Your Data Driven Podcast

Part 2 with Willem Toet, the former head of aerodynamics at the Benetton, Ferrari and Sauber Formula 1 teams. Aero is one of those subjects that gets a lot of air time on TV but its often hard to relate that back to what you can do yourself. Willem Toet has some great insights and very practical tips. Make sure to listen to part 1 first and be sure to check out the links in the show notes for some really good followup videos and articles. [01:38] How to get the maximum downforce from a wing [05:35] What qualifications do you need to work in F1? [11:15] The Benetton story [14:46] How vortex's give you downforce. [22:50] How Sauber maximised its Wind tunnel efficiency -- Links mentioned in the Willem Toet show: - How do diffusers work? a) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-do-motorsport-ground-effect-diffusers-work-willem-toet/ b) https://www.racetechmag.com/2017/08/willem-toet-explains-motorsport-diffusers/ - How wind tunnels work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC0E0wU6inU&t=4s - CFD post processing explained. https://www.racetechmag.com/2019/02/willem-toet-explains-cfd-post-processing/ - Willem Toet on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/willemtoet1/ -- Learn to Drive Faster and Set Up Your Track Car with Confidence @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com

Willem Toet, the former head of aerodynamics at the Benetton, Ferrari and Sauber Formula 1 teams, joins me for a very special two part show. Aero is one of those subjects that gets a lot of air time on TV but its often hard to relate that back to what you can do yourself. Willem Toet has some great insights and very practical tips. This is honestly an amazing chat with one of the best in the business. Be sure to check out the links in the show notes for some really good followup videos and articles. As ever, grab a pen, grab a coffee, sit back and lets listen to what Willem has to say. [01:34] Meet areo guru Willem Toet [06:53] How Willem got into motorsports (missing and Eng degree..) [09:00] The epitome of a motorsports mindset [19:17] Breaking the clock (then fixing it) at 7 years old. [27:35] What is the most efficient way to generate downforce? -- Links mentioned in the Willem Toet show: - How do diffusers work? a) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-do-motorsport-ground-effect-diffusers-work-willem-toet/ b) https://www.racetechmag.com/2017/08/willem-toet-explains-motorsport-diffusers/ - How wind tunnels work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC0E0wU6inU&t=4s - CFD post processing explained. https://www.racetechmag.com/2019/02/willem-toet-explains-cfd-post-processing/ - Willem Toet on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/willemtoet1/ -- Learn to Drive Faster and Set Up Your Track Car with Confidence @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com

Welcome to episode 49. Today I'm delighted to welcome ace engineer Gavin Binkerton Jones. As an F2 team owner, several F1, Indy and sports car aces have passed through his care. Having raced himself on a tiny budget in the 1980s, he shares several tips and practical suggestions that you can apply to your own motorsports. There's absolute gold dust in this one. So without further ado, sit back, grab a pen, grab a coffee, and hear what Gavin has to say... [01:50] Meet Gavin Bickerton-Jones [08:38] The most simple method of fault detection on a racecar [20:10] What makes a good damper curve for your car? [31:15] Getting money from the bank to start a race team... [46:50] Lewis Hamilton's secret technique for finding the fastest approach to any track -- Links mentioned in the Gavin Bickerton-Jones show: - Gavin Autosport profile: https://www.autosport.com/formula2/news/how-to-be-an-ace-engineer-f2-and-damper-specialist-gavin-bickerton-jones/10443011/ - Gavin Bickerton-Jones photography site https://www.gbjphotography.co.uk/ -- Learn to Drive Faster and Set Up Your Track Car with Confidence @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com

