S.A.S.C.

Solo => SASC Events => Topic started by: Reijo on March 29, 2016, 10:39:23 AM

Title: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on March 29, 2016, 10:39:23 AM
Due to the venue issues, we did not know when and how the schools would work out.

Anyway, the latest information is as follows:

1.  The SoloPro schools will happen on Sat/Sun, June 11/12, 2016 as per usual.  (I have to confirm the availability of instructors etc. at this time and have been in contact with Tim Aro and we are working on the schools).

2.  We have held Professional level autox schools in the Calgary area since about 2001 and I believe they have made a huge difference in the overall competitiveness of our region.  We have a LOT of very good drivers here now and fully capable of trophying or even winning the US/SCCA Nationals!  Yes, I dare to say that!  :)

3.  Personally, I would like to continue to develop our drivers even further!  And, of course, introduce newer drivers to our midst and get them on the right path and working on the right techniques right off the bat!  Why waste time practicing errors?  Practice proper techniques and you WILL get "somewhere"!

4.  Note that cars, equipment, tires, etc. have all changed and so have we!  In fact, I have learned more "new" stuff about driving faster that I'm itching to share with you!  It is an ongoing learning process!  We can ALL get better!

5.  Last year, Revenue Canada hit us with some extra fees (they also did the same thing the year before) so for the second time in as many years, we will have to raise our fees (the only times the fees have increased since 2001 I note!) to cover the extra cost of the government fees for instructors to come across the border.  I have started a budget already and I am guessing that the fees per day will be in the order of $350 or so.  I will try to keep them as reasonable as possible.

6.  In any case, the cost, if you think of it, is more or less the cost of a single tire.  The benefits to you will continue for your entire autox career.  Heck, for some the increased tire wear will pay for the course in the first year!  :)

7.  I believe we can more or less fill an Intro and Comp school so those will be offered at this time.

8.  It has been a while since we offered an Extreme School and I'm thinking it is time for a more advanced school.  Last year we upped the ante for the Comp school for those that took it ... more advanced than the "normal" Comp school.  But I think it is time to offer something that is meant for those looking for the tiny last little items that will get them from mid-pack to the top at International level competitions.  Stay tuned.  This would more than likely be a two-day school (my guesstimate at this time - let me know if you have any other preferences or thoughts ... e.g. a one day school only?).

9.  Tim and I are discussing some changes (there have been a few changes over the last two years including such things as material and even course design) so anyone not having taken one of these schools recently might want to consider this.  There are going to be some things different this year as well.  Stay tuned.   :)

10.  Anyway, I will set up Motorsportreg shortly to take deposits ($100) to hold your spot, for any and all 3 schools.  If we do not have enough people for any particular schools, we will issue a full refund (no 5% fee).

Questions?

Thanks,

Reijo
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Mkelder on March 29, 2016, 12:16:14 PM
I know I'll be ready for pointers to make me faster! I need to hurry and get my car drivable quick!
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on March 29, 2016, 09:39:06 PM
Membership purchased... anxiously awaiting more details on the school   ;D

(http://media3.giphy.com/media/e3C4pNKkr9rji/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on March 30, 2016, 05:24:56 PM
We are looking for deposits (basically $100 per day) to hold spots.

Intro $100 June 11
Comp $100 June 12
Extreme (2 days, $200 dep.) June 11/12

Pay here:   www.msreg.com/soloprodeposits

We are working on the final fees as we are speaking.  We are anticipating an increase due to new fees Revenue Canada has added for cross-border instructors over the last two years.  My guesstimate right now is $350 final cost per day ... as a minimum.  (just have to confirm the fees and instructors).

Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on March 30, 2016, 05:36:36 PM
Which one should I do? Am I ready for comp?
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on March 30, 2016, 06:27:39 PM
Which one should I do? Am I ready for comp?

I thought you did both last year?

In reality any one of the schools is good because really we work with you wherever you are at ... e.g. we pick up where you are at.....irregardless of which school it is.

Having said that as per the descriptions, there are differences.

Comp has more emphasis day-of-competition "stuff"(our "hidden" agenda!  ;) ).  The school concentrates more on actual competition aspects of driving than simply the mechanics of driving (which we all have to do ... practice the basics ... you hear even world champions/Olympic athletes speak of practicing/honing the basics ... something you never get away from.

