ProCoach

That's good (the "aha" moment).

Again, instructor feedback variability and relative paucity of additional skill sets (as simple as reviewing intelligent video with a student to be able to have a conversation without the distraction of getting the car around the track) are common. But you've done a good job of getting what you can with what resources were at your disposal. It's not a slam towards the instructor, it's just a fact. But it does reinforce the original post's observations.

I see a lot of regions, for-profits and marque clubs are beginning a push to offer guidance, resources and training to up the game of their instructors and advanced (solo) drivers, which is GREAT. Still, the biggest motivation for a driver calling for a date to work together is the frustration of "being cut loose early," or "my instructor had nothing to tell me, but there has to be more," or "I KNOW there's more!" This is something ALL regions, programs, instructors and coaches MUST keep very high on the priority list. To avoid having students at ANY level feel those thoughts...

User 52121

As an instructor, I'm usually silent for one of two reasons:
1) The student is doing fine, and I don't have much to say
2) I've been doing a lot of talking, and want to shut up and see how the student handles themselves WITHOUT me reminding them to BRAKE or TURN NOW!

IMO in both cases, it's usually a good thing.

And just because an instructor solos you, doesn't mean you HAVE to go out solo. You can take the solo bump as a badge of honor (in the Chicago region it's an extra sticker on your windshield) but then ask him to ride along with you anyways.

aalencar

Something for you to laugh a little. So everything was planned for this weekend at Barber - hotel booked, wife convinced to come spend father's day weekend on the track, tiedowns installed, trailer to tow car rented. Just a little detail - the rookie here did not realize the u-haul trailer wouldn't work... I picked it up last night just to realize it was not even close to fitting my GT4. What a disappointment... I could not convince family to go in 2 cars so Barber will stay in the backburner for a little longer that I hoped for. I do not have where to store a trailer and now can't seem to find a place to rent one. Any suggestions?

User 52121

With U-Haul trailers you have to get creative. Wood blocks in front of the ramps to prop them up, wood blocks under where the front wheels would get "chocked" to keep from tearing the air dam up, etc.

aalencar

Thanks. I tried long piece of wood on the ramp but ramp still too steep. Then there is a lip on the bottom that looked like the car would get stuck on, finally the part for front wheels. I did not even get close to that but looked like it would indeed need a piece of wood to elevate the car. In other words, impossible for 7 pm yesterday with plans to hit the road 5 am today...

RickBetterley

What a disappointment!
If you don't have a place to store a trailer, look into offsite storage. Lots of trailers in the yards at storage facilities.
Look carefully at security, of course, avoid markings that scream race car inside (if enclosed trailer), and keep the car at home if possible.
Way back when I had a Trailex open it (and the car) would fit in my regular car garage.
Good luck and keep trying!

ExMB

Well, since you mentioned it:

AudiOn19s

I like to take this one step further. When I think someone is really good and they are fully prepared to really go solo I start carrying on a conversation not pertaining to what we're doing to see if they can stay focused.

I don't go REAL far with this but it's a good test to see if they are consciously or subconsciously driving at that point.

TAI2

Some Trailex dealers have them for rent as well. Precision Motorsports here in NJ rents and sells........

aalencar

Did one day event with a non-PCA group this weekend. Next local PCA event is only in September and I want to get some more seat time despite the 100 degrees summer weather. The way the event went made me appreciate much more what is done by PCA.

It was my first event with them and they placed me on beginner group after I registered online, as expected. I sat for the mandatory beginners class and was not assigned an instructor just like a few other guys. Went to talk to one of the organizers. He asked if I had ever participated on any DE and I told I had been to 5 or so. He told me not to worry and just stay on the beginner group and go without instructor...

It was horrible. People with no clue what to do but driving alone, people passing without point by, flag stations not talking to each other, people not giving point by despite being much slower. The icing on the cake was 2 bad crashes on the same event. Besides the talk of the garage about a kid who totalled a lambo the previous event. I left early.

PCA events may not be perfect but man it is a crazy world out there. Now Chin this weekend. My first with them as well but I am pretty sure it will be much better...

Manifold

Sorry to hear what a bad experience it was. You might consider telling us which organization it was - that's how substandard organizations get weeded out.

User 52121

Yikes. What group is that?

Sounds like MVP. The instructors were "first come, first serve" and were listed on a sign-out sheet. If all the instructors were signed out for that particular session, then the remaining novices went out solo.

aalencar

It was Performance Driving Group. They have lots of events in Florida and would have been an additional option for me to PCA/PBOC and Chin. But guess I will pass!

ProCoach

Would certainly pass on that group, for sure! Chin is very good, IMO.

uscarrera

I will be at PCA DE Sebring in September if I can help you with anything let me know.