Autocrossing with the BMW CCA in the San Francisco Bay Area


2008 Autocross dates:
Registration for an autocross typically opens up the Monday after the prior event.

The only pre-requisite is that you must be a BMW CCA member. Membership costs $40/yr and for that you get discounts at most local dealers on parts, a subscription to the magazine Roundel, A $500-1500 discount on your next new or CPO BMW (transaction completely separate from the dealership - this pays for a lifetime of BMW CCA membership!), etc.

No prior experience or special car preparation is necessary. Stock cars do just fine! You do need a helmet (Snell 2000 or newer certification), but we've got several loaners on-site for you.

Our autocrosses are a competitive environment where a cone track is setup in a big parking lot or airfield.. We put cars into classes based on a formula (based on weight, torque, your few modifications, and several other factors). It's very safe - only one to two cars is on the course at any one time (opposite sides) and the hardest thing you can hit is a cone. There are 3 sessions - you drive one session, work a second, and get the third off. Work assignments vary, but most beginners are assigned to be a cone worker, identifying when a car hits a cone and returning it to its proper location (every cone you hit when on course adds a second to your time). Experienced autocrossers can sign up for the assignment of driver coach, riding along with anyone that wants and giving them tips.

The cost is only $45 plus lunch if you want lunch on-site (lunch costs vary depending on location, it is generally $5.00). Soda and water is provided to all participants free (while supplies last!)

This is one place that you can spin your car and people on the internet won't give you crap for driving beyond your limits.... as a matter of fact, if you spin, people might even clap!

Unlike our driving schools, roll cages are not required - stock convertibles are accepted.

Worried about wear to your car? Yes, you will wear your tires and brakes more than you would on the freeway - but a small amount of rubber is worth the fun you'll have!

Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions.

If you want to give it a shot

Step 1: Join the BMW CCA if you're not already a member [here]. Forward your email receipt to autocross@ggcbmwcca.org for proof of membership (or print it out and bring it with you to the event)

Step 2: Use the GGC BMW CCA online autocross tool - establish an account, select a driver number, and classify your car. If you just joined the BMW CCA, the online autocross tool won't find your membership. That's OK, it will still let you proceed.

Step 3: Register for the autocross and pay @ MotorsportReg.com [here]. (You will also have to create a new account on motorsportreg.com)

Still not sure? Just want to watch?

You can come down and ride along without any signup... free! It's a very friendly environment, and most people are more than willing to let you ride along in the passenger seat. We give 6-7 runs, and I usually take passengers for the first 3-4 runs. I've got to do my last two without any extra weight .

Monster Park (Candlestick) is an easy location to find (right off of Hwy 101 in South San Francisco) but you may not have heard of Marina - it's a great site just north of Monterey. Directions to Marina: Marina is within 10 miles of Pacific Grove, the Monterey Aquarium, and Laguna Seca. With no traffic, it is about 1 hour from San Jose. Take 101 South to 156 West to 1 South toward Laguna Seca Raceway and Monterey. Take the Reservation Road exit south toward Marina (Left at bottom of exit ramp). After one short block, turn right in order to stay on Reservation Road. Follow the road through Marina and approximately two miles south of town. Turn left at Imjin Rd (stop light) into Marina Airfield - You'll be turning toward a large red/white water tower. Turn right after the first large building on the right and follow the cones to the autocross site. Here's a tinyurl which redirects to google maps showing our autocross site [here].

-Kris Linquist, GGC BMW CCA autocross co-coordinator. email: kris at linquist dot net