Cal Club Autocross Forums

In case you didn't see it on SCCA Forums yet:

Press Release – January 2009





A new driving school for the solo community is coming your way in 2009! Tim Aro and Jinx Jordan, veteran autocrossers and multi-time national champions, are combining efforts and are proud to announce the launch of SoloPro Driving School – an exciting new autocross school offering classes for driver’s of all abilities.



SoloPro Driving School offers three distinct classes, each with its own key objectives. Two of the classes, the Intro and Comp classes, are part of the Foundation Series which focuses on the most important fundamentals of performance driving and autocross competition. “The Intro and Comp are arguably the most important classes in our curriculum.” Jinx Jordan explains. “They provide the foundation upon which everything else is built.”



SoloPro Driving School’s 3rd class offering, the Extreme, has been developed over the past two years and is part of the Pro Series which is geared towards the hard core competitor looking to find those last few tenths. This school covers two days, with multi-lap runs, and offers two analysis sessions to view data collected during the day. It promises to be one intense weekend of autocrossing! “The data we've obtained during the Extreme school over the past two years have given us amazing insight into what differentiates a mid-pack driver from a front-runner.” Aro explains. “It has benefited us as instructors as we now have a much better understanding of the subtle nuances of performance driving.”



Tim Aro, a former instructor and co-owner of Evolution Performance Driving School, has recently parted ways with Evolution. This departure has resulted in the creation of a new vision for instructing autocrossers - whether they are beginners or seasoned pros. "I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to instruct hundreds of solo drivers over the past decade. Launching SoloPro Driving School with Jinx Jordan, who has outstanding driving and teaching credentials, allows us to pursue our passion for teaching and fulfill the desire to help drivers of all abilities attain their goals."



Jinx Jordan, also a former instructor with Evolution, has admired the format of the Extreme school from day one. "I feel this is the future of advanced solo instruction. When we began discussing this joint venture I became very enthused and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to continue teaching the Extreme! I am really excited about the future of SoloPro Driving School and look forward to an exciting 2009!"



Several classes are already scheduled for 2009. SoloPro Driving School will be conducting a limited number of classes during the year, so book early to ensure your spot on the calendar.



More information about SoloPro Driving School is available online at http://www.soloprodrivingschool.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

cool//// but I dont see any classes out here?

Casey Brier wrote:cool//// but I dont see any classes out here?

Evo schools got the local market pretty locked up, which I'm not saying is a bad thing. Never heard anything but praise for the evo school.

And remember one of our own longtime members, Robert Puertas, is a co-owner of the Evolution School.
More instruction is good for the health of the sport, but I do have loyalties here!

The whole situation is kinda sad really...

But I wonder how long it will be before the SCCA goes after them for trademark infringement on the name?

I know quite a few of the instructors from Evo and have not had problems with them such as Ron Bauer, Randy Noll, Kevin Dietz, Tom Kotzian, Tim Aro and Jinx Jordan to name a few. They, as far as I know were all good instructors and have all taught at schools that I set up in Calgary in the past.

But obviously there has been some kind of split - rarely pretty I suppose - like divorce. That's life some times. On the other hand, maybe there is room for two national level schools. Why not? Might be good for the sport and provide more opportunities and differences in philosophy for those who want to learn to go faster. Isn't competition good?

And, Robert, do you think this name is an infringement of the phrase Pro Solo? Interesting if so, I had not noticed that myself. Not sure if it is IMHO.

Reijo

I did notice no schools in the west yet. Plus it seemed they had to mention being ex Evo instructors to create credibility.

Yeah, the press release was just today, so I suppose like any new venture it will take a while to set up fully with schools across the country.

I just remember hearing the comments that there should be more schools at the LA events and I tended to agree with them. It seems that there is plenty of seat time but somewhat of a lack of good organized teaching. It is one thing to have someone (including myself) help out on a run-by-run basis as opposed to a more formal school atmosphere.

Most Olympic athletes have coaches with them on a regular basis and benefit from it. We have no such thing but I suspect we could go further toward something like that ultimately. And, note that Olympians are amateur athletes not that different than us "running" on weekends ... Bill S. would know plenty of such things I'm sure!

