BMW and MotorSport Vision Join to Offer Driving Experiences (UK)

BMW M3 in MotorSport Vision Driving Experiences

By Thami Masemola
February 25, 2009 5:00 AM
Filed Under: BMW, German, Lifestyle

Race track owners and operators MotorSport Vision (MSV) are teaming up with BMW UK to offer a unique M experience in some of their tracks. A fleet of M3 Coupes will be made available to those interested in driving these V8s around the famous Brands Hatch in Kent and Oulton Park in Cheshire as part of a package. Experienced instructors will be at hand to show drivers how to get the best out of the M3s. A flying lap in a Formula Brands single-seater race car forms part of the deal. The Bedford-based Autodrome will be introducing M3-only experiences, which means more track time for the drivers.

In a sort of long-term brand-building exercise BMW will also be putting kids over 13 years of age who are at least 4'10'' tall inside 1 Series cars at one of the aforementioned tracks. The aim is to teach these youngsters good driving habits while they are still wet behind the ear. On the syllabus are the basics of car operation and control, as well as hazard perception and avoidance.

As an added bonus BMW will deliver four M3s, four X6s and four X5s to be used as safety cars, medical vehicles and course cars respectively to four MSV circuits - Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Snetterton and Cadwell Park.

Source: BMW

Press Release (Click to expand)

New ‘M' car driving experiences come to the UK at MotorSport Vision circuits

YoungDrive academy for teenagers welcomes BMW technology

M is the most powerful and evocative letter in the BMW alphabet. The character that denotes BMW's motorsport history and its prowess in developing road-going sports cars now enters a new chapter in its history.

In a first for BMW UK, the marque has teamed up with MotorSport Vision (MSV) to offer a package of high octane ‘M' car thrills on some of Europe's best circuits. Now anyone can drive the class-leading BMW M3 as part of MSV's RaceMaster experience.

MSV's expert instructors will help customers to extract every inch of performance from this outstanding machine. A fleet of BMW M3 Coupés will be offered for the RaceMaster driving experiences at former British Grand Prix circuit Brands Hatch in Kent and Oulton Park in Cheshire. As part of the RaceMaster package thrill-seekers also get the chance to undertake some flying laps of the circuit in a Formula Brands single-seater race car.

MSV will also be introducing an exclusive M3-only experience at Bedford Autodrome, in addition to the two other circuits, with even more track time behind the wheel. The BMW M3 will feature in MSV's high octane corporate driving days and will be available to selected trackday participants at Club MSV events across its circuits.

Schooling for the next Andy Priaulx
The BMW experience is to be extended to the next generation of car owners, courtesy of the MotorSport Vision YoungDrive experience. Now children aged 13 and over who are at least 4'10'' tall will be able to get the perfect introduction to driving in a safe, traffic free environment at either Brands Hatch, Oulton Park or Bedford Autodrome. Youngsters are allowed behind the wheel of a BMW 1 Series and start with the basics of car operation before graduating to car control and hazard perception and avoidance.

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision, said: "BMW is a name synonymous with motorsport success, from its race winning Formula One team to its three World Touring Car titles with British superstar Andy Priaulx at the wheel. I'm delighted BMW has chosen MotorSport Vision as a partner for its UK-based driving experiences, as their outstanding machinery and expertise will elevate our driving packages to an even higher level, to give our guests a truly unforgettable experience."

Tim Abbott, Managing Director for BMW UK Ltd, said: "With the operation MSV runs and the circuits at which they are based, BMW couldn't wish for a more logical partner. MSV perfectly complements the ethos of BMW M while at the same time provides the next generation of drivers with their first taste of a BMW and the joy of driving."

BMW will also power the essential race meeting safety vehicles at four MSV circuits - Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Snetterton and Cadwell Park. The marque will provide four M3s to be used as safety cars, four BMW X6 medical cars and four X5 course vehicles.