Required items to bring with you when signing in at registration

Completed Tech Inspection form.
Helmet to be checked.
Must be 18 years of age at the time of the event.

Dress Code for Drivers and Instructors

You need to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt while on the track at Blackhawk

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, Blackhawk Farms Raceway will bill Windy City BMW CCA for these damages. We will, in turn, have you 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 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 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 a retractable hard top--which must be up during the event. For example the 2009-2016 E89 Z4 and the 2007-2013 E93 3 Series
Please email HPDE@windycitybmw.com for prior approval or questions.

Race Prepped Cars

Working mufflers are required.

Hotel

The Best Western Hotel at 5910 Technology Dr. in South Beloit, IL, offers a reduced rate for those attending an event at Blackhawk. Contact them directly by phone (815-389-4211). Do NOT use the BW 800 number or any booking site like Expedia, etc.

Recommended Items to bring with you to the track

It is “Recommended” to have an additional set of front and rear brake pads.
Read or review the "High-Performance Drivers Manual

Click here: High-Performance Drivers Manual

Registration packets for the HPDE Event

Driver Registration Packet: BFR Driver packet 2026
Instructor Registration Packet: Instructor Packet - Blackhawk 2026
Workers Registration Packet: Workers packet - Blackhawk 2026
Friday Track Schedule:Friday Track Schedule

Please remember, the Windy City BMW Chapter members who organize and run this event do so as volunteers!

Windy City BMW would like to thank the following sponsors for this event: