Would You Pay For This?

[71RS/SS396]

I didn't want to clutter up Bill Howell's thread so I'm starting this one.
Some of you know my family owns Jet Hot and we put on some auto-x driving schools at most of the ASCS events, it can be expensive for us to do depending on who we have to get for instructors, but we feel it's important for people to understand what they are doing out there and what they should be looking at on their cars. With that being said and with Bill wanting to increase safety would you guys be willing pony up the extra money above the entry fee to take classes at the events for road course instruction? It can cost $500-$1,000 plus expenses for an instructor per day, so with several instructors at an event I could see it costing as much as a few hundred per person to do this depending on how many sign up for it. We haven't discussed this amongst ourselves or with ASCS yet so I don't want anyone assuming we are doing this yet but I would like feedback to make the decision to move forward or not.
I don't want to speak for Bill but my sense is, you are going to have to prove your driving skills/training before you're going to be allowed on the track solo at full speed so we might as well accept the fact that that's the way it's going to be.

[dontlifttoshift]

Yep.

[BMR Sales]

All the Programs I Instruct at have Classroom Sessions and then have right seat Instructors on Track. Drivers (students) don't advance to Solo until they have completed at least 6 Weekends and get approved by a Senior Instructor (which usually falls to myself or other qualified Instructors)

Didn't know your family Owns Jet-Hot, but it reminded me I need to send a set of Headers Off to get done!

T.C.

[sccacuda]

I'm in. I've learned more from proper instruction in a 4 hour session than 4 years of thinking I knew what I was doing. The key is GOOD instructors. Their are great drivers who suck at instruction and great instructors who suck at driving. Trying to find one that can do both is challenging and expensive, but worth every penny. Anytime I get the opportunity to ride with a pro, I jump on it. Having one coach from the right seat is priceless!

[rchaskin]

Can I teach throttle management?

[71RS/SS396]

Can I teach throttle management?

You mean lack thereof!

[juniorjohnson]

I'm in.... :-)

[juniorjohnson]

Can I teach throttle management?

Randy, we need to work on that with you bud. LOL!

[71RS/SS396]

I'm in.... :-)

I know you are Mike and we're all fortunate to have you as part of the community.

[protouring70]

Hey Tim... I would be interested as my truck gets closer to being done. Plus the introduction to driving we talked about for my daughter.

[silvermonte]

I think this is a great idea. I would also hope that once a person has logged enough time with an instructor that it would let you go out on a track with a properly set up car. Its a shame that the RTTx events will be taking away the track portion, but I fully agree with why they are doing it and I hope that something gets put into place to allow the people that are ready to get on the track the chance to do that.

[71RS/SS396]

Hey Tim... I would be interested as my truck gets closer to being done. Plus the introduction to driving we talked about for my daughter.

Brent the man you want to talk to about your daughter is Junior Johnson.

[71RS/SS396]

I think this is a great idea. I would also hope that once a person has logged enough time with an instructor that it would let you go out on a track with a properly set up car. Its a shame that the RTTx events will be taking away the track portion, but I fully agree with why they are doing it and I hope that something gets put into place to allow the people that are ready to get on the track the chance to do that.

I don't think the RTTX events are taking away the road course, they are just going to make sure everyone is up to par in driver ability and safety.

[howehot]

I've attended your autox class and recommend it to everyone who ask about getting some training. I will sign up for more but I'm not sure how many will spend the extra cash if required on and above the regular entry fee. When a weekend event runs $350ish, they aren't gaining track time with the class and some will balk at the cost vs track time.

My wish is for some road course instruction. I've been on three different tracks and honestly they intimidate the hell out of me because I know the Monte is a lot more capable than the driver and could get in over my head in a hurry. With this In mind I limit my speed and use a large brake zone. There was a big eye opener and the optima Faceoff when a car crashed hard on the first practice lap. Still I have a ball at every event.

[rchaskin]

Randy, we need to work on that with you bud. LOL!

Looking forward to it.......

[71RS/SS396]

I've attended your autox class and recommend it to everyone who ask about getting some training. I will sign up for more but I'm not sure how many will spend the extra cash if required on and above the regular entry fee. When a weekend event runs $350ish, they aren't gaining track time with the class and some will balk at the cost vs track time.

My wish is for some road course instruction. I've been on three different tracks and honestly they intimidate the hell out of me because I know the Monte is a lot more capable than the driver and could get in over my head in a hurry. With this In mind I limit my speed and use a large brake zone. There was a big eye opener and the optima Faceoff when a car crashed hard on the first practice lap. Still I have a ball at every event.

Proof of road course knowledge/experience at some of these events is going to become a reality we are all going to have to live with whether it be on your own or through event sponsored training. I think the event sponsored route is going to be the most economical way to do it but I could be wrong.

[GeoffP]

Tim as I said when we talked at Charlotte Good Guys, I'm up for any training finances allowing. However, I will be at any event that has auto crossing as well as a road course (or not) and won't be disappointed if I'm told I can't get out on the road course due to lack of experience/training. I'm doing this for the fun of it and hope to learn lots along the way. After this year's RTTH, I already know I'm not driving my car to it's potential thanks to Brian Clark's excellent driving skills!

Randy - we all enjoy the show you put on!

[Kenova]

If I ever manage to get to one of these events I would certainly be interested in a some expert instruction.




Especially if Mary is instructing us on proper vocabulary.

Ken

[Bill Howell]

I've attended your autox class and recommend it to everyone who ask about getting some training. I will sign up for more but I'm not sure how many will spend the extra cash if required on and above the regular entry fee. When a weekend event runs $350ish, they aren't gaining track time with the class and some will balk at the cost vs track time.

My wish is for some road course instruction. I've been on three different tracks and honestly they intimidate the hell out of me because I know the Monte is a lot more capable than the driver and could get in over my head in a hurry. With this In mind I limit my speed and use a large brake zone. There was a big eye opener and the optima Faceoff when a car crashed hard on the first practice lap. Still I have a ball at every event.

Hey Dan, I don't want to engage in this thread too much because I like reading the comments posted. I will address yours though because I think it brings up a great point. I can only speak for ASCS, and as you well know we are in the process of restructuring our road course program or dropping it all together. That in mind, let me say this about people that will not be willing to "pay to play" or resist instruction based on price. I have never understood how many in our hobby will spend countless thousands of dollars building a very expensive ride, then pretend they don't need any attention paid to the most important performance element of their new toy- The loose nut between the steering wheel and driver seat. It has been proven over and over again that is the best and cheapest way to make your car and self faster. To anyone that feels it just isn't worth the money to at least get a weekend or two of instruction or doesn't understand the importance of some instruction before being turned loose on a track, with more car than talent, well... that probably isn't the participant we are looking for. Part of this experience we call events has to be learning. OK, back to the sidelines on this one for me.

[TheJDMan]

I am most definately interested.