As successful race drivers and engineers Triple M's core skill set includes both race car set up and driver tuition. As Alan Mugglestone explains, "a good race engineer understands the dynamics of both car and driver so that after a debriefing session he can decide what to adjust. The car, the driver’s technique or both and to what extent."
With a fully equipped workshop, access to the Blyton Park test track (using both data and video logging) Triple M can improve the performance of both car and driver.
The emphasis is on knowledge and experience based on Alan's 30 years of working with race cars and drivers from Formula One to Saloon Cars (and everything in between!) including a five year spell with Dunlop. This means that Triple M understand what makes a race car fast, how to drive a race car on track fast and, very importantly, the effects of all the adjustments it is possible to make. One example: "by looking at a tyre, after a number of laps, it is possible to tell whether there is not enough roll compensation, the camber settings are out or whatever".
Improving the performance of the car can be approached in a number of ways. One of these is to take the car in, strip it down, understand the motion ratios and, using Triple M’s extensive knowledge base suggest what could be changed to unlock more performance. Alternatively, the team can address particular concerns about the car’s behaviour that the driver is having difficulty with.
As Alan explains "It is all about getting the fundamentals right such as ensuring roll centre movement is the same front and back or getting wheel movement ratios right and matching damper settings to the springs and car".
DRIVER COACHING
Again this can be approached in a number of ways.
One is a test day where the key is the debrief after a run. Conducted with data or video logging the emphasis is on making simple adjustments and help the driver thinking about how they can get the most out of the package.
Another option is the ‘Sprint School’ where up to eight drivers assemble for a full day and are taught all about lines, braking techniques, rotating the car using the brakes and throttle, throttle application and so on. Changes are suggested and followed up analysis of data and video logging.
The format of the day is:
- A full day of circuit availability for a maximum of 8 cars. The circuit will be open all day for you to get some testing done, single lap or multi lap runs, for sprinters and hillclimbers to get up to speed for their next event.
- This is not just a 'normal' test day though, we will provide access to Go-pro cameras for some of the day and if you provide a 12v feed and earth on your car, we will also fit a simple data logger where possible for some of your runs. The aim of this is to use the video and data to help you improve both your driving technique and car setup. This will be analysed by Alan Mugglestone, who has taught some of the most successful professional drivers over the past 30 years how to improve". including F1 champions! For two seater type cars, Alan will also be available to instruct from either the passenger or driver’s seat. This 'tuition' will not just be circuit specific, but something you can use to improve your performance everywhere you compete.
- A simple buffet lunch (sandwiches, tea, coffee and cake) will be provided, all included in the price.
- All-inclusive price of £350+VAT per car - the best value for money you will ever spend for a performance improvement!
Competitors who have enjoyed the benefits of a day like this include British Sprinter, Steve Miles who had this to say. "What I found extremely useful was the individual review of video, discussion and feedback from Alan after each run. You could see excited drivers scurrying away from the debrief truck eager to apply the next tip and lesson all day".
Steve Miles
From Mike Hawley "Had a great first Sprint event of the year yesterday at Curborough and managed to beat my long standing PB by close to a second which was in no small part down to the expert guidance and tutorage of the Mugglestone enterprise that I received at Blyton Park last weekend".
Mike Hawley
And from Dean Cubbitt "What a day., started off with lap times of 84 secs, after a chat and video analysis from Alan I got it down to 81.5 secs. Then Nick Mugglestone took me out for a few laps in his MX5 (to show me how it's really done) flat out 4th gear through Port Froid........... After trying to take it all in I went back out and managed an 80 sec lap!"
Dean Cubitt
For more information about our engineering and coaching services, please contact us.