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Re: Monterey and Golden Gate Driving School Costs

>From: Cary D Mc Reynolds <cary@domain.elided>
>Date: Sun, 25 Aug 1996 12:12:13 -0700 (PDT)
>Subject: Re: Monterey Historics Cost

snip

> I must say that when I have 
>noticed that the GGC events are rather expensive (driving schools $265 + 
>approx $20 for lunch).   The one event I went to with the Portland ACA 
>was much more affordable, $75 for a lapping day at Portland International 
>Raceway, which included the fee for both me and my girlfriend, lunch, and 
>voluntary driving instructors if you asked.   

I feel the need to offer some corrections and comments.

The Golden Gate Driving School costs range from $190 to $220 this year
depending on the cost of track rental.  This is for a 2 day event with lunch
at the track included both days.  A group dinner on Sat night is optional
and runs $15 or $16.  There is an  instructor for each student.  Every
student rides with an instructor until they are signed off for "solo".  Most
novice drivers will not solo at their first event.  Classroom sessions are
also included.

In my view, these events are a real bargain and can not be matched for
instruction quality and instructor availability.  Other clubs in the Bay
Area run Track events at about the same cost or often higher.  Most of these
other track events are targeted at experienced track drivers and have an
instructor optional format.  the number of instructors vary from about 3 to
12 or so for 25 student sessions 

Monterey Historics:  I attended all the BMW Club (CCA and ACA) events and
found that they were worth the price because I liked the extras that went
with the event.  The Aquarium Supper included a tour of the Monterey
Aquarium which is a $15 ticket.  That was so neat that I will return another
day.  The $17 lunch may seem pricey but compare the typical race track
prices ($6 for a sandwich, $2 soda, $4 beer) and it is not too bad.  

Remember, there is no way to plan an event that  pleases all tastes and all
budgets.  The best that you can do is plan some special things that add to
the standard things available and try to supplement the experience where for
the first time in 23 years, BMW was the featured marque at the Monterey
Historic Races.  And remember, all of the usual options were still
available, including the McDonalds stand in the paddock!

At least everyone will agree that the cost of the BMW Preview event hosted
by BMW corporate was a winner:  Great Car Display with munchies, beer, wine
and soda all for free. 

Chuck Quarton