Hayder called me wanting to hire a car and learn how to drive on his first ever track day...

I initially called Tim just to find out about what he did and how he could help me with my first ever track day. I had spoken to a few instructors, but it very soon became clear in my conversation with him, that Tim seemed to be the most personable and helpful and he also wanted to get a detailed understanding of what I was looking to get out of the day. I soon decided that Tim was the instructor I would go with.

We had several conversations prior to the day, and I was surprised with the amount of time (literally hours!) Tim gave me on the ‘phone with my ceaseless questioning and fact-finding! I bought a car for my own personal track-day use, and I was given all sorts of advice on what parts I would need for it, the best tracks to go to, maintenance and the rest.

Tim also gave me tuition on driving techniques, and the physics of cars on a track on the ‘phone prior to the day which was very useful. He also helped me choose what the best track was for me to start with, and told me exactly what was involved in track-days, so I knew exactly what to expect and felt comfortable when I got there.

Basically, I started learning a lot before I even met Tim, and it was a stark contrast to other instructors I had spoken to who seemed reluctant to spend any more time than was necessary to get you to book them for the day.

On the day itself (a sunny Monday off work) Tim was keen to get me started straight away, after we arrived at about 8am. He took me out first to show me the racing lines, and also what the car could do when driven as quickly as possible. That was a lot of fun in itself, and I thought that there would be no way I could ever drive that quickly.

My first time out in the 320i (which is a superb car to learn in; loads of fun and had so much grip it was amazing), Tim watched me drive and assessed what I could do, and then we pulled in and he highlighted what I was doing wrong, where I needed to improve the techniques I had to use to achieve this. I have to admit, after my first outing I realized it wasn’t easy to drive quickly round a track, but the explanations Tim gave were detailed and in-depth, yet so simple to understand. He explained why the techniques worked, as well as how to do them, so I really understood the principles of racing and what I needed to do.

We went back out and I just tried to do exactly as I was instructed – the improvements were obvious. The second outing was quicker, yet I still obviously had a lot to improve on. Tim was next to me though, constantly helping me and tutoring me as we went round. We then pulled in for yet another coffee, and there was more detailed instruction and advice, including diagrams!

The next time we went out there was another leap in confidence and improved driving. I started to get quicker and quicker, and the faith Tim showed in me made me think I could push myself harder and harder. I did and got into the rhythm, and soon Tim just left me to get the practice in, always encouraging. We were keeping up with and passing much faster cars, and thanks to the instruction and constant fine-tuning, I really felt like I had learnt how to drive a car round a track properly and with confidence. I can’t believe I was taking bends at 100 mph whilst being relaxed!

All-in-all it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had, and I have now definitely caught the bug! I can’t think of anything else Tim could have done to make it any better – I can’t believe how much he trusted me to keep the car to the limit even though it was my first ever time.

Considering all of the help and advice he gave me before I met him, booking the track day for me, as well as how much I learnt on the day whilst enjoying it so much, this was superb value and something I would recommend to anyone - if you intend to get tuition, I really do recommend you go out with Tim.

I’ll be out on track with you again mate – thanks for a brilliant day!

Hayder Al Ani
BMW 320i Training Car