After the Intro level, you might say we are assuming the role of coaches some times; directing and refining techniques.   Some times it is good to have a 2nd set of eyes observe what you are doing since we do not see ourselves clearly and bad habits can creep in without our noticing.

And then there is the Extreme ... still works on basics, but only as required.  The Extreme gets a lot more finicky .... looking for those last tenths ... those "tiny" things.  (e.g. you should have the basics pretty much "down").  But don't be fooled!  Those "tiny" things can add up to a significant amount of time.

Also, this past couple of years, I have continued to look more into the mental game of motorsports and there will be more of that:  How do you deal with pressure?  Can you "up" your game at the "big show"?  How do you do that?  There are some really powerful techniques that I have been exploring to help us all perform at our best when it "really" counts ... Some fun and fascinating stuff!    ;)
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on March 30, 2016, 06:35:42 PM
BTW, I think I did the equivalent of the Intro 5-6 times ... always learned something ... not a waste at all.  Other schools I did a number of times also.  But I think Murray (and Jo) is the champ of that, having taken all schools every year he's been around I think!   

Note that the schools have changed over the years also!  They have been refined with different course designs, techniques, teaching methods etc.  So if you have not taken a school recently you might find them somewhat different.  We are always improving.  :)


Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on March 30, 2016, 07:16:44 PM
^^ Sorry, I meant extreme

It looks like Extreme runs the same two days as intro and comp.

Sometimes I feel like I need to focus on the finicky things at events... and other times I can't even get the basics right.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on March 30, 2016, 07:50:09 PM
^^ Sorry, I meant extreme

It looks like Extreme runs the same two days as intro and comp.

Sometimes I feel like I need to focus on the finicky things at events... and other times I can't even get the basics right.

Yea that is what I figured.

Consistency comes with seat time ... practice ... repetition ... like any sport really.  There is a mental aspect to consistency as well ... the ability to get into "the zone" so to speak ... and that is sort of the mental game ... :)  I will be bringing a person on board to do some of that with us this year.  And, that you may find very interesting!   :)
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on March 30, 2016, 07:52:02 PM
And, yes, the Extreme would run two days concurrently with the Intro and Comp.  So you would have to choose between them.  Last year we had to cancel the Extreme since there was not enough interest and we "beefed up" the Comp to compensate ... sort of a mix of the two.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on March 30, 2016, 07:53:09 PM
^^ Looking forward to meeting them!

I've done the intro and comp schools twice now, I think I am going to sign up for Extreme this year   8)
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Dohnuts on March 30, 2016, 09:59:07 PM
WANT SO BADLY. Any chance of doing another school not on a weekend that I am out of town? Could not afford it last year, this year timing is off.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: pardglg on March 30, 2016, 10:12:53 PM
Its a great event. I've been to the last two and am trying to get this one lined up as well. The benefits of having a pro in your car with you, showing you how and why to do or not do things, cannot be underestimated. Absolutely fabulous.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: MurrayPeterson on March 30, 2016, 10:19:19 PM
BTW, I think I did the equivalent of the Intro 5-6 times ... always learned something ... not a waste at all.  Other schools I did a number of times also.  But I think Murray (and Jo) is the champ of that, having taken all schools every year he's been around I think!   

Yep -- 9 years and I have taken a course (or two) every year.  However, Jo and I will not be taking a course this year.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: 94boosted on March 31, 2016, 08:23:11 AM

8.  It has been a while since we offered an Extreme School and I'm thinking it is time for a more advanced school.  Last year we upped the ante for the Comp school for those that took it ... more advanced than the "normal" Comp school.  But I think it is time to offer something that is meant for those looking for the tiny last little items that will get them from mid-pack to the top at International level competitions.  Stay tuned.  This would more than likely be a two-day school (my guesstimate at this time - let me know if you have any other preferences or thoughts ... e.g. a one day school only?).


Always wanted to take the Extreme school, I've taken comp more times than I can count (but still learn lots every time I go). However for me personally committing to 2 days is a bit difficult, if Extreme was a 1 day I'd take it, if not, comp.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: PedalFaster on April 11, 2016, 10:35:32 AM
Always wanted to take the Extreme school, I've taken comp more times than I can count (but still learn lots every time I go). However for me personally committing to 2 days is a bit difficult, if Extreme was a 1 day I'd take it, if not, comp.