Reijo

Evolution School has two SoCal dates up for the next two months. Those should fit the bill nicely.

Steve Ekstrand wrote:Evolution School has two SoCal dates up for the next two months. Those should fit the bill nicely.

With all due respect to the Evo School, we do still need a local low-cost school for those newbies who aren't ready to fork over the money for an Evo school. Definitely not during the next two months with the Evo school coming into town, but sometime later in the year.

Without giving this much thought ... we Practice ... we don't Train ... and one must always be wary of practicing bad habits. A lot of us get occasional ride alongs or driven by our many top drivers. They point out things ... but then you're on your own again. I for one need more attention ... like when your Evo Instructor literally grabs your helmet and turns it where you should be looking!

Leonard Cachola wrote: With all due respect to the Evo School, we do still need a local low-cost school for those newbies who aren't ready to fork over the money for an Evo school. Definitely not during the next two months with the Evo school coming into town, but sometime later in the year.

It's already in the works. We're shooting tentatively for a May date. More info as it develops...

Mike

Mike Simanyi wrote: It's already in the works. We're shooting tentatively for a May date. More info as it develops...

Mike

Of course, what I'd *really* like to see is a skidpad and slalom set up separately from a small instruction course like y'all did at the '06 school! :ibrightdea:

New gals sometimes have trouble finding the limit in steady state corners. Actually better then a Skid Pad is a Figure 8 ... that allows corner entry and exit, braking plus steady state ... in alternate directions ... better for tire wear. Maximum three laps at a time.

One could also do two long slaloms that cross each other ... connected with good size steady state corners at either end. One could get a lot of Training in with a couple of set-ups like that. I remember the rank newbs had trouble finding the course for a while even with the EVO 1 course lay-out.

And, Robert, do you think this name is an infringement of the phrase Pro Solo? Interesting if so, I had not noticed that myself. Not sure if it is IMHO.

Actually, that was the first thing I thought when I saw the name...I thought it was officially sanctioned by SCCA (ProSolo, SoloPro, six of one half dozen of the other). My dad's an IP attorney, and the name sounds pretty much like a classic case of trademark infringement, especially since they're "trading" in the same automotive-related segment and benefitting from brand equity built up by the original trademark holder. I'd wager they can expect a strongly worded letter in the very near future. Just my $.02.

Does it confuse? That's the standard, and like Kurt said, I had to reread it to see that it wasn't the new official SCCA school.


Maybe they get some sponsorship from The RackTire.

Based on conversations on this Board David Lehman's school would appear to be what many are looking for at their Nationals experience.

Hello.

For those that don't know me, my name is Sal Monella. I have been involved with the solo community for some time, and have noticed a need from my fellow autocrossers for a new type of driving school. We already have a bunch of driving schools with phases and extremes......blah....blah....blah. Been there done that. However how about a school that teaches you the REALLY important things about autocrossing that no one tells you about.

In my school you will learn......

1) How to find the nearest strip club where the dancers aren't as old as your mother. And when to leave if the girls have more tattoos then the guy that changes your tires.

2) How to stop your co-driver from snoring and telling you the same joke for the last month.

3) How to recycle your underwear without developing a rash on your privates

4) Defecating in a port-a-potty without touching the seat with your butt, and advanced proprietary techniques that obsolete having to use toilet paper

5) How to make it seem that your cell phone crapped out while talking to your wife while she bitches to you that you're away from home racing and having fun---while she is taking care of the kids again.

6) How to swipe towels off the housekeepers cart, so as not to draw attention to the fact that some hotel towels are making it into your truck to be used as surplus grease rags.

7) And finally------the proper way to throw food at solo banquets--------

All this and more........Prices to be announced soon.....with dates and times........

ROTFLMAO. That was hilarious!

All I could think of was "You're shittin' me" ... when looking at David's avatar on SCCA Forums. LOL

Reijo

The first thing that came to my mind after reading Reijo's post but didn't comment right away was....."isn't this a direct conflict or competition against the Evo Schools"? Could there have been a "divorce" from Evo to start a new school? I guess so based on Robert's comment. Oh well, we all have loyalties and so I'd support Evo as Robert is founder of PSCC and part owner of Evo.