Would You Pay For This?
 

I didn't want to clutter up Bill Howell's thread so I'm starting this one.
Some of you know my family owns Jet Hot and we put on some auto-x driving schools at most of the ASCS events, it can be expensive for us to do depending on who we have to get for instructors, but we feel it's important for people to understand what they are doing out there and what they should be looking at on their cars. With that being said and with Bill wanting to increase safety would you guys be willing pony up the extra money above the entry fee to take classes at the events for road course instruction? It can cost $500-$1,000 plus expenses for an instructor per day, so with several instructors at an event I could see it costing as much as a few hundred per person to do this depending on how many sign up for it. We haven't discussed this amongst ourselves or with ASCS yet so I don't want anyone assuming we are doing this yet but I would like feedback to make the decision to move forward or not.
I don't want to speak for Bill but my sense is, you are going to have to prove your driving skills/training before you're going to be allowed on the track solo at full speed so we might as well accept the fact that that's the way it's going to be.

Tim,

I would absolutely be interested in something like this. The only problem I have right now is - -I don't have a car finished (small problem!).

From a price perspective - - Depending on the structure of the instruction and the amount of time on the track, I don't see $200-$300 being an issue. Based on your numbers that would be 3-4 drivers per instructor to break even.

Brandon

Brandon, I don't have exact numbers and it will probably depend on participation but those numbers are pretty realistic and I think this will be the most affordable way for people to get training.

I thought chasing you was instruction enough! The only draw back I see to doing it, is for some of the guys, and gals staying away from the event because of the additional expense. I know Bill was saying some of the venues where tough to fill anyway. I'd hate to see the increase keep anyone from coming, and not filling up the event. My biggest fear is this is going to go away one day.

I don't know if you meant it would be an optional when we signed up, you know I'm all in for the coming in early for practice and instruction.

Good question Ron. My understanding is that it would be optional, but I'm not sure if that was the intent.

Tim ---


A couple thoughts….


Not "everyone" needs instruction -- or can afford it… at any given time. If an event is all day -- an instructor could ride with many different drivers. And there are guys such as yourself - Pozzi - etc all that might offer their services for a fee - to those that have gone beyond the basics and are looking to improve etc. So perhaps a combination of "pro" -- and "pro level but not pro instructor".

My thinking is here - that as we all know - you're not going to go from a couple auto x last year - to being qualified to go full tilt on a road course with a couple instructor ride alongs. There's not only the seat time - but the car set up etc… So to me - this needs to be "building block" style. A person should come away with "things to think about and study" -- and then practice on the auto x etc - and then next time they can - they need some more instructor seat time.

I guess my point might be that this is more "democratic" process…. where perhaps the expense is shared by all --- somewhat…. i.e., the fees for entry might be $50 higher than otherwise -- and the STUDENTS that need/want the instruction - pay an extra fee… (not sure what that would look like - but my democratic approach is an effort to bring that down some).

Now --- what EVERYONE at the event might get for their extra "cost" is the Pros discussing the lines at that track - the braking zones - some "tips" etc BEFORE or during breakfast…. and again at LUNCH… etc. So that EVERYONE would get some good input from the entire experience.


These are just thoughts here… not "do this or don't do that". Just trying to put thoughts to paper.


Love ya buddy!
GW

GW thanks for the feedback that's what I'm looking for. I really want peoples feedback of how to structure the cost and if they're willing to pay more in entry fees. I think everyone will benefit from this, even the experienced drivers will benefit in having folks on the track with them that are aware of what they're doing and not doing something unexpected in front of them.

Ron, I think the time has come from a safety standpoint to not worry about whether people will show up because of the expense, it will all be over with if we have a bad incident anyways. I think we can get people trained cheaper this way vs them going to hpde.....etc. If you go to a track day at any track they have a requirement for training and experience. I think it's wise for us to do the same. I think the organizers will have to determine whether it's mandatory or not, it's their sandbox.

Btw you're in trouble if you think following me is any training, a show maybe! :confused59: :mock:

Ya know -- ya got me thinkin' now - and that's NEVER a good outcome….


But these "EVENTS" could be made into "workshop/events"…. where the goal is not really to win anything - or be the fastest anything.. but rather just to IMPROVE EVERYTHING…


In other words -- a couple pro instructors -- toss in a couple guys that are dang near pros (a lessor fee structure for just tips and help)… AND you could toss in a guy like Ron Sutton for tuning.

So if the instructor/ride along semi pro -- says the car is "this or that"…. a guy like Ron could be there to DISCUSS (not work on!) what can be done either with the current set up - or with additional work/parts to make the car better… which as he has stated - will help to make the driver better.


Just thinkin' is all.


Most of "US" --- pointing at myself --- are real amateurs in the suspension (and driving) department -- so it would be nice - and fun - to learn a ton at these sessions…

I would be willing to pony up more money for instructors. That is my goal for this year, a autocross school, and a road course school.