Road Atlanta this past weekend was my second PCA Spec Boxster race (Sebring was the first), and I was still a license candidate with two big red X's on my rear...so nothing stupid...just finish...and stay out of trouble.

When two-time NATIONAL Spec Miata champion Todd Lamb, a former Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge pro driver, offered FREE coaching sessions at Road Atlanta (here on Rennlist), I literally JUMPED at the opportunity.

I've always imagined the advantages of pro coaching...but never felt (1) I could afford it or (2) I was ready for it. But when I was tossed in the deep end of Spec Boxster racing and found myself waaay back at the dull end of the stick, I figured the time to hook up with a pro had finally arrived. And there was no doubt I could afford FREE.

Todd has a full video/data system in his rolling rig...complete with couches, big-screen TV, air conditioning, sandwiches, and two guard dogs (long story).

He was able to use the limited AIM data from my ageing Spec Box to deconstruct a session, turn-by-turn, and find several seconds of "lost" time. He explained (and demonstrated on the video screen) tiny mistakes and corrections. He made the changes simple to digest, and easy to remember. The next session, I picked up TWO SECONDS. Not 2/10ths...TWO FULL SECONDS.

There were other sessions, and more time gained. He talked about strategy and race craft. We continued to review data and video. I quickly climbed the steep learning curve that would have taken YEARS without help. Todd's demeanor is calm and precise....non-judgmental...to the point... and easy to retain.

Am I convinced that coaching is the way to go? You betcha. There is so much to be gained from a professional second opinion, an untethered and critical eye. Is Todd the "go to" coach? It's a crowded field. But, if you're trying to master the challenging technique of "momentum driving," I have no doubt.

Thank you, Todd.

His Atlanta Speedwerks is based in....(duh) Atlanta. But he'll be following the PCA eastern race circuit this year.

 

You're welcome Mike. It was a pleasure to have you under our tent. Your progress this weekend was impressive! Always makes a coach feel good to see clients setting personal bests.

 

I'm still doing DE's to get ready for racing. Hope to have an experience like this some day. Thanks for posting.

 

This is another endorsement for Todd. I too picked up TWO FULL SECONDS!
Todd could pick up both my major and minor mistakes, and explain them in a way that even I could understand.
It was my first time at RA and I qualified first in class. Unfortunately, at the end of qualifying my clutch decided that five years was enough for it, so I wasn't able to use the knowledge in the races.