I first drove a racing car, a Merlyn Formula Ford 1600, at the Jim Russell International Racing Driver's School at Mallory Park in 1972, aged 14. That was a Trial Lesson I'd saved up to do while still at school. I continued three years later with a full Jim Russell IRDS course at Silverstone Circuit in 1976 and a second full course at Jim Russell IRDS in 1977. I also completed a skid control training course at Jim Russel Snetterton.
Following the courses and some practice sessions, in 1978 I started racing with the Jim Russell Racing Drivers' Club (an offshoot of the school) in their own 'closed' races, and won the first race I ever took part in. I went on to do several races with the club and during that time, one day I was asked to help with some instructing because they were sort of instructors.
In those days there was no sitting in cars with people - all the pupils were driving Formula Ford single-seaters and we had to stand at the edge of the track either at the turn point or on the apex of corners and both observe and instruct with hand signals (patting the air meaning slow down for example, and literally standing at the clipping point, pointing at it while an open-wheel racing car was going past only feet away at 70mph!
That was my first experience of instructing, 37 years ago. Since then I have instructed for several race schools, including Aintree RDS, Oulton Park, Silverstone and Rockingham and numerous track day organisers including Gold Track and Javelin Track Days, and corporate driving experiences such as Palmer Promo Sport. I was one of the first instructors to be licenced in 1994 shortly after ARDS was formed and have since held the highest licence grades (both A & S) during the last 14 years.
For the last 10 years I have mostly catered for private customers, from track day enthusiasts, including complete novices, to experienced competitors, opting not to work for race schools or track day organisers. Although I do work on Race Course and MSA Novice Driver Training Courses (aka ARDS Tests) for my own clients at Anglesey Circuit.
Driver Coaching
Simulators are a great tool for serious driver development or even just to learn a new circuit. I have access to a top of the range facility in Cheshire, only 20 minutes from Oulton Park.
https://timarnold.com/tuition#sigProId9dfa712b2b
Email me or call me for details...
07800 715450
Track Day Instruction
Vision - The element of track driving key to accurate, consistent racing lines and ultimate speed.
Corner preparation - Planning ahead, using 'vision' - where you will place your car, brake, turn, clip and exit. Leading to a more relaxed, smoother style and less frantic negotiation of corners.
Accuracy & Consistency - The importance of this and how it will lead to faster lap times and improved qualifying performance.
Mental and physical state - Why it is of great importance to be mentally and physically relaxed when driving, and how this will affect your style and pace.
Load management - 'Weight transfer' understanding the importance of managing weight tranfer and how it affects the balance of the car and the distribution of grip.
Traction circles - A graphic aid to understanding the effects of G-forces on grip and therefore braking, acceleration and cornering; helping to understand 'trail-braking' and its benefits.
Polar moments of inertia - The invisible force that helps you turn the car. How to make it work with you and understanding how it can sometimes work against you.
Use of the FULL width of the racing circuit - or not - Why it is important to use the full width of the race track most of the time, and, when, where and why it is sometimes effective not to!
Self-analysis - Understanding how to identify where you can improve, and how to adjust your style to suit your strengths.
Car control - Why 'reaction' is too late and how anticipation combined with practice makes car control become sub-conscious and second nature. Also understanding the different techniques between front & rear wheel drive.
© 2024 Tim Arnold