IPguy

Motivated by the post about the DFW area.

Can anyone suggest a professional race/driving coach in the Chicagoland area?

I'm looking for a coach to help with the transition to a GT3 from an ITS 325 and improve my on-track skills with the help of my AIM data system, if I ever get it installed. Personal experiences preferred if available.

Thanks in advance!

Mike

Veloce Raptor

Are you looking specifically for a coach who resides in Chicago, or one who knows the tracks there? I have coached at Autobahn, Blackhawk, etc. and would be happy to work with you, Mike.

SG_M3

I think http://www.tobygrahovec.com/Home.html is from that area. Or you could always contact www.nextleveldriving.com those guys are awesome.

FredC

Another viable option if you really want local would be Tom Bagley at the Autobahn country club. He used to race Indy. He's awesome.

IPguy

Thanks Dave! My initial thought was that I would start local to try and keep the costs from doubling due to travel. I was curious if you had an associated coach relatively local to me?

Thanks for the lead!

I know Tom, but only have feed back from beginners at ACC that have been coached by him.

Veloce Raptor

Yes, Toby Grahovec. I would recommend him.

cobrien

Tony Kester at Autobahn. Call Autobahn and ask for him. He's been a professional coach and racer for years. Raced RS/RSRs at Daytona and LeMans, as well as many other cars. Really good with data, really good guy. I've been working with him for the past two years; can't say enough about him.

Circuit Motorsports

I'll second Tony Kester.

You can also bounce stuff off of him in the iCoach forum at www.RacerUniversity.com

IPguy

Thanks guys! The comments and feed back are much appreciated.

I will hopefully update later this year with positive results.

Now, how to find time to get that data system installed...

ProCoach

Tom is very, very good. Top level competitor in open-wheel and lots of experience in hotted up GT cars.

Toby is an institution! Excellent racer and a lot of experience in similar cars.

Tony runs a business called Datasport. He was one of the earliest professional coaches to integrate the collection, interpretation and come up with objectively crafted solutions using his racing and driving experience melded with the data for client improvement.

A real pro and perhaps could help the most with training for using your new system, too.

IPguy

Thanks Lolaman!
Mike

SundayDriver

He won't blow his own horn here, but Peter (lolaman) is superb. I have seen what he has done with data analysis and he zeros right in on the issue. If you are considering reaching a bit outside Chicago, you should consider him.

Seth Thomas

Mike,

I am not in the Chicago area but I have gone down a similar path as you for cars. I started racing in an ITS 325 back in 2002 and I now have a 2005 996 GT3 so I can help with the transition. Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have about either car.