Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 – Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!

The Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief is back after a week’s absence while I was fishing and out of contact with anything digital. While it was a nice break, this week’s Debrief is chock-a-block full of great race driver development tips and techniques with a lot of it being videos. So pull up a chair and enjoy this week’s Debrief.

Driver Development News, Tips & Techniques

Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021
Photo: SRO / Dirk Bogaerts Photography
  • Enzo Mucci was a guest with Belinda Riseley and Matt Payne on the Motiv8 Training podcast and here is their conversation on What It Takes To Succeed As A Race Driver.
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
  • Check out this video on Transforming Human Performance in F1 – an insider view to 20 years of success. Fascinating stuff.
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
  • Continuing on with the physical conditioning theme, here is an exercise from Jim Leo of PitFit Training from his monthly workout tip. From Jim’s newsletter:

Band-Resisted Deadbug is a great exercise to help strengthen the core. Core strength is important in maintaining proper posture, balance, and stability. Having a strong core helps minimize the risks of falls or other injuries. For this exercise you are going to wrap a band around a post and lie flat on your back. You will grab one side of the band in each hand while extending your arms over your shoulders. Bend your knees to 90 degrees and lift your feet off of the ground. It is important that your low back maintains contact with the ground. From here you are going to open mouth exhale, drive your ribcage down, and begin to extend on leg out while holding it above the ground. Hold this position for a few seconds while you inhale. As you begin to exhale again you will return to the starting position. Repeat this process with the opposite leg.

PitFit Training Newsletter August 2021
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
  • There have been some great announcements on some cool driver development programs in the last week. Here are a few of them that you might want to look into.
    • The Heart of Racing has announced “New Zealand’s Newest Racing Driver Academy” as they have launched a development academy. “In partnership with International Motorsport, the academy will sponsor three young Kiwis to compete in the Best Bars Toyota 86 Championship in an effort to further develop their skills and experience behind the wheel. The carefully selected drivers will work alongside the International Motorsport team where they will learn what it takes to be a competitive driver on and off the track. They will also have access to The Heart of Racing’s professional driver roster including international endurance racing stars Alex Riberas, Gray Newell, Ian James, Roman De Angelis, and Ross Gunn. The team’s pro roster will be an ongoing resource for the up-and-coming Kiwis, sharing their tips and tricks for life as a professional driver.” You can get more details from The Heart of Racing.
    • IMSA has announced a brand new scholarship program. Check out IMSA Launches Diverse Driver Development Scholarship Program.
    • I don’t deal with karting very often but this is notable: Nitro Kart Continues to Expand Motorsports Reach with TransAm Program.
    • Finally, here is a great article on Renee Dupuis and the Track Night in America program. Check out Renee Dupuis Helping More People On Track – Track Night in America.
  • In arguably the most prestigious weekend for a young race driver, the 2021 Formula Ford Festival has announced that they are taking entries. Get all the details here.
  • Yacademy have announced their winter testing dates for 2021. As per Yacademy “For the past three years, the Yacademy Winter Series has successfully hosted a great amount of pre season testing days catered to all the junior open wheel classes in North America. By doing these kind of organized testing and thanks to the support of all of the top teams in the sport, Yacademy Winter Series has been able to hosts tests at some of the top tracks in the country with the goal of making it affordable for teams and drivers to participate.” Full details can be found here. Dates and prices in USD are as follows:
    • October 14 – 15 – Road America – $2000
    • Nov 2-3 – Indianapolis Lucas Oil oval – $1000
    • November 15th – Barber – Indy Lights Only – $3750
    • December 6-7 Barber – $1750
    • December 13-14 Sebring – $1500
    • December 15 – Sebring – Indy Lights only – $3500
    • December 16-17 Homestead – $1250
  • I have posted articles on the topic of mental health in the hope and belief that open discussion will reduce the stigmatization that somehow seems to attach itself to mental health and the athlete. As Olympians Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka have spoken up about with their struggles, NASCAR, IndyCar Drivers Open Up about Mental Health.
  • Here are two great videos related to driver development that you should check out as they offer valuable tips and insight.
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!

The Business of Being a Race Driver

  • Sports Law is a fascinating branch of the law in that it encompasses so many different areas of the law be it contracts, administrative, corporate/commercial, insurance, employment and more. A recent motorsport law case in the UK has raised some interesting points that all drivers racing for a team should at least be familiar with. While it may seem obvious that a team is providing a service, this case argues that the driver is providing one as well. Check out Junior single-seater case goes to High Court of Justice in UK and as always, this does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction for any legal matters.
  • A new digital service called Open Fender has been launched aimed at helping drivers at all level obtain sponsorship. You can read a write-up about it over at Winding Road or watch the following video that describes visually what they are offering.
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
  • Here are some great sponsorship and branding-related videos that are highly recommended. Remember, knowledge is power!
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
  • Finally, have a look at this video about digital media and motorsport with Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen Digital Media Manager Pedro Cebrian.
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!

Series News

Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021
Acura NSX GT3 Evo22
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021
  • Speaking of F3 (and of course that designation now only applies to the FIA championship), there are apparently 18 teams interested in participating in 2022. As they mull over their options, the FIA admit that they are working on the 2022 format for both F2 and F3 with a decision imminent.

Business of Motorsport

From the Motorsport Prospects Archives

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The Last Lap

As I conclude this week’s Debrief I have to admit that while my vacation was fantastic and it was great to get away, it is nice to be back in the thick of things in motorsport. Here are some cool things that caught my eye over the last few weeks.

  • Speaking of community, on Saturday 7th August 2021 at Snetterton Circuit, an intense fire broke out in the paddocks destroying Alastair Rushforth Motorsport’s race truck, Will Ortons race gear and helmet, awning, spare parts and tools. There is literally nothing left. Here is how you can help out.
  • Ever wonder what happened to the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving? Read this story over at Forbes. It reads like a sad soap opera but at least Bob is positive that things are now going in the right direction.
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!
  • Yes I hear you! Here is a Lap of Road America With Bill Auberlen.
Motorsport Prospects Weekly Debrief for August 13, 2021 - Race Driver Development Videos Galore and Much More!

That is it for this week. See you next Friday for another Weekly Debrief. Until then, stay safe and I will see you at the track!

Mark Boudreau
Author: Mark Boudreau

Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.