Rally
Forum Member
Previously when a group of us have gone off roading, I’ve been asked to help those new to heading off road. It was good to see the improvement in drivers at the end of the day compared to earlier in the day.
I’ve done similar things in motor racing. Twelve months ago, 2 new drivers began competing and I jumped into their cars as well. Neither was doing very well getting it all together. The first guy was having difficulty coordinating the whole brake, turn, handbrake throttle procedure right. Still, at each course he was coming to grips and improving each time. After 4 courses, I had to leave him and go out and compete myself. As I came off my first course I saw him out on the other course and was amazed. It all finally clicked on the last one I did with him and he was driving brilliantly. I have never seen anyone improve as quickly as he did. A few weeks later he competed in a wet hill climb. And won! I was really pleased for him.
The second bloke was impoving as well, if not at quite the same rate of improvement. At a later event I saw him driving well. Then today I jumped in the car. In 12 months the difference was night and day compared to 12 months ago. Beautiful turns, great handbrake turns and power down. Sensational and once again I was delighted for him.
I also spent some of this morning with another driver competing for the first time. She was very nervous on her first run, but as all we were doing was for her to get out there, it was fine. Over the next three runs, she improved noticeably and I have no doubt she will be a good driver too.
Irrespective of whether it’s motorsport or off roading, it seems it’s all about unlocking the talents people have by building confidence and making them feel comfortable. Now while there are people out there who just aren’t suitable for driving, many people have talent they don’t realise they have. I was fortunate to be able to teach myself, and others have as well, but for others who have the talent if you don’t get some help accessing it you’ll never fulfill your potential. Never get to places that would be so good to see and enjoy.
I’ve done similar things in motor racing. Twelve months ago, 2 new drivers began competing and I jumped into their cars as well. Neither was doing very well getting it all together. The first guy was having difficulty coordinating the whole brake, turn, handbrake throttle procedure right. Still, at each course he was coming to grips and improving each time. After 4 courses, I had to leave him and go out and compete myself. As I came off my first course I saw him out on the other course and was amazed. It all finally clicked on the last one I did with him and he was driving brilliantly. I have never seen anyone improve as quickly as he did. A few weeks later he competed in a wet hill climb. And won! I was really pleased for him.
The second bloke was impoving as well, if not at quite the same rate of improvement. At a later event I saw him driving well. Then today I jumped in the car. In 12 months the difference was night and day compared to 12 months ago. Beautiful turns, great handbrake turns and power down. Sensational and once again I was delighted for him.
I also spent some of this morning with another driver competing for the first time. She was very nervous on her first run, but as all we were doing was for her to get out there, it was fine. Over the next three runs, she improved noticeably and I have no doubt she will be a good driver too.
Irrespective of whether it’s motorsport or off roading, it seems it’s all about unlocking the talents people have by building confidence and making them feel comfortable. Now while there are people out there who just aren’t suitable for driving, many people have talent they don’t realise they have. I was fortunate to be able to teach myself, and others have as well, but for others who have the talent if you don’t get some help accessing it you’ll never fulfill your potential. Never get to places that would be so good to see and enjoy.