I'm a bit (ok, a lot) late to the party, but for the record I'm in the same boat as Tom -- I'd love to take an Extreme school, but can't justify two days away from home for it. Any chance you could do another "Comp Plus" school this year?
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: E6Cueman on April 11, 2016, 06:52:07 PM
Always wanted to take the Extreme school, I've taken comp more times than I can count (but still learn lots every time I go). However for me personally committing to 2 days is a bit difficult, if Extreme was a 1 day I'd take it, if not, comp.

I'm a bit (ok, a lot) late to the party, but for the record I'm in the same boat as Tom -- I'd love to take an Extreme school, but can't justify two days away from home for it. Any chance you could do another "Comp Plus" school this year?

+1
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on April 12, 2016, 08:18:29 AM
This is an option to explore also.  Let's see how the interest pans out here and we'll see what we can set up.

R
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: majormojo on April 17, 2016, 03:14:45 PM
I'm in for whatever is offered. 2-day event works better for me because of the distance I have to travel.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Canuck on April 18, 2016, 09:26:53 AM
I'm still on the fence as I am out of town until just before this school in June.  I wouldn't be able to get to Saturday and I'm not sure I'm ready for Sunday. 
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on April 18, 2016, 11:12:22 AM
Work has been getting in the way of my play ... think I have to make my play my work instead!   :)

Anyway, I'm working on getting Tim here for the schools and I spoke with him on the phone a few minutes ago - so stay tuned.   

Also over the last couple or so years, I have been exploring other aspects of the sport and am planning on introducing more of the "mental game" of the sport (similar to sports psychology).  In other words, once you know the mechanics of driving (never mind car prep etc) and what you need to do, how do you put it together at the "big" event ... consistently?

The mental aspect of the sport is huge!  And, interestingly, it is a topic that is not much talked about except at the higher levels of racing and not always there either (I'm talking right up to and including F1!!!)!  Anyway, I have competed in sports (wrestling, various martial arts, gymnastics, skiing, etc. etc.) of one kind or another since I was young.  I have always enjoyed competition.  I am a competitor at heart.

There are a lot of parallels in various sports to the mental aspects of competitive driving/autox which are very interesting ... and effective.  Maybe the key word is "competition"?

We will spend some time on this mental aspect of the sport in the Comp + and/or Extreme (if offered) school this year.  So it WILL be different.  :)

There are also some other functional changes we are discussing with the SoloPro Schools so look for that in the near future.

Right now it is looking like we will do a conventional Intro (still tailored-to-you instruction which may mean if you are ready for more advanced concepts, that is what we will deal with) followed by a revised Comp+ school that will be a more advanced version of the regular Comp School ... dealing with more of the mental aspects of the sport and how to overcome those obstacles inside your head that are holding you back.

My goal, of course, is to help make each of you the best that you possibly can be!  I would also like to see our region a force to be reckoned with in the autocross world.  Seriously.  We can do this and be this!

Each school can handle 6, 12, 18, 24 etc. students so we will add instructors as needed to coincide with interest.

More info to come soon.

Reijo
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Canuck on April 24, 2016, 09:07:07 PM
I'm off the fence...I may be in the dog house, but my wife will forgive me.  See you for Sunday!
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on April 24, 2016, 09:33:16 PM
haha ... good stuff!

I am sure you will not be disappointed!  :)
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on May 07, 2016, 06:31:38 AM
The latest news for the SoloPro Schools at Fort Macleod:

1.  Tim has passed on more responsibilities to me for the Fort Macleod schools this year so I will be running it and will be responsible for what happens.

2.  We have a full (12) Intro School as of now and almost full (11) for the Comp+ School.

3.  Currently there are 4 interested in an Extreme School which is not quite enough to make it work.  However, have no fear, we will ramp up the Comp School to a more advanced level .... Comp+ in order to give us more to "chew on" and to develop our driving ability further up the scale! 

4.  Those with deposits for an "Extreme School only", email me to let me know if will take the Comp+ School instead (Sunday only) and I will keep track of that.  rase_usa (at) yahoo (dot) com  Full credit or refund will be issued if requested.

5.  Instructors:  Jeff Janzen of Winnipeg and Reijo - confirmed.

6.  The Intro will be similar to past years, unless we happen to work with you individually (like normal) on slightly more advanced topics if need be.

