SoundGuyDave
This Space For Rent
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2007
- Posts
- 1,978
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Not to discount the ITS program, I'm sure (very sure!) it's a quality program, but the real point is that the drivers I was "testing" had more track time under their belts than I did... Also, I will offer as food for thought that being an instructor and a top-flight driver do NOT necessarily go hand in hand. I personally know some truly outstanding instructors that I can drive rings around, as well as some "alien" drivers that would wax me on track, but can't communicate a clear thought if their life depended on it. Then there's guys like me, who are both good instructors and good drivers, but not necessarily class-leading in either category.
I haven't gone through the BMWCCA class, but the chief instructor for one of the lapping-day organizations I work with comes from BMWCCA, and he is excellent both in that role, as well as in the car. What I DO know, is that there are a number of groups that actively recruit NASA instructors for their cadre. NASA also has a formalized instructor program, along with mentoring, and generally speaking turns out a pretty fine group of instructors.
NASA, BMWCCA, PCA, if you have a certified instructor from one of the biggies, odds are good that you'll get major benefit from having them ride with you. As we like to say: Even Jeff Gordon has a driving coach...
