A chance encounter between two young BMW owners, in 1974, was the genesis of Genesee Valley Chapter of the BMW CCA (GVC); one, of the two, remains one of our most active members. Informal gatherings that included other BMW fans eventually lead to the first formal meeting of the Friends of BMW. in 1977. Several years later that, now enlarged, group applied for membership in BMWCCA. The Genesee Valley BMW Car Club was first recognized as a chapter in 1981 and has grown steadily since. As of November 2019 the Chapter has over 1400 active members.
Our territory encompasses all of Western New York State and includes the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. The world famous Watkins Glen Race Track hosts our major driving schools and is located in the heart of one of the most scenic parts of the Finger Lakes. The entire Region is a driver’s playground of great roads, rolling hills, green farms and forests, crystal clear lakes and beautiful villages. The Finger Lakes is also one of the world’s most prominent and highly regarded wine-growing regions. It is little wonder that the GVC is a focused on the driving experience and on teaching our members how to get maximal enjoyment from their Driving Machines.
GVC staged its first Driver Education event in 1984; these track-based events are called Ultimate Driving Schools. Since the Club’s founding we have staged over 100 schools; these programs are known for their quality and professionalism.
We ensure that quality through regular Instructor Development Programs. Our racetrack Driver Education Programs are supplemented by region-wide Autocross events and by Tire Rack’s Street Survival program for teenage drivers.
We organize destination-driving events throughout the year. Our Pancake Run coincides with Spring maple syrup production and Fall Foliage tours are always popular.
We endeavor to have several social events scheduled each month; those include general membership meetings, cars and coffee “meet and greet “gatherings, and our year-end Holiday Party.
If you’re a new member or a current one please take advantage of our programs. You’ll find an interesting, eclectic, sociable group of BMW owners. Club events are a positive way to gain a better understanding of your BMW and develop skills that will enhance your driving experience.