Craig T.

I just had my first experience as an instructor. The student was a young lawyer in a 2007 997S convertible. The first run session felt like I was pushed over Niagara Falls in an empty 55 gl. drum I was screaming into the chatter box so much the poor guy must have permanent ear damage. I never thought a 2 minute lap could be so violent (Avg. DE time in his class is probably 1:35-1:40)

I insisted on driving two laps to start the 2nd session so he could see that “smooth” is fast. I ran a 7/10 1:42 and that’s all it took. He was a different guy after that. It just clicked for him. He finished the day with a very smooth and consistent 1:38-1:40 session, with traffic, in 110 degree heat. Funny, I was proud of him, a complete stranger.

Is this typical for a first time instructor-student experience?

Mikelly

I hope to one day have that experience!

Congrats!
Mike

onefastviking

First times are always memorable, as you instruct more you will have many more memorable rides, I have many stories to tell after some 20yrs of it.

I find the hardest part of instructing has nothing to do with the track nor the car, the real challenge is getting into your students head to determine how they learn so you CAN then teach them.

RickBetterley

Wonderfully rewarding; adds so much to the enjoyment of DE.
CRAIG - some of the Niagara Falls experience may have been because it was your first as well. The more I instruct, the more easily I relax. That feeling of 'OK, I've seen this before' is a big help.
Of course, there is always the new experience to keep things exciting!
Have fun with your instructing - it will make you a better driver, too.

JC3D

Sounds like you guys had a great weekend out there Craig. I couldn't make it, but hearing about those temperatures, maybe it's good I sat this one out.

I've never had a student that scared me in POC, although I had a pretty crazy one in Speedventures a year ago.

Turbo Stan

Rewarding. Frustrating. Why do they have to be mutually exclusive? I love teaching. It really is a thrill seeing a student change in just a day. The only downside for me is jumping back and forth from the student's car to your own and then finding time to fill up with gas in between. Its a lot more effort than I thought especially in the South Florida heat.

Veloce Raptor

+1

Patrick E

+2. Of course, I've been lucky - I can honestly say I've yet to have a bad student.

Mark in Baltimore

I don't instruct too much (or do many DE's). I am always amazed at how some drivers can change their driving style so quickly. It's always cool to see your students get faster and faster, so, yes, it's very rewarding.

DanR

I have total respect for you guys who teach especailly in the heat. LAst week I did my 4 sole sessions plus went out with a couple of instructors for rides. After 6 20 minute sessions I was done for the day yet one of the instructors was doing 9 sessions in the day (his own 4, 4 students plus a sign off) I do not know how he made it!

One day I hope to teach so I can give something back as I take so much out every session I get with an instructor

Van

Glad to hear!

Craig T.

John, it was hot! Like always, Laurie, Jackie, and the crew took good care of us with unlimitted bottled water on ice, and a few intercom reminders to drink.

Surprisingly, considering the heat, there were some fast times. Don Matz ran a 1:24.2 in an IP car! Took my track record by 2 seconds

grehalva

Craig,
Each time out with a student is different. If I have a student who is trying to show me how fast they are and do not pay attention to what I'm saying I have them pull in so we can talk. I find this helps so they know what the point of what a DE is and who the instructing who.

renvagn

+1

paradisenb

I have recently started to think about instructing. I won't do it until I have an R3 H&N System. They are just soo much $$ considering I already have a HANS to use in my car.

I expect satisfaction and a few 'Code Brown' moments. The Green student with a Corvette or GT3 worries me the most.