New BMWs Are NOT Being Banned From Track Days

Earlier this week, it was reported that new BMW cars with lane assist features would be banned from participating in track days with BMW CCA (Car Club of America). Turns out it isn’t totally true.

According to a statement released by BMW NA, this act was only on the part of one chapter of BMW CCA and it does not represent the organization’s official stance on the matter. The statement from BMW NA to BMWBLOG reads:

“The Genesee Valley BMW CCA Chapter created and published an unauthorized policy banning BMW’s with Driver Aids from participating in HPDEs [High Performance Driving Education]. The national BMW CCA office does not share their opinion and is discussing the issue with the chapter.”

BMW NA also wishes to emphasize to BMW owners that electronic driver assistance functions can be disabled for track days.

“BMW NA is working closely with the national BMW CCA office to educate and develop a nationwide procedure for including BMWs with Driver Aids in HPDEs. Most advanced driver aids like lane departure warning and blind spot detection do not affect the ability of the driver to control the car on-track at high speed. In addition the systems can be shut off so that they are also not a distraction to a student.”

BMW could do better by including optional driving profiles that are intended for track use. The experience should be as analog as possible, compromising feel and control as little as possible while minimizing distractions. Rest assured, though, M4 owners. You should be able to track your machine with BMW CCA. Just make sure you call and confirm first.

Source: BMWBLOG