What would you consider your main sport and highlights?
Motorsport has always been my sport. And always will be. My father raced (not Nigel), I had a go kart at the age of 4. My father’s still racing at the age of 55 – and doesn’t look like he’ll stop anytime soon. In fact we’re going to race together next year… The tables have now turned and I’m repaying all of the hours he spent coaching me. Highlights of my career are being runner up to Paul Di Resta in the Mclaren Mercedes Young Driver of the Year award, being BOSS GP F1 champion, being the fastest person ever around 5 of Europe’s circuits and previously being involved in the Red Bull/Arden Driver Development Program.
Think about the the type of mistakes that beginners in your sport would make; for instance by taking short term gains over long term losses. How would this manifest itself?
As a driver coach I come across many beginners. The single biggest mistake they make is a lack of vision – they never look far enough ahead, their vision is too narrow. Therefore, they always try to accelerate too quickly, before they’re even out of the corner. This means that they have to lift off, wait, then reapply the accelerator – losing huge amounts of time down the following straight. As soon as they learn to open up their vision – they see more of the circuit, other cars, become more consistent and ultimately quicker.
How can you prepare yourself to avoid this type of mistake? What separates an expert from a beginner?
A lack of vision is a habit formed on the road – you’re not travelling at anywhere near the speed, so you don’t need to look so far ahead. Because race driving takes up so much brain bandwidth, sometimes simple things – like looking further ahead – can be difficult to remember. It just takes time in the seat, experience and coaching to get drivers out of this habit.
How could you apply these skills or preparation to business?
Race driving takes calculated bravery, overall awareness, good vision and an understanding of how the car works beneath you – I suppose all of these skills can be translated into business.
How would someone go about getting involved in your sport
Firstly, let me say that motorsport is extremely challenging, but when you put the perfect lap together, or have a great race, it’s the most rewarding feeling. I work with Caterham Cars who offer a number of options for those looking to get into motorsport. Those interested should sign up to a Caterham Experience, where they can drive the Caterham Sevens around the Silverstone circuit with a pro coach guiding them every step of the way. These days aren’t your usual ‘3 laps in a Ferrari’ – you’ll spend 1.5 hours in the car throughout the day and will be encouraged and coached by the pro racing drivers. For those who are ready to race the Caterham Academy is the way – an entry level racing series with some sprints and race meetings throughout the year. It’s a great entry to motorsport and more importantly fantastic fun!
To find out more about Scott, or even to hire him as a driving coach, visit his website: http://scottmansell.co.uk/