Join us for Episode 48 with our guest, Julian Edgar, an acclaimed automotive journalist from Australia. With an extensive repertoire of books on suspension and aerodynamics, Julian is renowned for his ability to simplify complex theories into practical, budget-friendly techniques that anyone can apply to their racecar. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of aerodynamics, exploring Julian Edgar's four proven techniques to improve your racecar's performance without breaking the bank. So without further ado, as ever, sit back, grab a pen, grab a coffee, and let's enjoy what Julian has to say. [01:20] Meet Julian Edgar [10:09] What is Tuft testing (and What Can It Tell Us?) [21:23] How to make a cost effective pressure sensor [37:50] How to conduct downforce testing [45:10] Throttle Stop method for drag testing -- Links mentioned in the Julian Edgar show: - Julian Edgar books at Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Julian-Edgar/e/B00C3MRYN4/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free: https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Julian Thomas joins Samir Abid in this intriguing podcast episode to explore the world of motorsport data and analytics. The founder of Race Logic and VBox, Julian Thomas shares his unique motorsports journey, the value of mastering the basics, and how you can practise these in your everyday driving. This episode is brimming with Julian's insightful lessons. So as ever. Grab a pen. Grab a coffee. Sit back and enjoy what Julian has to say. [01:20] Meet Julian Thomas: Introduction and Story of the VBOX [14:00] How to get into racing (its not straightforward) [18:05] Winning the Championship Using a Data Driven approach [28:10] The Value of Racing in Lower Profile Series to Learn to Race. [45:00] Innovating with Position calculations (rather than traditional distance) -- Links mentioned in the Julian Thomas show: - RaceLogic: https://vboxmotorsport.co.uk/index.php/en/ - Fun Cup https://funcup.co.uk/ - Historic racing https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/motor-circuit/history/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free --> https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Today we have a fantastic guests lined up for you - racing driver and coach Nick Padmore. From the high uptime world of racing to the intricacies of car dynamics, we're going to delve deep into a range of topics that will hopefully give you a range of new perspectives to apply to your motor sport. So much to take away from this conversation, not only about the racing, but also how to manage the practicalities of life, including with your family, in a racing environment. So as ever. Grab a pen. Grab a coffee. Sit back and enjoy what Nick has to say. [01:40] Meet Nick Padmore: Introduction and Career Highlights [13:40] Mastering the Craft: The Art of Racing and The Role of Data [18:55] Facing Challenges: The Goodwood Story and Overcoming Crashes [38:18] Balancing Act: Integrating Family Life into Racing [41:02] Preparing for Race Day: Physical Fitness and Mental Focus -- Links mentioned in the show: - About Nick Padmore, coaching and racing cars: https://www.nickpadmoreracing.com/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free --> https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Today I'm delighted to welcome John Shoffner to the show. Husband of a previous guest, the amazing Janine Shoffner, John is another incredible person. A successful GT racer and entrepreneur, John Shoffner is also a pilot .. oh ... and he's about to go to the International Space Station. Yes that's right, John is going to become a real life astronaut. This is a fascinating discussion, I apologises now for making only fleeting references to motorsports!, although we do discuss how Johns motorsports experiences have helped him in his astronaut preparations. John has a great story and share lots behind the scenes insights I'm sure you'll find interesting. Maybe ditch the pad today, and simply grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy listening to what John has to say. [7:40] How to get into racing [15:12] Meeting, and being trained by, Sabine Schmitz [21:15] How to crash! [27:12] How do you become an astronaut? [34:34] What is it like to be astronaut today (verses in the 60's?) -- Links mentioned in the show: - John Shoffner's race team website http://j2-racing.com/ - Learn about Axiom and becoming an astronaut https://www.axiomspace.com/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free --> https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Today I'm delighted to welcome John Santiago to the show. Dr John has a long history in motorsports as a participant and instructor. John Santiago is also a philosopher and has managed to blend his passion for teaching and motorsports into an amazing project called the Community Garage. We discuss how they are using motorsports to make learning more engaging and fun for young people. We also discuss how you can become a better learner. Learning to learn if you like! This is a good one so as ever, grab a pen, grab a coffee, sit back and let's hear what John Santiago has to say. [2:52] What is the community garage? [10:42] How accountability in motorsports helps you develop as a driver (and person) [22:22] What "civilians" think of motorsports (and how they miss the point) [37:17] What is the best way to introduce new drivers to high-performance track driving? [41:36] The importance of getting the basics right (and what they are) -- Links mentioned in the show: - John Santiago's education project - https://www.thecommunitygarage.org/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ https://www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free --> https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Janine Shoffner is quite an incredible lady. An ex-professional sports skydiver and free-fall photographer, Janine Shoffner now completes on the World Endurance GT stage, including doing completing a whole 4 hour race alone at the Nordscheife. We discuss how a chance track day outing lead to her being training by the late-great Sabine Schmitz and sparking a life long passion for racing. Janine Shoffner shares tips you can try on fitness and mental preparation as well as many other fun stories along the way. [6:24] Learning to sky dive with the SAS [14:42] How to spend 2 years finding the perfect car (and discovering track days) [17:57] How did you get started in Motorsports (and drinking with Sabine Schmitz) [25:40] Transitioning from track days to racing (spec Mazda Miata's) [30:59] Becoming a master of your own mind -- Links mentioned in the show: - Janine Shoffner race team website http://j2-racing.com/ - Technology mentioned in the show https://nucalm.com/, https://www.whoop.com/en-gb/, https://life.bemergroup.com/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free --> https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Andre Lafond is a future star Indycar driver currently racing Formula Ford here in the UK. In this show we discuss what it takes to make that decision to go all in on a career driving racing cars. We talk about the role of coaching and how to give the most useful driver feedback to your engineers and crew. Andre Lafond also gives us some surprising tips about how he uses mountain biking to help with his mental, as well as physical, preparation. [4:00] What does it take to commit to becoming a professional racing driver? [14:50] How different are karts and racecars? [23:01] How can you learn from watching other drivers? [31:52] Tips for working with engineers or your support crew [38:33] What is the different between a coach and an instructor? -- Links mentioned in the show: - Follow Andre Lafond's progress here - https://andrelafondracing.com/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free --> https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Today I'm joined by ex-F1 suspension guru Paul Fickers. Paul Fickers has worked has been developing suspension systems on road and racing cars for nearly 30 years. He has also developed a quite astounding suspension development tool within Excel. In his own words it got completely out of hand! We discuss all things suspension, how you can do the basics right and what the basics even are. We do get a little nerdy at times but its a great conversation and if you've ever had questions about how your car's suspension works, then this will be perfect for you. So without further ado, grab your notepad, grab a coffee, sit back and lets hear what Paul Fickers has to say. [4:06] How to build a suspension analysis tool in Excel [13:25] Why multi-link suspensions are good (if complex!) [23:50] Why the nature of suspension systems make racing so exciting [33:33] How simulation is still useful even though they are not 100% accurate [43:11] How to (and the important of) building trust between engineer and driver -- Links mentioned in the show: - Pauls epic simulation software (for the confident!) http://www.dynatune-xl.com/ - 10 Step damper tuning process http://www.dynatune-xl.com/uploads/1/2/6/7/12673370/dynatune-xl_10_step_damping.pdf -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com Get Ahead of the Curve - Weekly motorsports wisdom you can read in 5 minutes, for free --> https://yourdatadriven.ck.page/3d029366d9

