2013 My First Year Report

THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD?
I find it hard to believe that I am already starting my second year as a full time race driver coach.
2013 turned out to be a great year for me as I launched my driver coaching business full time and left the motor trade industry where I had worked for 30 years – I can only say it was definitely the right decision at the right time for me!
Throughout the year the coaching opportunities steadily increased and apart from working at many of the UK circuits including Silverstone and Brands Hatch I was especially thrilled to be invited to coach drivers in Europe on 4 separate occasions. I again worked at the Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium which I enjoy immensely, a great circuit with lots of challenges but a new circuit to me was the infamous Nurburgring in Germany. The trip to Germany was a huge opportunity, as I had never visited this amazing track before. Its reputation is formidable: at nearly 13 miles long it represents a unique challenge and after 2 days of driving and nearly 500 miles later, I can still say that it mystifies me as to how anybody can race around there and still be able to remember the sequence of corners!
However, the most rewarding element of last year for me was working with and mentoring my driver Dave Billington in North West Formula Ford. He had a brilliant year and I was thrilled that the car ran so well meaning he finished every race. Although did run out of fuel on his “cooling down” lap after having taken the chequered flag in Sept (maybe that was cutting it a bit fine even by my standards!). To prepare and run a car and mentor a driver and see him flourish is an exciting and unique challenge. I began my association with Dave in 2010 and I’ve seen him progress from the back of the grid to a consistent midfield runner, which, if you’re familiar with Formula Ford, is no mean feat.
In addition, I worked for Jaguar assisting with the launch of their new F-Type sports car. This gave me an interesting insight into the development and marketing of the most important car that Jaguar have launched since the E-Type nearly 50 years ago. I visited Dealer’s showrooms and met prospective customers, giving me an opportunity to impart my new found knowledge.
And I also do supercar experience days at various airfield sites around the UK being chauffeured around in some of the very best sports cars that the world has to offer.
“You must have the best job in the World?” this is a question that a lot of the people ask me on my travels around the circuits in the UK. I think I do, but don’t forget the times I have to get up at 4am, have a 3 hour drive to a circuit, a full day’s work, then followed by another 3 hour drive home again! In my first 12 months of trading, I’ve covered nearly 30,000 miles in my road car……..
If you are interested in what I do why not have a look at my website and read my blogs or follow me on twitter where I regularly post pictures of circuits that I visit and supercars I drive – how I love my job!!