mini driving experience classes
MINIs are happiest when sliding around a track and being pushed to their limit. Take a class with us, and our professional driving instructors will show you how to extract maximum smiles per hour.
Mini Driving Experience At South Carolina
This action-packed half-day course gets you into a John Cooper Works MINI on our track. Start with an exhilarating drag race as two MINIs go up against each other. After your heart rate goes up, hop in for the Handling Course, which shows off the unique handling attributes that make MINIs such fun. Then it’s on to competitive Timed Autocross laps. End the event with a hot lap with one of our pro driving instructors, where the smiles come as fast as the day goes.
Times: 8:30AM-12PM, or 1PM-4:30PM
Price: $550
MINI TRACK DRIVE
A half day with a whole lot of fun. Get in and get familiar with your MINI in short order, then get on the track for some handling, braking and autocross exercises. Try to keep up with our instructors as they take the lead position and guide you around the course. End the session with a hot lap, where an instructor will show you exactly what a MINI can do.
Times: 8:30AM-12PM, or 1PM-4:30PM
Price: $550
Available at Thermal location only. Please note the Summer hours for our Performance Center West location only. Classes in Thermal will begin at 6AM, June 1st through September 30th. Please check your confirmation email for details.
mini autocross and track school
Start your day with a buzz your morning coffee could never provide. You’ll slide behind the wheel of a MINI and take it for a spin on our warm-up slalom, then head into panic braking from increasing speeds. We keep the excitement up with wet skid pad training and emergency lane change maneuvering, then bring it all together for our handling course, where you’ll develop a true feel for the limit of traction. Finally, hop in for a hot lap with our instructors as they put an exclamation point on the day.
Time: 8AM-4PM
Price: $900
Available at Thermal location only. Please note the Summer hours for our Performance Center West location only. Classes in Thermal will begin at 6AM, June 1st through September 30th. Please check your confirmation email for details.
Course Highlights
PANIC BRAKING
Learn to brake hard from speeds up to 55mph while navigating a corner. Sounds easy: it isn’t.
WET SKID PAD
Take a literal spin on our polished concrete skid pad. Wet down constantly, the wet polished surface prevents full grip from being achieved, which means under- and oversteer conditions for you, the driver. Perfect for learning how the MINI handles at the limit of adhesion.
HANDLING COURSE
Students will get an overall feel for a MINI as they drive through our handling course. Developing a feel for the limit of traction while accelerating, braking and cornering, it’s an exercise aimed at overall car control.
Mini fun, now in two locations
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
Fast turns, a back straight perfect for speed exercises and a polished wet concrete skid pad make our Spartanburg track the perfect place to hone your driving skills.
THERMAL, CALIFORNIA
Set against the backdrop of a beautiful mountain range, The Thermal Club is an exclusive track that offers three unique layouts, plus our own challenge course to encourage maximum thrills.
MINI DRIVING EXPERIENCE SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE
How many MINI Driving Experience locations are there?
We currently have two locations in California and South Carolina.
Where is the MINI Driving Experience located?
We currently have two locations in California and South Carolina.
BMW Performance Center
155 SC-101, Greer, SC 29651
(888) 345-4269
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.
Is it hard to drive a MINI?
Not at all. MINIs are 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 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.