This interview was conducted between Gabrielle St. Angelo and Daniel Orr. With Daniels busy race schedule, this is a great way to get in touch with his fans, and hopefully answer all of your questions!
Q. Daniel tell all of your fans what you did last weekend?
A. "This weekend was quite interesting. I was asked to be an instructor for the BMWCCA driving school at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit. The first day out was just instructors and advanced students. Come to find out, I was the engine to the train. What I mean by that, not to many of the instructors or the advanced students knew the correct lines on the track. So by the middle of the second session the whole field was following me. I do have an unfair advantage over them, because I have driven this track for the past 8 years. I have to say, I wish the Koni Challenge would come here".
Q. At which race track is Stephen Brothers?
A. "Stephen Brothers is exclusively at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit in Oklahoma. Over the years I have gotten to know Scott and Connie Stephens very well. So, they offer me subcontracts for the people that want a 1 on 1 lesson".
Q. What qualifications does one need to take the class (if any)?
A. "Really, there aren't any. As long as you have 101 octane in your blood you can join. No really, BMW's are preferred, but not necessary. You do have to have a legal drivers license and just the desire to drive".
Q. How long have you been an instructor at Stephen Brothers?
A. "I have been going to Hallett for about 9 years now off and on. I just started instructing there about 2 years ago as private instructor. Not for Stephens Brothers".
Q. How many people did you instruct? What ages?
A. "There was a large age group at this event. Ranging from 18-45 I would say. What I did at this event was give pointers. Since I was on the track at the same time as the students I would follow them for a few laps then pull them into the pit to let them know what they were doing wrong.
Q. What is included when people sign up for the class?
A. "This event included 2 classrooms. 1 after lunch and 1 at the end of the day. For the most part this is typical for this type of event".
Q. I know the weather was hot in Florida, what were the temperatures at the track?
A. "To be honest, it felt like we were in an oven. Friday the temp was about 100 which made the track temp about 115. As the weekend progressed it just became even more hot. By the time Sunday rolled around the temp was 112 and 120 track temp".
Q. How does that effect your driving and instructing?
A. "Surprisingly enough, we didn't have any major car problems. After a few laps you could feel a little brake fade, but the sessions were only 30 minutes long with 4 groups, so they had time to cool before your next session. As far as the physical part of it. You just had to make sure you drank alot of water. We were not in race cars, so most of the students had their A/C running".
Q What kind of techniques did you teach during the demonstration?
A. "Since this was a car control clinic. I was concentrating on over steer and under steer. These are 2 key points. The reason is because this could happen to you in everyday driving. Those that were advanced and want to learn more about racing. With the limited time I had I started teaching corner entry, corner exit and how to look ahead. Now some of this can't be taught. For example, if you have ever been involved in an accident you say " I was in an accident" not " my car was in an accident". What I'm trying to say here is you are 1 with the car and that's how you have to be when you are racing. You have to know what the car is going to do before it happens. That can't be taught".
Q. How much time is actually spent driving on the track? How much time is spent in a classroom?
A. " This clinic was more track then classroom. We spent 2 hours in the classroom and 5 hours on the track per day".
Q. How many days was the class?
A. "Three 8 hour days".
Q. Any exciting happenings you wanted to mention?
A. "The one thing that stuck out in my mind was that I got black flagged. The last day I put my R compound tires on my BMW to put on the demonstration. Well I guess I scared one of the students that was there on Sunday and did not know who I was. Going in to corner 1 which is a high speed corner. I got 2 wheels off and had just passed him on the front straight in his Corvette. So he came in to complain. After the session was over I found him and said, the reason I went 2 wheels off was to keep the car in control. And if he was present the first 2 days he would have learned that. You never want to go off at an angle if at all possible. You want to keep your wheels straight. Come to a controlled speed where your car is able to turn out of it safely. The reason for this is to reduce the possibility of a rollover, especially in a street car".
Q. How can people find you for a demonstration? Or to teach a driving class?
A. "My website will have the weekends that I'm available for instructing or what tracks I will be attending during my off weekends for DE events".
Q. What kind of certification can people expect after attending your class?
A. "My classes are more geared toward the people that buy high powered cars and want to learn to drive them correctly on the street or track".
Q. What upcoming races do you have scheduled?
A. "My next race will be Mid Ohio August 7-9 in the World Challenge Series. I will be driving a TSX for Branden Peterson Racing. I'm pretty excited for that. The ALMS and IRL will be there as well".
Daniel, thank you for sharing with me and your fans your exciting weekend! Stay tuned for more news from Daniel Orr Racing!
