Sometimes All You Need Is Clarity To Drive Faster

Frequently asked Questions

Is remote coaching effective?

Yes. The service is well established now thanks in part to lockdown. Recommendations fall into two camps: track specific and driver specific. The driver specific ones are things you can work on in your next session at any track. The track specific ones provide enable you to prepare for your next qualifying session. Having the analysis done this way, documents your achievements more thoroughly than in the moment conversations. You also get the recording of our coaching call to watch (and re-watch) with the report. Drivers do this in the week before an event, even at a different track. Sometimes even between sessions. No driver has gone slower!

What if you can’t find any improvements?

Well you’ll be doing great! However there is always more you can do to improve. I fact I guaranteed it. If there is no more pure laptime left to find then our focus switches to higher order driving refinements. For example, do you have to be 10/10ths everywhere or can you take less risk with minimal effect on lap time? Good drivers can easily overdrive in their quest for more lap time. I have coached the Stig (true!) and when you are a driving god drivers often benefit from the reassurance of knowing they really are getting everything out of the car. Coaching is about finding you lap time, and I’ve never not found opportunities, but it is also about helping you grow and level-up as a driver. Less mistakes, better feedback, more consistency, better concentration, better braking, more confidence. Challenge me, maybe you will be the driver where I can’t find the lap time improvement, but remember every pro driver on the planet knows they can improve. I’ll help you focus and prioritise what that looks like for you.

Who is this driver coaching for?

This coaching is design for race drivers looking to leave no stone unturned in their quest for lap time gains. The serious driver who wants to level-up and take a more professional approach to getting the most fun and enjoyment from their time on track. A driver looking to get clarity on exactly what they need to do to go faster so they can focus all their efforts on the fun of executing on track.

If you are a front runner in a competitive race series, you will know that the last few seconds are the hardest to find. This service will find your best lap time opportunities and prioritise them for you. You then have the fun of putting them into action. Using your data, you will know objectively if there is more time in you the driver or from your car. Maybe you don’t need to spend a fortune on that engine rebuild after all… ?

If you are relatively new to racing or stepping onto the grid for the first time, then this service provides you with the reassurance that you are starting on the right foot. You will have the right expectations, achievable goals and best foundation to build on for the future. Think friendly and genuine, rather than condescending. Expert support rooting for you and celebrating you crossing the line (even remotely.) Not many really appreciate what you’re going through…

Racing is not for everyone. For you, motorsports might be about the joy of driving on track as fast as you can. For the track day or HPDE driver, the service focuses on breaking down the components of “you” the driver. Profiling the key skills of braking, throttle and steering application you will get clear direction on what is really possible, what good looks like and precisely how you can get there.

Do you coach sim racers?

Yes. The benefit of sim racing is that the data is more reliable. There is also a lot more of it which is great for someone coaching you. You do need to be clear on what your coaching goals are though. Are you mainly (only) aiming to race online, or, are you using your sim as a driver development tool to help your real world track driving? They require two different approaches, so just make your goals clear on the application form.

Do you coach kart racers?

I’ll be honest, my experience is with cars and circuit racing. The approaches do translate but I know enough about karting to know that there is certainly more for me to learn. If that is ok with you and you are running some data and video on your kart, say an Alfano or AiM system, apply and we can discuss. If I don’t believe I can help you, I promise to tell you from the start.

My video is huge! How do I get you my data?

For the remote coaching, at a minimum you will need to send me your:

– onboard video *
– driver feedback
– logged data

I appreciate this can get pretty huge! Please find a decent internet connection to upload and share all your files to a folder in a cloud storage service. My preference is Google Drive or https://wetransfer.com/ both of which have free tiers. Share to: hello@yourdatadriven.com

* Clear onboard video, with a camera solidly mounted in the car and where you can hear the engine is essential. If you can see the driver inputs even better, but there must be a clear view of the track. Seperate video and data is fine – say from a GoPro and AiM Solo. The lowest workable resolution is on the basic VBox (720p)

Can you tell me what you mean by “driver feedback” ?

You need to give me context to your video and logged data. The way you do this is with driver feedback notes sent to me in a document. Add as much detail as you can – pictures and sketches are encouraged. See this guide on what good driver feedback looks like. Include any areas of your driving you are working on and want me to look at. Your data will reveal an element of your personality in the car (true!) but not your thoughts and feelings.

For example, you might be uncertain on the best line through turn 3. You might want to know your best opportunities on the brakes into turn 7.

Ask yourself these questions: How was that session for you? What one thing was holding you back? Where are you unsure?

Coaching is a service but it works best if you consider it a little like a brotherhood. Remember we’re on the same side of the table. I will need your help to understand what is going on. I will have my own questions for you too.

Does it matter the brand of data logger?

No. Most people using this service will have a GPS based data logger – like an Aim Solo.

All major data logger brands are supported for example:AiM, VBox, MoTec, Pi, Race Technology, Apex Pro, Garmin Catalyst and even a modern GoPro with GPS turned on.

If your logger brand doesn’t appear, make sure you specify what you use when you apply.

How long does remote coaching take?

3 to 4 days. This includes the time to receive and check your data. To conduct the data evaluation. Preparation of the summary report. Scheduling and conducting of your coaching call to suit your diary, timezones etc.

With prior arrangement, you do have premium options if you need a faster turn around. In my experience however, remote driver coaching offers you most value when there is at least 6-8 hours between when you finish your session and when you are next out on track. Think of this as a deeper analysis than what you are able to achieve during a hectic day at the circuit.

What is the refund policy?

If you are not happy, I will give you your money back. I’d much rather I added you to the driver coaching testimonials section though so all I ask is the opportunity to work with you to make good on the situation first.

I have other questions…

Drop me an email hello@yourdatadriven.com. Will be a pleasure to help you.