MINI Autocross and Track School

MINi Coupes driving on track

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It’s a full day of full-out performance driving behind the wheel of a MINI. From wet skid pad training to autocross and more, you’re in store for thrills.

THE MINI PACKS A MIGHTY PERFORMANCE PUNCH

PRO INSTRUCTION

MINI Driving Experience student

Our professional driving instructors have years of racing experience and are with you every step of the way, offering feedback and encouragement via radio. They’ll always perform the initial exercises with you, demonstrating everything from proper seating positions to the best way through a corner.

Handling

Chili Red MINI Coupes on track

MINIs are nimble and light on their feet, and you’ll experience it firsthand with our Handling Course. Precise steering moves and a sport suspension will help you keep it all under control.

Slalom

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Instead of outright speed, the slalom course focuses on precision and vehicle control. Cones mark off direction and turn-in points, so keep your eyes up and out as far ahead as you can.

Corner Entry

MINI Coupe front wheel

It’s not how you start – actually, it is. Entering a corner properly will allow you to exit faster, so you’ll practice entering a single 90-degree turn to focus on braking, vision, steering, apexing and acceleration through the corner exit.

AUTOCROSS ATTACK

Driving a MINI on track

It’s you against the clock in our Timed Autocross. Use what you’ve learned from our pro instructors and apply it consistently to put down the best time. Remember, slow in, fast out — and you could win the day.

FOLLOW THE LEADER

Chili Red MINI Coupes on track

Head over to the big Thermal Club track and slot in behind our instructors. You’ll follow them through the course and learn the proper racing line, picking up speed with each lap as the session builds intensity. End the experience with a hot lap, where our instructors show just what they’re capable of on track.

MINI Autocross and Track School

$900

AGENDA

Schedule Subject to Change

8:00 am - 8:30 am

Arrival, registration

8:30 am - 9:30 am

Class discussion

9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Drive time, hot laps

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Class discussion

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Drive time, hot laps

See summer hours - valid from June 1 – September 30

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Summer hours for our Performance Center West location only. Classes in Thermal will begin at 6 am, June 1 through September 30. Please check your confirmation email for details.

UPCOMING MINI AUTOCROSS AND TRACK DRIVE EVENTS
See all available dates and book now
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MINI Driving Experience Gift Card

GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF EXCITEMENT

Give someone a driving gift they’ll never forget. Good toward any class, each MINI gift card is delivered electronically, so it’s also perfect for last-minute gift giving.

TURN IT INTO A MINI VACATION

The Thermal Club

The Thermal Club

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful mountain range, The Thermal Club is an exclusive racetrack location that offers three unique layouts, plus our own challenge course to encourage maximum thrills.

Learn about the track
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Hotels, Dining and More

Downtown Palm Springs is just 40 miles from the Thermal Club, and it’s filled with luxurious hotel and dining options. Some of our hotel partners also offer exclusive discounts if you book with a lodging partner.

Explore the Palm Springs area and hotels

MINI AUTOCROSS AND TRACK SCHOOL AT A GLANCE

Where does the MINI Track Drive take place?

This course is available only at our Thermal location. Please visit our Locations page for more information.

BMW Performance Center West

86-050 Jasper Lane, Thermal, CA 92274
(888) 345-4269

Is the MINI Driving Experience affiliated with area hotels?

Please visit our Hotels page for more information.

Which MINIs will I be able to drive?

We offer the MINI JCW 2-Door as our only model.

Is there a MINI class that will teach me how to drive a manual transmission?

No. That class has been discontinued since MINI no longer offes manual-equipped vehicles.

How old do I need to be to participate in the MINI Driving Experience?

You must be at least 18 with a valid driver’s license.

Is it hard to drive a MINI?

Not at all. MINIs are user-friendly, with sprightly engines and responsive handling. You’ll have a great time behind the wheel.

How do you drive a MINI car?

We currently have a MINI Track Drive and a MINI Autocross and Track School. Each will explore how a MINI handles, brakes and accelerates on a closed track.

Is there a MINI Cooper Driving School?

Yes. The MINI Driving Experience offers classes in two locations, with pro instructors and a fleet of MINIs.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations for a full refund must be made within 60 days of your payment date. Cancellations made after the 60 days of payment will receive a credit to use toward another date or event. There will be no rescheduling if the cancellation is made within 14 days of your school or event.

MINI Coupe at the MINI Driving Experience