Winter Driving Event 2023

Audi Club Golden Gate presents

HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVER EDUCATION
Thunderhill Raceway Park
Friday, January 20 – Sunday, January 22, 2023

What is included with registration?

The Winter Driving Event is Audi Club’s annual wintertime visit to Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California. Your registration includes a variety of features that will make the whole weekend unforgettable.

• Classroom Instruction – All students will have expert classroom instructors that will cover everything from basic car control and dynamics to advanced techniques. The classroom experience is designed to be a two-way discussion so you will have an opportunity to interact directly.
• On-Track Lapping – With you behind the wheel, your instructor will guide you through the 15 turns of Thunderhill Raceway teaching you car control techniques, and the safest and fastest way around the track. Off track, instructors will give you feedback on their observation of your driving on track and will be able to answer questions and address concerns.
• Car Control Exercises – Novice (A-Students, First Timers) will get a chance to go head-to-head with the cones in a variety of car control exercises on the skid pad. These exercises will demonstrate weight transfer, emergency and threshold braking, and accident avoidance. These exercises will take place on Friday afternoon from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Novice (A-Students, First Timers) should be at the track by 11:30 AM. 
• Catered Meals – Jim Thompson and the Thunderhill Grill crew will serve lunch each day. This is the best food you can get in Willows!
• Saturday Entertainment – We will be holding our banquet and auction on Saturday night at the track. This is a chance to socialize and enjoy off-track time with our fellow club members.
• Friday/Half Day Car Control Exercise Day – Advanced drivers (those in B group or above) have the option of a half day (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) of driving on the skid pad. No instruction is available on this day.
• SUVs and CUVs – Smaller SUVs are allowed at Audi Club events. These include vehicles like the Q3, Q5/SQ5, Allroad, e-tron, Cayenne, Macan, X1, X3, X4, X6, Tiguan, Touareg, RAV4, Forester, Outback, etc. Contact registrar@audiclubgoldengate.org to confirm your vehicle is OK to drive on track.

All registrants must be licensed drivers over 16 years of age and must be members of Audi Club North America (http://www.audiclubna.org/membership).

Equal seat belt restraints are required for driver and instructor. Lights, turn signals, etc. must be operating.

Each car must pass a Technical Inspection (see below).

A failure to meet safety checks or submitting an incomplete Technical Inspection form may disqualify students from event and cause forfeiture of the entry fee.

Helmet Requirements: Participants must wear helmets bearing Snell SA 2015 or SA 2020 certification. This certification sticker MUST BE present and visible inside the helmet. Helmets are also available to rent at a nominal cost when registering for this event.

Medical Information: No medical form is required for ACNA events. Please be sure your MotorsportReg.com profile has updated emergency contact information.

Technical Inspection for the Winter Driving Event: You are STRONGLY encouraged to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified individual/mechanic from an Audi dealer or local independent shop (preferably an ACGG sponsor including Title Sponsors 034Motorsport and Griffin Motorwerke!) to verify its safety (click here for a list of additional sponsors who offer technical inspections). You MUST have your Tech Review Form filled out by a mechanic no more than 30 days prior to the event. No technical inspections will be provided at the track! You are solely responsible for insuring that your vehicle is safe before you come to the track. Failure to present a completed Tech Inspection Form will disqualify you from participation in the event and your entry fee will be forfeited. Click to download the Tech Inspection Form.pdf.

Registration Fee

• Student Registration – $675 – Includes all meals, on-track instruction, classroom instruction.
• Instructor – $325 – Includes all meals and the thrill of riding in the right seat.
• Friday Car Control Exercise Day – $50 – This option is for experienced drivers only on the small skid pad (limited to 15 drivers).

Included meals: Friday light dinner, light breakfast, Saturday lunch, Saturday entertainment, Sunday lunch.

Driver Requirements

All drivers must:

• Be a current member of Audi Club North America at the time of the event.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Wear an approved motorsport helmet (Snell SA 2015 or Snell SA 2020).
• Wear appropriate driving shoes (no boots or open toes), long sleeve shirt and long pants.

Vehicle Requirements

• Vehicles must pass a technical inspection before the event. A technical inspection form will be collected at the event.
• Vehicles need not be made by Audi. All marques are welcome at Audi Club events.
• All vehicles must have working turn signals.
• Safety restraints must be equal for both driver and front passenger.
• Convertible or open-top cars are allowed if they have factory rollover protection or a suitable 4-point roll cage installed. Drivers must be able to pass the “broomstick” test. Contact the event registrar for details.
• Certain SUVs and CUVs are allowed in lower run groups. Please contact the event registrar to confirm your vehicle is appropriate before registering.

Experienced Drivers

If you are an experienced driver but have never driven with the Audi Club, please send us a note after you register so that we can discuss your driving experience and place you in the appropriate run group. Remember you must be a member of the Audi Club North America to participate.