BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER TRACK DETAILS
THE REAL DEAL
Located on over 426 acres, the Thermal Club is a private motorsport club where you’ll be able to drive on once you book a class at the BMW Performance Center West – an exclusive opportunity that few get to experience. We also offer our own BMW Handling Course and polished concrete skid pad – needless to say, it’ll be worth a return visit.
THE THERMAL CLUB TRACKS – EXCLUSIVE TO BMW M
CERTIFIED SPEED
The Thermal Club features three distinct tracks that our M classes will utilize at various times. It’s the real deal – the track features an FIA Grade-2 certification that allows INDYCAR to race here and will be more than a match for you and an M car.
THREE CHALLENGES
M School will have you out on these large tracks for Lead/Follow events, where you’ll follow closely behind instructors on the South Palm Circuit and try to keep up with them. Advanced M School ups the experience even more with events on Desert Palm and North Palm.
DESERT PALM CIRCUIT
The Thermal Club's Desert Circuit is 1.7 miles long, featuring connected cambered corners and low- and high-speed sections designed to mimic a mountain road. Advanced M School exclusive.
NORTH PALM CIRCUIT
The Thermal Club's North Palm Circuit layout is approximately 1.4 miles long and features a challenging carousel-style corner and elevation changes. Advanced M School exclusive.
SOUTH PALM CIRCUIT
A 2-mile circuit that was part of the inaugural INDYCAR Grand Prix in 2025. M School takes place on this track, though Desert Palm may be used based on availability.
THE BMW TRACK
WHAT IS AUTOCROSS?
Imagine that you’re at the starting line of an actual track – look ahead to a series of cones that point you in the direction you’re supposed to go – these are your turn-in points. You might get up to only highway speeds, but you’ll put in some real work here as you use the throttle, brakes and steering to quickly adjust where you’re going.
THE CLOCK NEVER LIES
We set up our Timed Autocross Course through some switchbacks and fasts turns, which means you need to use every bit of performance from that TwinPower Turbo engine. Hit a cone, and we add time to your run. End your session by coming to a stop in our stop box – if the car isn’t perfectly in the spot, more time is added.
BLACK LAKE TAKE
Our Black Lake is a gigantic asphalt area designed for thrills. Line up for a drag race with corporate group packages, try our smooth Electric Drive Experience or turn and learn with double-lane change exercises during multiple classes.
SMOOTH OPERATOR
Portions of our M Mixed Reality also take place on the blacktop, where you’ll get a handle on M Power before donning VR glasses. And for thrill seekers, Advanced M School will have you turn off Dynamic Stability Control for the Rate Race XL – it’s more slippery than it looks.
POLISHED TO PERFECTION
Our diamond-cut, polished-concrete skid pad is already slippery, and we sometimes add water to the mix that enables you to level up your drift game. Use the throttle to feather the power and create a delicate balance of poise and traction.
DRIFT KING
Our skid pad offers is one of the few place in the country where you can safely learn how to drift in a controlled environment, making it an invaluable asset to teach high-performance driving for various events, including the M Drift Academy. Get a hang of the Correct, Pause and Recover method (CPR), which will help you get a grip on oversteer.
WHAT IS AUTOCROSS?
Imagine that you’re at the starting line of an actual track – look ahead to a series of cones that point you in the direction you’re supposed to go – these are your turn-in points. You might get up to only highway speeds, but you’ll put in some real work here as you use the throttle, brakes and steering to quickly adjust where you’re going.
THE CLOCK NEVER LIES
We set up our Timed Autocross Course through some switchbacks and fasts turns, which means you need to use every bit of performance from that TwinPower Turbo engine. Hit a cone, and we add time to your run. End your session by coming to a stop in our stop box – if the car isn’t perfectly in the spot, more time is added.
BMW OFF-ROAD TRACK
TIME TO GET DIRTY
Our Off-Road Course features rock climbs, hills that get your wheels off the ground and a steep dive that lets you test out our Hill Descent Control feature (hands off the wheel for that one). This is a roller coaster, only you’re in control. Available in New Owner’s Track Drive, Performance Center Drive, the second day of BMW Driver’s School, Teen School and Group Events.
HOME OF X
Many of our X vehicles are assembled right here in the United States, just across the street from our South Carolina location, and now you get to put them to the test.
BMW PERFORMANCE DRIVING SCHOOL TRACKS AT A GLANCE
Can I drive my own car on the BMW Performance Driving School track?
No. Only official BMW Performance Driving School vehicles are allowed on track.
Is the track open to the public for any track days?
No. Only official BMW Performance Driving School classes are held on track.
Is new vehicle delivery available in Thermal, California?
Not at this time. Please visit our Delivery page for more information.
Does every class take place on the Thermal Club’s tracks?
No. Currently, only M Experiences take place on the Thermal Club’s tracks, though some events also happen on the BMW course.
Do the instructors ride with me on track?
No. They will communicate with you via two-way radio during each exercise.
Is the M4 GT4 available to drive in South Carolina?
No. This program is currently offered in California only.
Can I have a Group Event on the Thermal Club tracks?
Yes. Please visit our Group Events page for more information.
Can I bring a spectator?
They are more than welcome to watch from our viewing platform but are not allowed to go in the car with you or to the Thermal Club as it is a private club. Food for guests can be purchased upon arrival.
Can I book a BMW Driving Experience the same day?
Yes. You can book up until the program start time online via book now, or call 888-345-4269 for more information before heading to the track to see what’s available.
