Here are some answers to common questions about Private Coaching.
Q: Is there a level of track experience required before participating in Private Coaching?
A: No, I work with a range of drivers. Some have never been to the track before, others have some track and/or race experience, all the way up to professional drivers. It is more of a question of when would you like to make the most of your time and investment at the track?
Q: How long is the day and what can I expect for seat time?
A: Coaching days are from track open to close, usually 9am-5pm with a break for lunch around noon. Some tracks run summer hours 7am-3pm. I like to be there 30min before the track goes hot to brief before the day. Drivers average around five or six 30min sessions per day and dates are available 7 days a week depending on track schedules with the least traffic on the track happening during the week.
Q: What car do we use? If we use my car will you drive it? Can we rent cars?
A: Most people use their own car whether it be a race car or track/street car. Yes, I will drive your car if you ask me to although it is not required. This is common for showing you the line as well as feeling out the car and its current balance if we are working on set-up. Rental cars are available from Spec Miata, Porsche GT3 Cup, Ferrari Challenge, Formula Mazda, FIA GT3, SRO GT4 and everything in between. As the saying goes, “How fast do you want to go, how much money do you want to spend?”
Q: Do you do Half days?
A: I prefer not to as I honestly want to get you the most from your outing. In my experience most gains develop towards the end of the day which means a half day is just scratching the surface of what we can accomplish. I have done a few for past coaching day drivers due to special situations for 2/3 the cost of a full day.
Q: Do you think splitting the day with 2 or 3 other drivers is beneficial?
A: Yes, but the experience is slightly different when split with multiple drivers. I honestly have to say if you really want the most from your day one-on-one coaching is what you want. There are situations where having 2 or 3 drivers are beneficial such as generating a valuable collection of data for comparison like on a race weekend.
Q: What can I get out of the Private Coaching that I don’t get from an HPDE instructor?
A: Having worked for most of the top racing schools in the country with some of the top racing drivers in the country I have a vast experience to draw from. This allows a driver to believe and trust in the instruction being received. I encourage drivers to work on specific skills to raise their level of driving.
Q: Do you cover Data Acquisition and Video?
A: Yes, for those with data and video I am available to analyze your progress as well as help you understand how to get the most from the data and video throughout the day. I am fluent with most of the data and video systems in today’s market.
Q: Do you cover Set-up analysis?
A: Yes, starting as a fabricator and machinist moving on to crew chief and then the driver role I became a racer through a road less traveled. This path as taught me about the mechanical workings of the car developing a feel and knowledge for the balance of a car. I am available to answer your questions regarding your current balance and what changes I would recommend to fine tune your vehicle for the track.
If there are any other questions you have please contact me. Thank you, J