Careers in Performance Driving??

[dan]

I'm after a bit of advice...

For some time now I've been thinking about a career change in the direction of motorsport/performance driving.

Now I know it's not very often you see adverts in the local rag asking for trainee F1 drivers... so what I was thinking of was something more along the lines of the performance driving schools/trackday companies that seem to be appearing in increasing numbers.

What sort of qualifications/experience do you need for this sort of thing?? I know that some companies ask for police cat 1, which from what I have seen here is impossible to get outside of the force, so whats the alternative.

I'd be grateful for any thoughts or suggestions, this is something that has been in the back of my mind for sometime, and I'd just like an idea on the feasabiliy/cost/potential earnings, before I jack in the day job and procure a fireproof suit.

Many Thanks

Dan

[Guy Humpage]

I believe that the Assoc of Race Driving Schools (ARDS) has a qualification/certification programme for instructors. There's nothing stopping you from setting yourself up as an instructor/coach, it's just finding punters to pay you, which is much easier if you have qualifications/race wins/a good reputation.

[mattc]

quote:
....
it's just finding punters to pay you, which is much easier if you have qualifications/race wins/a good reputation.

I always find it strange that punters think they will learn more from an instructor who can drive really fast and/or win races.
Several problems with this;
a) Driving quickly has a large genetic/instinctive element. You can't teach that.
b) Being able to DO is not the same as being able to TEACH, and
c) Most of us probably wouldn't benefit from being taught to drive-like-schuey (although we may THINK SO!) - in reality, we will benefit most from the basics. Trying to emulate the guys at the very top will most likely result in frustration and some big repair bills.

It seems to be a general confusion, not specific to motorsport. For example, I know who I would rather have soccer coaching from out of Bestie or Venables. But I also know which was the better player - the two ain't necessarily connected.

Also (following on from (a) above), it is possible to be a very gifted driver, yet know relatively little about the techniques, and still drive quite quickly. This is unlikely to make you a good coach.

[PetrolTed]

You raise some interesting points Matt but have also left me confused!

I had some instruction on Monday whilst on track and it proved extremely useful despite me have racked up loads o' miles on track previously. He did succeed in teaching me something in that short time.

[campbell]

So you didn't bend the car then Ted or were you just

[manek]

So what mattc is trying to say is: don't run before you can walk? I think...

[Stig]

You need to take an ARDS instructors course which is a lot more difficult these days than it was as you now need to be sponsored by an ARDS school (as I understand it). This struck me as a way of 'protecting their own' to stop any Tom, Dick or whoever from flooding the market with cheap instruction. Actually, if you speak to the pro-drivers you'll find that most of them struggle to make a living out of it and usually have to supplement their income with other sources of income.

Sorry if this sounds a bit negative, but I looked into it about 6 months ago and although I hold a National 'A' race licence, I got nowhere!

[mattc]

quote:
You raise some interesting points Matt but have also left me confused!

I had some instruction on Monday whilst on track and it proved extremely useful despite me have racked up loads o' miles on track previously. He did succeed in teaching me something in that short time.

Oh dear - perhaps I'll just shut up!

My main point was that instruction seems to be often sold on the merits of an instructor's racing experience."This guy's real quick. You should see his car control. He regularly wins races in such-and-such a formula...."
So if Dan (for example) has negligible racing experience, but understands the techniques and how to coach an aspirant driver, he may find the odds stacked against him. I guess if you're a middle ranking racing driver seeking to improve, then yes, you probably need a coach with experience at (or above) your level. But the VAST majority of the market place is made up of Average Joes on the street just trying to master the basics, and the first few levels beyond that. (Plus it sounds like most "happening" drivers are far too arrogant to seek help from coaches!)

Of course, I haven't really said anything useful about identifying the good coaches - all advice welcome! (For what it's worth, I've had two tuition experiences - one rather good, one pointless. I would like a better than 50% hit rate in future!)

Illustration:
I believe some journo took Colin McRae out in Colin's rally car down a forest stage. At the end, journo asked how he should go about improving. Colin's answer; "Just drive faster."


>> Edited by mattc on Thursday 6th June 12:26