Finally a question worthy of contemplation on team.net! I have spent some
time thinking about it since I've read you post and I'm not sure that I
have any answers but some thoughts that might help.
>From my experience, it seems that the regions that "grow" national class
drivers do so by creating a core support group that encourages their
drivers to run larger events and try harder. The best example that I can
think of is the Lousiville KY region. I have never seen a bunch of more
supportive and involved group in solo. They work together ... they
encourage everyone that comes out ... they work to put on great events
... they always have at least two event sites (that part is luck I
think!) ... and they always seem to put up challenging courses. Lots of
volunteerism, lots of work, lots of sharing. They are a tight bunch I
would venture that anyone that starts their soloing in that area has at
least a 200% better chanceof becoming a "national class" driver. I'm sure
there are other similar regions but I don't know about them.
So if you want your region to be a creator of "national class" drivers,
you won't go wrong following their examples. From a practical standpoint,
test days are quite helpful too. And a good site is essential for any
good solo program.
John Whitling
Cincinnati region, in case you're wondering.
Brian M Kennedy wrote:
> As a follow-up to the best region to autocross in,
> let me ask: which region will most help me to become
> a national champion driver? which will help me improve
> my driving skills the fastest?
>
> Or more to the point:
>
> How do different regions help foster their
> drivers to become nationally competitive?
>
> Do any regions:
> 1) Allow many more than 4 runs, though perhaps
> at added cost? and/or not for points?
> 2) Encourage drivers to ride with each other?
> 3) Set up run groups so that top drivers can
> more easily ride with others?
> 4) Allow top drivers to drive others' cars,
> showing them how to take certain sections
> better?
> 5) Offer instruction from their top drivers at
> each event, perhaps for extra fees?
> 6) Offer multiple autox driving schools?
>
> In my experience, I learn the most when I see (and feel) just how
> fast a top driver can take certain sections. I can fairly quickly
> emulate others... but find it very difficult to figure out which
> sections I can take faster... usually requires a lot more than 4
> runs.
>
> Just this last weekend, I had one of the fastest times... BUT, was
> roughly tied by a superior driver in a car that is about 3-4s slower
> than mine -- so I am confident I could go much faster. I'd have
> loved to have him drive my car one or two runs, and then try to do
> the same one or two runs. Of course, allowing that would really mess
> up most local points competitions. OTOH, it would rapidly elevate
> the driving skill in the region.
>
> So, what _do_ regions do to help foster great drivers?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Brian
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