Speed Secrets Podcast

On this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Samir Abid and I get into how best to use data to help you become an even better driver, managing the driver’s mind when it’s too analytical and focused on data, and how to use the data from another driver to improve your own driving. We also talk about what Samir learned from having Scott Mansell of Driver61 drive his car, and what makes Lewis Hamilton so special. Samir shares about his involvement in Nike’s Breaking2 and the Ineos 1:59 Challenge projects (breaking the 2-hour barrier for running a marathon)! Samir’s speed secret: Once up to speed, focus on corner exit rather than late braking. Samir Abid is the founder of Your Data Driven and a Chartered Professional Motorsports and Automotive Engineer from the UK. As well as developing suspension systems for several OEMs and racing teams (including Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Multimatic), Samir has also spent the last ten years working with Olympic and professional level sports teams, and is also a keen club racer.  Check out Samir below! https://www.yourdatadriven.com @YourDataDriven

On this week’s Speed Secret Podcast, Jonatan Jorge joins me to discuss what’s made him so successful as a coach, when a coach needs their own coach, and looking outside motorsport (at other sports) to learn how to be a better coach and driver. We also get into the misconception of looking way ahead and through the corner, the value of checkpoints, different references for different drivers, and visual pattern matching. As a bonus, Ross shares his “vision process.” Jonatan’s speed secret: Know yourself. Jonatan’s second speed secret: Expect nothing, accept everything. Jonatan Jorge has been racing and coaching since 1991 and leads JJRD’s operations, coaching philosophy and service delivery. He has made a mark in the racing world both as a driver and coach in auto racing’s most highly respected series and echelons, including: -  Nascar -  British Formula 3 -  Turkish Formula 3 -  Skip Barber National and Regional Series -  Formula Ford 2000 -  Grand Am/Rolex Series -  IRL -  American LeMans -  World Karting Championships -  Brazilian National Karting Championships -  Tens of unbroken track and race series records -  Vehicle Manufacturer Events, Commercials and TV productions, and many others. Check out Jonatan below! http://www.teamjjrd.com @jjrdinc on social media

On this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Rob Krider joins me to talk about his writing career; his novel, Cadet Blues; his “other” job as a California Highway Patrol officer; and his experience when his car caught fire. Ever wonder the similarities between racing and police driving? We get into that, too! Rob’s speed secret: Drive fast enough to scare yourself once a lap; make micro-improvements; be consistent. Rob Krider is a National Champion racecar driver from the NASA Honda Challenge series and he writes the "Toolshed Engineer" column for SpeedNews magazine. He is featured in the documentary film, Double Down, about earning a podium finish at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Besides racing and writing, Rob earns his living as a California Highway Patrol officer. He attributes a lot of his success behind the wheel from his training at the CHP Academy. From that experience he authored the novel Cadet Blues, a humorous take on police training. Links Below: Rob Krider's book about surviving the California Highway Patrol Academy, Cadet Blues: https://www.amazon.com/Cadet-Blues-Rob-Krider/dp/1495108589 Rob Krider's documentary film about the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Double Down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssY5LsQ91jY Rob Krider's archive of how-to articles on racing, RobKrider.com: http://www.robkrider.com/ Rob Krider's National Champion racing team, Double Nickel Nine Motorsports: http://www.team559.com/ Rob Krider on Instagram, KriderRacing: https://www.instagram.com/kriderracing/?hl=en

On this week’s Speed Secret Podcast, John joins me to discuss some very important things in driving: self reflection, awareness, accountability, ego, and being okay saying “I don’t know.” John breaks down philosophy and teaching, and how “Aha!” moments are rare, but that’s ok because learning is a process! We break down the traits of the best and worst drivers, and explain how having a fixed vs. growth mindset will determine your success.John Santiago: Learn How to Learn John’s speed secret: Know yourself. Find ways to become aware of how you can improve.

On this week’s Speed Secrets Podcast, Jeff and I discuss how to improve your race strategy decisions – what to know, what to ask, what to understand, and having patience. We also dig into his hobby business, Mesa Vista Coffee, and his love of coffee roasting! Jeff is one of the very best race car engineers in the world. He’s engineered cars at every level, and every type: NASCAR, karts, club racing cars, Indy, GT and Prototypes, and even Top Fuel dragsters. But what sets Jeff apart from many engineers is how he can explain what he’s doing, what a car is doing, and even how the best think. Check these out to follow Jeff’s company, Mesa Vista Coffee! eBay: Mesa Vista Coffee Instagram: @mesavistacoffee Facebook: facebook.com/mesavistacoffee

On this week’s episode, Danny and I discuss his background as a driver and his motorsport business, Hankook Motorsports. We talk everything tires and tackle how to find the right tire pressure for your car, how to use tire temperature, whether tires are directional or not, heat cycles, and how driving styles affect tires! Danny van Dongen is a Dutch racing driver and entrepreneur, currently competing in the MW-V6 Pickup Series. Danny’s speed secret: Feel what the tires are doing and adapt your driving to them. Check these out to follow Danny: https://hankookmotorsports.com @hankookmotorsports @dannyvandongen

On this week’s episode, Chris Andrews joins me to discuss how driving styles impact the handling of a car, different car setups for oval and road racing, the best passing zones at Watkins Glen, and the best books to read to learn about the best car setup and engineering. Also, a special treat, Chris shares hilarious stories about Dale Earnhardt (including what he says at a urinal). Chris's speed secret: Never stop learning. Check these out to follow Chris: Web: www.tcaellc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcaengineeringllc/

David Williams, a pro sim racer with VRS Coanda Simsport and a racing coach at Virtual Racing School, dives into the synergy between sim racing and real-world driving. He explores how advanced simulators can refine driving skills, enhance understanding of vehicle dynamics, and boost performance in actual races. David discusses the importance of accuracy in car setups and the brain's adaptability through neuroplasticity. Plus, he shares insights into the evolving landscape of sim racing, including sponsorship dynamics and coaching opportunities!

On this week’s episode, Adam Jabaay joins me to discuss the best stories from the Slip Angle podcast, everything Gridlife, and eSports and sim racing. He also shares how he manages time between racing, family, and business – and where to sneak sleep in! Adam is a club racer in SCCA, NASA and Lemons, a HPDE instructor, and one of the organizers of the Gridlife events. He’s also a co-host, along with Austin Cabot, on the Slip Angle podcast; in addition, they have the TrackTuned.com blog. Adam’s speed secret: Work harder on your driving than you want to work. Check these out to follow Adam Slip Angle Podcast: www.tracktuned.com www.grid.life www.facebook.com/GRIDLIFEOfficial/ IG: @gridlifeofficial Twitter: @gridlifefest

Rob Wilson joins us on this week’s episode to share stories about coaching F1 drivers, the importance of weight transfer, why confidence matters, and the perfect technique to turning a steering wheel. He also shares his aha! moment as a driver and a coach. Rob’s speed secret: Always tell the car what’s coming next. Rob Wilson is well-known as a driver coach to many current and past Formula One drivers (Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas), as well as working as an instructor with the Skip Barber school years ago. He’s won the British Formula Ford Championship, raced in Indy Lights, IMSA prototype and GT cars, Formula 3, and even NASCAR.