roadie13

I agree with the benefit of some in-depth discussion before going out first time, but in practically all groups I run with (PCA, Audi, BMW, Hod, Chin, Ferrari..) the first morning is very full of stuff to do and no time is allocated for instructor-novice interactions. Most amateur instructors (gentlemen instructors?) like myself also need time fiddling with their own car in the morning etc.

Still, I make sure that I always have some chat with the student before going out, but it will usually be very brief. I do try to manage expectations by telling them that in my very first session I drove the entire track in fourth gear, as it would have been unthinkable to take a hand of the steering wheel to switch gears... Of course, the real high achievers have paddle shifters, so that story loses some of its salience...

dgrobs

NNJR instructors always talk to their students a few days before the event. So much can be learned about each other and it really puts the student at ease. Even when I instruct with regions or groups that don’t require that pre event contact between student and instructor, I will always email and then talk to the student before the event, usually a few days before.
It really does make the students experience much more relaxed, especially if they are really nervous to begin with. Nice post.

ProCoach

That connection that @NastyHabits makes over something as simple as “what have you read in preparation?” is terrific and serves many good ways to establish a positive, constructive interaction.

@dgrobs reaching out for a ten or fifteen minute call in advance can do even more, especially for those instructors who know they have limited time to establish the connection the first morning.

These are great examples to insure starting off best foot forward.

Matt Lane

Yup, I've refined my pre-event student contact over time, and I definitely think it helps get over some of the initial trepidation. Emails have turned into phone calls on occasion, and it's great. SO much better to get some basic recon and questions out of the way before a busy 1st morning in the paddock.

While it sets the stage, the pre-session interview is where you really get a sense of personality and actual mindset - no matter what you've been led to believe in advance

I'll make time for the interview even at the expense of my 1st run if necessary. Lots of time to drive, would much prefer to get off on the right foot with my student. Or sometimes less 'right foot' LOL.

Cheers

Matt

mhm993

So back to the original matter, I received a bottle of Lebanese ouzo style liquor from my last student. Greatly appreciated and absolutely not turned down.

Matt Lane

Raki can kill you, it's not a tip, it's a plot

Cheers

Matt

Quadcammer

Good think its Arak, not Raki

Matt Lane

Definitely not going to instigate a war with the Lebanese, Turks and Cretans

Cheers

Matt

Cuda911

Was at a meeting with our DE team today and mentioned this thread. NO one ever heard of anyone tipping a DE instructor ever, at any DE event in our region.

Gary R.

It happens, I have received a couple track t-shirts and bottles of wine at multi-day events, never solicited.... though I may have "mentioned" i'm into nice Amarone's..