advised: motion sickness meds have neuromuscular effects; you shouldn't drive at a track if you take them. I did have some issues on the small, very tight course. You can always sit out if you're not feeling well; the instructors were very considerate. Hydrate and snack often. You'll LOVE it!

[Domer88]

Thanks. The doc steered me away from motion sickness meds and instead gave me anti-nausea medication. I doubt I will need it. I only get car sick if I try to read in stop and go traffic (not me driving!). But better safe than sorry.