7.  Comp+:  Jonn Renay, an NLP coach,  will give a presentation on the "Mental Game" and then will work with us individually throughout the day.  I have met with him every week or two or so over the last couple of years to put together a program about how to deal with the mental stresses of competition and how to perform at your best and more when it counts ... when "the world is falling apart".  It is a key to performing to the best of your abilities and actually applies to life in general.   It is really good stuff, imho.

8.  The deposits close May 15 and by then we will have the costs figured out and the final payments will known and due.  Tim is not coming this year unless we get a sudden influx of students so that will save us a bit of money due to taxes etc.

9.  The Comp+ course design will be new this year with a more "National Style/Speed" layout and more emphasis on the Competition aspects (in lieu of the Extreme factors).

More news to come soon.

We will have waiting lists for the schools in case there are any drops, of course. 

R

Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on May 07, 2016, 07:23:30 AM
I put a deposit for two days of extreme, you can move it over to the comp+.

I was hoping for 2 days of school though

Tim isn't coming this year?  :(
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on May 07, 2016, 07:42:06 AM
Yeah, Tim is badly tied up with work although I tried to convince him to come.

I will move your deposit over, Nick.  If you want, you could consider the Intro as well and basically double your seat time and it also gives us time to work with you more.....well waiting list right now I guess.  Sometimes I think it almost doesn't matter which schools you take for the most part as long as you are there and get the feedback so you have something to work on.

It almost feels like we don't have enough events between now and then (June 11) for seat time etc....   Wonder what Montana events are available ... Edmonton, Saskatoon etc.???   Hmmmm

Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on May 07, 2016, 08:22:43 AM
Well put me down on the wait list for intro for now and I will book a room, if it doesn't open up I will just come down on the Saturday and meet you guys at the pub
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on May 12, 2016, 10:26:55 AM
There are two people on the Intro wait list but still room in the Comp+ school.   The deposits will come to an end on May 15 (they were there more to get an idea of interest and how we will structure the weekend.  Depending on how I structure the payments etc., I may extend that date for a bit as a matter of convenience etc.  Stay tuned.

After the 15th or before I will have the budget ready and we'll know the exact price per day.  I am anticipating a slight rise due to increasing costs at the border if we have to bring in an instructor from the US.

So if you are interested, be sure to put a deposit down soon so we know if we need another instructor or not.   The rest will be due probably June 1.

Reijo
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: majormojo on May 31, 2016, 04:47:04 PM
I know I'd threatened to cancel, but I've changed my mind about changing my mind and I will be there for both days of the school. So, you've been warned.  ???
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Blee007 on June 02, 2016, 03:29:16 PM
Hi there, I'm not an SASC member but I signed up for the Solo Pro school. I haven't heard anything about the school after i paid my deposit and am wondering what's happening with this event? When do I have to pay the remainder?
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 02, 2016, 05:51:17 PM
That will be coming up right away ... busy with work these days.  My apologies.

R
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 04, 2016, 08:12:26 PM
If you are not on the waitlist, then you can go here to pay the final deposits.

http://www.motorsportreg.com/orgs/southern-alberta-solosport-club
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 06, 2016, 07:23:11 AM
The SoloPro Schools are this coming weekend - June 11/12, Intro is full with a waiting list and we have one spot left in the Comp+ School.  If you were sitting on the fence, this is your chance.  Email me directly for info on getting in if you are interested:   rase_usa (at) yahoo (dot) com

Remember we will be doing some different stuff this year including more emphasis on sports psychology that we have not done before.  Can't quite get it together on game day?  Here's how you can start to work on the "mental game" ... Also this is beyond a regular Comp school with a different layout, more Extreme material in it etc. etc. A lot of seat time and learning.

ALSO, since we are using only 1/2 (less actually) of the airstrip, we will have a full-sized course available for a local school and practice on Saturday and Sunday at the west end during the SoloPro Schools.

You can sign up for any of those on MSreg.com.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Terry Johns on June 06, 2016, 08:26:42 AM
Not clear.  :-\

Is there a practice day this coming weekend for people not involved in the school ?


Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Tom M on June 06, 2016, 09:22:39 AM
June 11/12 Saturday and Sunday there will a Novice school/ practice/ test and tune at the west end of the runway that is open to anyone

  "Here's the entry for the practice/school at the west end of the airport , June 11/12.