Today I'm joined by Elite cyclist Dan Bigham. Dan Bigham is not only a multiple track cycling champion and British record holder, but he is also a very talented engineer. Currently Dan Bigham works as a Performance Engineer under David Brailsford at the INEOS cycling team. In the past he has been an aerodynamics engineer for the Mercedes F1 team, plus he has even worked for me! In this episode we explore what it takes to win in cycling and how you can apply that in your own motorsports. There are more parallels than you might think. It was a real pleasure to catchup again with Dan and I really hope you get a lot from what he has to say. So without further a-do, grab your notepad, grab a coffee, sit back and lets hear what Dan Bigham has to say. --- [4:55] How (and why) to simplify the complexity of motorsport [14:55] Why socks matter - and the idea of making your life easier to go faster [20:38] The power of being confident to always be open to learning [30:00] Competing is the competition of preparation too [38:18] How is coaching different to instructing? --- Links mentioned in the show: - Dan's book - https://www.shopforwatts.co.uk/products/start-at-the-end-book - Dan's cycling business - https://www.shopforwatts.co.uk/ - Dan's day job - https://www.ineosgrenadiers.com/ --- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

Welcome to part 2 of my talk with F1 vehicle dynamics engineer Richard Frith. In part 1 we discussed Richard's early career, how to go testing and using data to improve your driving. In part 2 you'll learn about how F1 teams developed great driver feedback, where that fits in their development priorities, how to use that to develop the best setup. We also discuss what to change on your setup for the wet. If you've not listened to part 1 yet, I suggest popping back and giving that a listen first. But if you're all set with that then, grab a pen, grab a coffee, sit back and lets get back into what Richard had to say. [1:50] How does the driver influence development? [5:10] Where is the most lap time opportunity to be had on a race track? [8:20] How to get the basics right [11:48] Driving style and how it affects car setup [14:10] Tips for getting great driver feedback -- Links mentioned in the show: - Learn more about Richard Frith here https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhfrith/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

