Mazdaspeed3 HPDE Thunderhill Park 1/30/10 - Unpleasant Instructor

I did make a mistake at Turn 1 by going towards the apex on the opening lap. I respect his decision to no longer ride along in the car, but some 'coaching' on how to improve instead criticism and just wanting to leave would have been nice. No helpful feedback at all, just negativity. My replacement instructor was much more helpful!

I also want to clarify that this incident was the exception, not the rule to an otherwise wonderful event. The event was well organized and extremely helpful in furthering my driving abilities. I got nearly 2 hours of seat time at this event and I learned how safely enjoy high performance driving with professional instruction. The rest of my instructors were extremely helpful and pleasant and I couldn't thank them enough for the help they provided in the other runs. Looking forward to my next HPDE with them!

Lastly, David from HOD contacted both the instructor and myself and ensured everything has been handled. He has even posted a reply to this video within the comments. I can't thank David and the rest of the HOD team enough for the great day. Outside of this isolated incident they were extremely professional and I wholeheartedly recommend HOD to anyone interested in HPDEs.


Car -
2008 Mazdaspeed3
Mazdaspeed CAI
Dunlop Z1 Star Specs
RX8 Wheels
Stock everything else!

Track -
Thunderhill Park @ 1/30/10
Hooked on Driving Event

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Mazdaspeed3
• Mazdaspeed
• speed3
• Thunderhill
• Mazda3
• Mazda
• HPDE
• track

[MAubele]

Dude, that guy was a total dick. Smooth as you could be for a first timer, and lines were solid, especially for a novice.

[nothGhost]

Guess this instructor will find out how smooth the unemployment line is. lol.

[rsachs]

As a Coach with HOD, I agree that this guy was both inappropriate and not representative of the coaching staff. Hope you've come back to HOD, would be glad to drive with you.

[sixstanger00]

I agree with MAubele. I thought your lines were spot on, as well as your shifts.

[cl65captain]

As a long term instructor, I'm ashamed at this guy's "instructing". What a total Putz. I hope he was never asked back. BTW: These guys are usually the ones I lap multiple times during a session - all show, no go instructors.

[bump909]

I hope that instructor is flipping burgers now.

[Vanderkitten]

Wow... I forget the "rule" sometimes of wide line entering the track, but the rest of your driving was pretty darn OK for LAP1... did he expect to be riding with a seasoned race car driver? I'm guessing this is the B group... totally lamesauce and not the typical Hooked On Driving experience.

[SuperNobama1]

You should have said Dan your a dumb ass mofo and busted a E-brake and made him crap himself. And then told him to gtfo mid course. What a pompos duche bag that wana be instructor was . Your driving looked a little jerky but fine to me nothing warentine the instructor to abandon ship.

[cyborgxcz]

Dude I’m amazing how calm you are, I will be already yelling on this idiot, he didn’t tell you a single thing, his comments was useless and offending. Nice job getting his ass fired.

[scoobyjdmd]

can you say douche bag instructor, he did not even "instruct". You should post his name on the video so all of us never have to deal with him.

[elirentz]

What a jerk, He only rides with you for one lap and gives you no help just pointless insults. You didn't look bad at all, sure your line could use a few tweaks but thats what the instructor is supposed to do. I think he was just a wuss with a chip on his shoulder.

[fastdad07]

I loved his comment "I'm not used to wearing a full-face helmet". When was the last time this joker drove a race car? 1965?