BMW Celebrates 20 Years of Performance Center Training and Experiences
Since its opening in 1999, the BMW Performance Center has entertained and taught almost 250,000 people with a passion for the BMW brand. The facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, features a 2.3-mile track, which has been repaved to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the training center.
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Over the last 20 years, more than 23,000 new BMW vehicles were delivered via the Performance Center Delivery Experience. Through this program, new BMW owners and returning customers spend an evening in a luxurious hotel (provided by BMW) before heading to the track. At the BMW Performance Center, these owners take their new Ultimate Driving Machine around the corners to get a true feel for their sweet ride. They’re also provided with one-on-one time with a BMW specialist who can answer all questions they may have about their new vehicle.
In regards to the training aspect of the centers (there’s an additional center in Thermal, California), BMW provides opportunities for both young, inexperienced drivers and experienced motorists. At the Teen School, everything starts in the classroom, where attendees learn the basics like how to hold the steering wheel and the best way to sit for optimal visibility. Once they get in an actual car, they get accustomed to turning, braking, steering, emergency lane changes, and obstacle avoidance.
The more experienced drivers go over the basics of car control, including skidding on wet surfaces and panic braking. Handling is also taught to these more tenured drivers, allowing them to do a timed lap session on the track.
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It’s exciting that BMW has been providing these opportunities to automotive enthusiasts for 20 years now. We’re sure there will be plenty more visitors to the Performance Centers for many years to come.
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