Also stuck on tdr.... For a while I've wanted to do some coaching / 1-2-1 track training but haven't had the spare cash or time or both.... Yesterday saw me and Jase have a day with Steve Brogan which I can only describe as brilliant. We race together in NLR and this year been doing the clubman endurance and cup races, been doing ok (think 5th in championship) and we can hold our own in the solos, but tbh, and think Jase won't mind me saying, we are prob just a bit better than average at best club racers..... Don't take it too serious and 'just get out there' We started in 2014 and went well, then crashes and injury (both broke legs and ankles) end 2014 start 2015 set us back... 2015 was a real mix stop start season for us both meaning we didn't really race together culminating in broken collar bones at different tracks for different reasons for both of us. 2015 was shite. This year we've changed bikes, and for me I seemed to hit a wall, go well on test day, didn't really improve race days... Always come away feeling like I can do more, but haven't. But done ok I guess... Decided time to see what the pro had to say so we booked Steve on for Cadwell at the open pit lane. All I can say is wow - what an eye opener. Instantly he picked up both our needs and told us where we could improve on and work on to go faster safer.... We both have very different styles and it was great to see this acknowledged straight away... We then alternated time on track with de-briefs and went out in various formations whilst Steve filmed us front and rear whilst the other followed lines or just observed etc. Made for a great day and gave us time to practice what Steve had told us to work on whilst having the visual guidance on track as he himself observed the other rider. A real skill and impressive to see trust me. All day was relaxed and real good fun, good banter and from the start was set up to achieve what WE wanted from the day. Steve couldn't have been helpful enough... All on a level even a dumb arse like me could apply with no drama or issues. He broke it down nice and straight forward which allowed me to work on different things each session. The basics Steve put in place for me was a real light bulb moment, dead easy to implement and so effective.... And was straight away obvious to where I've been struggling. The two times I've ridden Cadwell I've hated it, but yesterday I loved it, I was also lapping considerably faster than previous time racing there on quite a busy open pit lane tbh.... More importantly, trying less and feeling much more in control and safer whilst doing it. Yes it's fairly expensive, but the bling we've thrown (well Jase has as I'm poor) at bikes in comparison to what I've gained yesterday is completely irrelevant - was invaluable IMO. Can't wait to put in practice what we worked on and see the results which I know will improve. No matter what level your at, I'd seriously give some tuition a go as I can honestly say was the best money I've spent on the bike, went feeling a bit frustrated with my progress and came away excited for the progress I'll try and make. Sorry to go on but stuck on a train and still buzzing from yesterday. Jv
At Cadwell in a couple of weeks mate. Seriously al, it was mega. Real confidence inspiring and gave me an insight into how to ride the track, as opposed to just going out and trying to go fast
Nice 1 mate. Me and Craig are going to get something booked up for some tuition. Maybe even Chris Walkers school or the likes. I know I need plenty
Chatting to Steve about the James whitham days.... Got a double day at Angelsey in Aug or sep... Can't remember which and that looked ace. I'll be doing more mate that's for sure
Let me know what your plans are then and we can see if we can work something out. Need to get my bike Dyno'd before Jerez and was looking to get a TD booked before heading out there to see how it feels after that anyway.
Pretty sure I can't make the JM days mate but defo worth you boys having a look. Not racing at brands in sept (long story) so will look to keep rocking over a day or too somewhere then. Oulton maybe?
If you are serious about a JW day let me see what I can do / arrange.. Its not what but who you know as the saying goes...
The basics Steve put in place for me was a real light bulb moment, dead easy to implement and so effective.... And was straight away obvious to where I've been struggling. The two times I've ridden Cadwell I've hated it, but yesterday I loved it, I was also lapping considerably faster than previous time racing there on quite a busy open pit lane tbh.... More importantly, trying less and feeling much more in control and safer whilst doing it. thats it in a nutshell for me,it's weird how 1 or 2 changes make all the difference
Cant agree more I've done 2 jamie whitham days both at anglesey and was tutored by steve brogan. My riding has improved loads due to steves excellent calm and friendly advise. the jamie whitham days are worth the extra money just for the extra space on track no more than 15 in a group, let alone the tuition
imagine it's great value for money - how many sessions you get on track and actual time with the instructors?
On the ones that I have done you get 7 -8 sessions of 20mins but due to numbers there are very few red flags so you get the full monty. You get a few laps with the celeb behind you (often you will not know as he is just sussing you out while teaching someone else behind) then they will pull along side and signal for you to follow. Then there is a de breif and questions between each session. I would guess that you get half a session of them whatching you and most of a session with them infront coaching you on Anglesey that was 8+ laps. Word of warning though its really hard trying to concentrate on the instructure in front and stay riding near your personal limit. Towards the end of the day most folks get knackered so thats when its best to approach the instructor as you will most likely get another entire session of one two one tuition
Partly based on this review I'm booked up with Brogie for a full day of 1-2-1 at snetterton in a few weeks. Having binned my bike twice in one day and Donny last week I've decided it's time to ask for help so I can progress quickly and safely. I can't bloody wait. Cheers for the review gents
100% believe you'll go faster safer and with less effort. Good luck and keep us posted Oh and have fun
