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We will have a few new instructors for this weekend. I was reviewing Henry Watts' "Secrets of Solo Racing" and thought I would pass on some tips he has for instructors.

Safety: Make sure all instruction happens in a safe enviroment
Car control: The student must be in control of the car at all time
Spacing your cars: If you are working with more than one student, make sure they are sufficiently separated on course.
Know the car: Look at the tires they have, the condition of the car, etc
Paper & Pen: Bring along some paper and pen to write and draw on. Let the student have the notes if they want them.
Find out why they are there
Get to know the student
Find out how wll the student knows the car
Let the student know what is coming
Proceed Slowly: Make sure the student has mastered the basics before moving to the fine points.
Be Clear:Tell them exactly what you want them to do
Have the Students Observe Other Drivers
Self-critique: After the student has a chance to settle down, let them tell you what they did right and what they did less right
BE POSITIVE: The first thing to remember is to try and find EVERYTHING they are doing right. Most students will be very self-critical; you need to be positive.
Talk to the Student: Don't get into the habit of just riding in the car. Just tell the Student you will be talking a lot.
Have a Good Time Yourself

_________________
Jim Pastorius
2008 Silverado VortecMax
1992 Camaro CMC#92
2002 BMW R1150R

2009 3rd Place CMC Mid-Atlantic Championship
2009 CMC Hyperfest Winner

Thanks for the reminder; I have the book, and have gone over that section before, but I haven't looked at it lately. This will be my first time instructing, so remembering those points will be very helpful.

Kevin