Track Driving Development at ECR With Guy and Corey
It is always a pleasure when Guy and Corey come out for some track time.
Both drivers are focused on improving behind the wheel, and I enjoy being part of that process as their coach. Our time together at ECR has been centered around track driving development, building confidence and helping each driver better understand how to use the performance of their respective cars.
Guy has continued getting more comfortable with his GT3 Cup car, while Corey’s G-car has been getting quicker as well.
Seeing both drivers make progress makes every trip to the track worthwhile.
Track Driving Development With Two Different Cars
One of the interesting parts of working with Guy and Corey is that they are developing in different cars.
Every race car has its own characteristics.
The braking, steering response, power delivery and overall balance can all feel different from one platform to another.
Because of that, track driving development needs to focus on the individual driver rather than applying exactly the same approach to everyone.
The fundamentals may remain similar, but how each driver applies them can change depending on the car.
Guy and the GT3 Cup Car
Guy has continued working on getting a better handle on his GT3 Cup car.
A car with significant performance requires the driver to gradually build an understanding of how it behaves in different situations.
That can involve becoming more comfortable with braking, learning how the car responds during corner entry and understanding how much performance is available through the middle and exit of a corner.
The more experience Guy gains with the car, the easier it becomes to recognize what it is communicating.
That familiarity is an important part of developing confidence.
Building Confidence Without Rushing the Process
Driver confidence should come from understanding rather than simply pushing harder.
When a driver becomes more familiar with the car, they can begin making better decisions about where additional pace may be available.
That is more useful than trying to force a faster lap.
During track sessions, we can work through one area at a time and gradually connect those improvements.
Over time, braking, steering, throttle application and track positioning begin to work together more naturally.
Corey Continues Building Pace
Corey has also been making progress.
His G-car has been getting faster, and it has been great to see that development continue.
As with Guy, the goal is not simply one quick lap.
A driver needs to understand how the pace was achieved and whether it can be repeated consistently.
That repeatability is an important part of preparing for future competition.
Why Consistency Matters
Consistency is one of the most valuable measurements of driver development.
A single fast lap can show potential.
Repeating that pace shows that the driver is beginning to develop a process.
That process can include:
- consistent braking references
- controlled brake release
- accurate corner entry
- smooth steering input
- appropriate throttle application
- repeatable track positioning
- better awareness of the car
These fundamentals become increasingly important as the driver’s pace improves.
Working on Technique During Track Sessions
Track time creates an opportunity to work on specific driving techniques without trying to change everything at once.
A productive session may focus on only one or two areas.
For example, we might work on making a braking reference more consistent before moving on to corner entry.
Once that becomes more repeatable, the driver can begin focusing on how the car is positioned through the remainder of the corner.
Breaking the lap into manageable areas can make the development process easier to understand.
Learning to Communicate What the Car Is Doing
Another important part of track driving development is driver feedback.
The driver needs to become comfortable describing what they are feeling from the car.
Is the car comfortable under braking?
Does it respond the way the driver expects at corner entry?
Is the driver able to apply power confidently on exit?
Learning how to answer those questions helps create better discussions between sessions.
It also allows the driver to become more aware of their own technique.
Preparing for the Next Race
Guy and Corey are both continuing to build toward their next racing opportunities.
Track sessions like this provide useful preparation because they allow the drivers to work on technique and confidence before the pressure of competition.
The more comfortable they become with their cars, the more attention they can give to the additional challenges of racing.
Those challenges can include traffic, positioning, decision-making and maintaining consistency while competing against other drivers.
Progress That Is Good to See
The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing drivers make progress over time.
Guy is continuing to get a better handle on his GT3 Cup car, and Corey’s car continues to get quicker.
Both drivers are putting effort into improving their skills, and it is great to see that work translate into more confidence and pace on track.
I am looking forward to their next race and seeing how they continue to develop.
I think they are going to be very happy with their progress.
Cheers,
J
Learn more about driver coaching with Jason Hart Racing.
For track coaching, testing or race preparation, visit the Jason Hart Racing contact page.