This will take place at the same time as the SoloPro Intro School but at the west end and will feature a full-sized course."

www.msreg.com/SASCJune11

www.msreg.com/SASCJune12
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Terry Johns on June 06, 2016, 09:54:53 AM
Thanks Tom

Could I suggest that we re think how we communicate our events, maybe I'm missing something but as I understand it (a practice day open to anyone) was never made clear, what was made clear is that this was the weekend of the school. I could be wrong.  :-\
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Tom M on June 06, 2016, 10:01:37 AM
The west end events was a last minute add on to offer some seat time for anyone
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Terry Johns on June 06, 2016, 10:07:38 AM
Thanks Tom, I understand.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on June 08, 2016, 12:13:16 PM
Is lunch provided for the Solo Pro school this year?

If so, can I request a dairy free option please! Otherwise I have to pack my own lunch or take off to A&W. Thanks!
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 08, 2016, 02:26:19 PM
Is lunch provided for the Solo Pro school this year?

If so, can I request a dairy free option please! Otherwise I have to pack my own lunch or take off to A&W. Thanks!

Yes, lunch from Subway is provided like normal ... I believe they have dairy-free options ... correct me if I am wrong.

R
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on June 08, 2016, 02:45:42 PM
Some cold cuts without cheese works just fine for me, thanks!
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 08, 2016, 03:26:44 PM
Some cold cuts without cheese works just fine for me, thanks!

Great!  We take the order in the morning from everyone and then someone will pick it up ... along with some drinks.

R
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 08, 2016, 04:33:32 PM
At this time there is a slight chance (30%) of rain on Saturday (5-10 mm ... really not much ... if anything really) and 20% on Sunday.   So 70% and 80% chance of no rain.   :)
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/weather/alberta/fort-macleod
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on June 08, 2016, 09:00:07 PM
No rain is good!

FYI: Whoever is coming out for the practice, I have a friend with a black Fiesta ST that is bringing his car out for the first time. Please help him out!
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 09, 2016, 02:14:43 AM
One spot is still open if someone wants to take the Comp+ on Sunday ... maybe an Intro ... but that is less likely.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Tom M on June 09, 2016, 04:27:53 AM
No rain is good!

FYI: Whoever is coming out for the practice, I have a friend with a black Fiesta ST that is bringing his car out for the first time. Please help him out!

Tom M reply

that is the plan for the west end events , i will be there offering a novice school Sat/Sun
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on June 09, 2016, 08:11:15 PM
I am not sure if it was posted anywhere before, but what time should I be arriving at the venue?
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Mkelder on June 09, 2016, 08:33:44 PM
I'm a little confused on the times too. Reijo said ready to run 8am in the email I got but I thought the rules where no running of cars before 10am. I usually arrive 8:30-9 so that I don't have to get up too early (My 3hr drive).
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 09, 2016, 09:05:47 PM
I'm a little confused on the times too. Reijo said ready to run 8am in the email I got but I thought the rules where no running of cars before 10am. I usually arrive 8:30-9 so that I don't have to get up too early (My 3hr drive).

For the regular events we start at 10 am but for the SoloPro Schools we have to start early since the program takes  the entire day ... and also we are at the end of the airstrip ... not as far down ... and generally the schools are quieter.  Note also that we start with a meeting and course walks so we actually begin driving somewhat later ... 

So the school begins at 8 am sharp.  You have to have your car ready to run at 8 am because you will not have time to work on it later.
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: NickST on June 09, 2016, 09:07:13 PM
Thanks for the reply Reijo!
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 09, 2016, 09:27:06 PM
I'm a little confused on the times too. Reijo said ready to run 8am in the email I got but I thought the rules where no running of cars before 10am. I usually arrive 8:30-9 so that I don't have to get up too early (My 3hr drive).

Long drive.  If you can might be an advantage to come and stay Friday night ... motels are cheap in Fort Macleod.  We'll be there and you can join us for dinner and beverages.   :)

Jeff arrives at the Calgary airport at 11:15 am Friday and we'll likely head down shortly after that .... try to be in Fort Macleod around 5 ... staying at the DJ.


R
Title: Re: 2016 Solo Pro Schools.
Post by: Reijo on June 09, 2016, 10:03:14 PM
Thanks for the reply Reijo!

You are welcome!

See you soon!

R