Sat, May 16 - Sun, May 17, 2026

Spring Weekend on the South Track-Autobahn CC

About this event

A weekend of fun driving the premier Chicagoland racetrack. You'll get four hours on track to acquire, practice and enhance your high-speed car control skills. In-car instruction and classroom-style workshops will be provided for drivers who are new to the sport. Our event staff and instructors have over 40 years of experience providing fun and safe weekends. Learn from the pros. Enjoy relaxing and socializing with your fellow participants in between driving sessions. You'll drive your own car. Bring your European, Asian, USA, etc. sports car / sports sedan. Experience safely driving your vehicle under conditions of higher speed, with higher lateral g-forces and heavier braking loads than you encounter on the highway. Learn how well your car can perform and how to control it under these more demanding conditions. This exciting weekend is hosted by the folks of the Windy City BMW chapter of the BMW CCA. We look forward to driving with you at Autobahn on May 16 & 17. You don’t need a BMW to attend.

The NHRA Nationals are being held at Rt. 66 Raceway, the same weekend we are at Autobahn. Hotels will fill quickly, so make your reservations SOON. Autobahn has discount deals with some of the local hotels. When you make your reservation, ask if they offer an Autobahn Country Club discount.

Highlights -

Two days in your car on a racetrack with four half-hour on-track sessions scheduled per day
We will be driving on the South Circuit for the entire weekend
Each driver will slot into one of three skill level groups - novice, intermediate, or experienced/solo
Each group has controlled passing rules since the HPDE is not a race but a teaching/learning experience
Individual instructors will be assigned to novice drivers to help them to acclimate to the event and learn the basics
Individual instructors will initially be assigned to intermediate drivers to help them bring up their skill levels

Pricing for the Event

Instructors - no charge if you are instructing Satuday and Sunday
Drivers

$495.00 2-day early registration discount for Saturday & Sunday when you register on or before April 18, 2026

$525 2-day regestration for 2-day registration starting on Apri 19, 2026

$375.00 1-day early registration discount for a Saturday or Sunday on or before April 18,2026

$425.00 1-day regestration for 1-day registration starting on April 19,2026

Register for just one day if your schedule won't allow for the full weekend of fun (There are a limited number of one-day slots available)

New for 2026 at Autobahn Country Club

During morning event registration at the Autobahn south Tech Barn you will sign the BMW club waiver.

As in the past, you will need to sign both the Autobahn Waiver and the BMW Waiver to participate in the event. However, Autobahn has a link for you to electronically sign their waiver at this link:

Here is the link for Autobahn Waiver Link (everyone attending the event must fill out)

When you get to the Autobahn gatehouse they will confirm your name in their data base, give you their wristband and open the gate. If you have been unable to access the link during registration you will need to sign their paper waiver before getting their wristband.

Non-members pay an additional $60.00 for 1-year BMW CCA membership

BMW CCA Membership submitted once event registration closes

Saturday Track Schedule

Sunday Track Schedule

Event requirements

Required items to bring with you when signing in at registration

Completed Tech Inspection form.
Autobahn requires long pants to drive
Helmet to be checked.
Must be 18 years of age at the time of the event.

Vehicle Technical Inspection

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE TECH SHEET AND HAVE IT FILLED OUT AND SIGNED PRIOR TO THE EVENT--THERE IS NO TECH PERFORMED AT THE EVENT--NO SIGNED TECH SHEET MEANS YOU GO HOME--(NO REFUND)

BMW CCA HPDE regulations no longer allow chapters to sponsor pre-technical inspections for track events. The tech sheet is required to be signed by the inspector and the participant and handed in at registration. You can take your car to be inspected at your dealership or your favorite independent shop.

Complete the inspection no earlier than 4 weeks prior to the event. Remember cancellation deadlines apply.

Click here: TECH INSPECTION SHEET 2026

Track Damages
You will be held personally responsible for damages to the track that may occur. For example, if you spill oil on the track or damage a tire wall or concrete barrier, Autobahn Country Club will bill Windy City BMW CCA for these damages. We will, in turn, ask you to reimburse us for this cost. This applies to any charges incurred for the use of tow trucks or ambulance above what we have agreed to in our contract with Autobahn Country Club for the event.

Helmets

Snell-Rated Helmets. Snell helmets must be rated to the current or prior Snell standard. Snell SA2015, SA2020, M2015, and M2020 are allowed as of the date of this event.

If buying a new helmet, note the coming end of the use of “M” rated helmets so only purchase a Snell SA2025 helmet. Helmets must be rated to the following Snell or FIA standards. With the current standard as Snell 2020, helmets meeting the Snell 2015 standard are allowed through the grace period (the eleventh year) until the end of calendar year 2026. SPECIAL NOTE: Snell Motorcycle (M) Helmets. Upon the release of the Snell 2025 standard, “M”-rated (motorcycle) helmets will no longer be allowed. M2020 helmets will only be grandfathered until 12/31/2026. FIA-Rated Helmets. FIA standards are generally updated every 8 to 10 years. · FIA 8860-2010 helmets are accepted until 12/31/2028 · FIA 8860-2018 and 8860-2018APB helmets currently do not have an expiration date. · FIA 8859-2015 helmets currently do not have an expiration date.

Cabriolets (convertibles)

Per BMW CCA track event rules convertibles must either be equipped with an SCCA approved roll cage and attached hard top, or come from the factory with fixed roll hoops and a retractable hard top--which must be up during the event. For example the 2009-2016 E89 Z4 is okay, the 2007-2013 E93 3 Series is not--since it has no roll hoops
Please email HPDE@windycitybmw.com for prior approval or questions.

Race Prepped Cars

All cars in Novice and Intermediate Groups must have 2 seats. If you arrive in a car without 2 seats, you will not be able to participate, and there will be no refund.
All student cars must have equal restraints for instructor and driver.
Working mufflers are required.

Recommended Items to bring with you to the track