When I began my training as a tire industry test driver in 2010, I was a very average autocrosser with a bit of karting experience. I’ve been taught how to drive by industry experts who are also skilled racing drivers. I remember what it is like to go through this learning process – I don’t claim to be born fast or naturally gifted. I had to learn the hard way, and I hope my learning experience can help to guide you through your own journey on getting quicker and finishing higher up the grid. Through autocross, my test driving work, and road racing, I am fortunate to have driven, raced, and tested a wide variety of equipment on racetracks and proving grounds all over the world. Everything from FWD Corolla’s to 700 horespower modified Camaros, Formula Ford, Spec Racers, and everything in between. Nothing I can teach you is proprietary and revolutionary. Expert info on driving technique, how to be fast, how to win races, and how to setup your racecar is readily available in books, podcasts, and webinars.
Where I can help is taking all of this theoretical information and squiggly data lines and help you convert that into actual practice within the racecar. It is all good to see that someone is braking later than you on data or is “carrying more speed into the corner”, but how do you go about doing this consistently in the car? I can help you identify what is holding you back and then start to work on these items such as your feel of the car and tires, your vision, old habits or technique that are holding you back, confidence, and car placement. My goal is to teach you how to teach and coach yourself and to have fun doing it – because, in the end, you are the one in the car on track, and no coach can tell you what to do corner by corner on that important qualifying lap or that last lap battle of the race. And if you aren’t having fun, then why are we burning cubic dollars to be on track?
If you have questions or are interested in coaching, please reach out.
Example of review notes I will make for clients after a training day or race weekend
“Dave applies his knowledge of car handling and tire behavior to use data acquisition, video, and personal observation to explain what the car is doing and why. Moreover he spends the time to learn how the driver perceives the car’s behavior and the track so they can not only understand what needs to happen but how to adjust their own behavior and perception to achieve it.
He’s easy to get along with and shares his techniques for applying debriefing procedures and mental discipline to maximize the return from every track session. With his coaching, I’ve taken seconds off my lap times at tracks I’ve known for years.”
“I started racing 10 years ago at age 40. While I had a history of being competitive in other sports, I soon learned that racing would be my most humbling endeavor. I remember my first SRF practice at TWS getting lapped twice and finding out I was 12 seconds off the pace! I’m not a natural racecar driver.
Since working with Dave in the last two years, I’ve had my first 3 wins in SRF3, a top ten at a Hoosier Super Tour event, a top ten at Runoffs, and 4 wins in vintage racing with one of those being a National Championship! I could not have achieved these results without Dave. He is one of the fastest drivers in the country, and his coaching has been the difference maker in my recent results. He is able to help me understand what to look for by describing what he feels in the car in an actionable way. I have now adopted his language and visual cues into how I think about going faster every lap that I’m on track.
If you are ready to challenge yourself and do the hard work, I completely recommend Dave as your guide to the pointy end of the field!
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Here are the services I can provide:
Detailed analysis of your data and onboard video and a comparison to a reference driver
Back-to-back and datum laps in your racecar
“Out of the car” coaching and feedback on test days and race weekends (driving performance, racecraft, race weekend strategies)
In-car coaching in select cases (obviously in two-seat vehicles only…😉)
Vehicle setup and development
Example of video comparison notes I use in wrap-up discussions
“Working with Dave has helped me improve multiple aspects of my driving, not just lap times. If you are just looking for an area to improve, Dave can easily identify that for you but if that is all you take away, you will be missing some of the most valuable insight he can provide. From Dave, I have learned a holistic approach about how to prepare for not just an upcoming session but also how to prepare for a race weekend.
Perhaps more important than the specifics of driving, Dave understands how to teach others - there are lots of coaches who know how to drive fast, but lack the skill and patience to effectively communicate that to others. This is an area in which Dave excels and from my perspective this one of the most important aspects of a successful coaching experience. ”