Today I'm welcoming F1 suspension guru Richard Frith to the show. Despite originally looking at aerospace, Richard Frith was recruited to the Jordan Formula 1 team by Mike Gascoyne. He fell in love with motorsports and has never looked back. This is part 1 of a two part show. In this show you'll learn about how Richard Frith got into F1, about getting the most from relatively under resourced budgets, about how to approach your setup and testing. He also reveals where you can find the most lap time on any track. Grab a pen, grab a coffee, sit back and lets enjoy what Richard has to say. [5:17] How to get into F1 engineering [11:20] Building a vehicle performance group from scratch in Formula 1 [14:59] How much influence do F1 drivers have on racing car development? [18:29] Process an F1 engineer would follow to setup a club level racing car. [23:56] Goal setting in sports and how that's relevant to track driving -- Links mentioned in the show: - Learn more about Richard Firth here https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardhfrith/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

Today I'm delighted to welcome Jim Kearney to the show. Jim is a US based driver coach who has had an inevitable amount of success helping drivers improve, and win, particularly at events such as the national SCCA runoffs in America. If you are not sure what a driver coach can offer you and want to learn Jim Kearney's top tips that any driver can use to improve, then this shows for you. As always, grab a pen, grab a coffee, sit back and lets enjoy what Jim has to say. [3:44] What is the attraction of motorsports? [10:53] How small wins become big gains [22:21] Tips on transitioning from driver to coach [27:39] How do you win the annual SCCA runoffs in the USA? [35:26] Under appreciated types of driver feedback. -- Links mentioned in the show: - Learn more about Jim Kearney coaching here https://kearneykdd.com/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

Today, all the way virtually from Australia, I'm delighted to welcome Dale Thompson to the show. Dale Thompson has long worked in motorsports and with historic cars in particular. Dale shares with us many interesting and pragmatic ways to better understand and setup your car - so that it is easier and faster to drive on track. It was great chatting Dale to get his insights. I'm sure that this show will get you thinking. Grab a pen, grab a coffee, sit back and lets enjoy what Dales has to say. [4:45] What is a motion ratio? [9:03] Why you should care about the frequency of your suspension system. [18:25] How to get your track car into a setup window [26:32] The difference between springs and dampers (shocks) [32:52] Why its important to simplify the drivers feeling to guide your setup direction -- Links mentioned in the show: - Learn more about Dale Thompson and his setup services here https://www.suspensionsetup.info/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

Today I'm delighted to welcome Ray Phillips to the show. A successful single seater driver and top line driver coach, Ray Phillips has a wealth of experience in motorsports. As a competitor and coach Ray was one of the early adopters with data. This has led to a lot of success for his drivers in series such as the Ferrari challenge. So committed is he to the role data plays, Ray has also recently taken over Peter Krause's Data & Video equipment sales business. This is a great conversation with a Ray Phillips who shares many hard won secrets on how to really get a data system working well for you. I'm sure you'll find it fascinating. So, as ever, grab a pen, grab a coffee, sit back and lets hear what Ray has to say. [4:44] How to get into racing to start with [10:55] Transitioning from a driver to being a coach [18:54] Ways to involve your family in your passion [25:23] How to use data to improve driving performance [32:03] Ways to develop a great handling race car -- Links mentioned in the show: - Learn more about Ray Phillips coaching and data business here https://precisiondrivinganalytics.com/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

I'm delighted to welcome Annie Vernon to the show. Annie is a 2x Olympian and multiple World champion rower. We discuss what you can learn from someone who as competed at the highest level. How to find a balance between competition and emulation of your peers. And one or two ways you can look to benefit from her experience back in your own motorsport. There are more parallels between rowing and racing than might appear on the surface. In Annie's case that starts with her brother who actually used to work in F1. So as ever, sit back, grab a pen, grab a coffee and lets hear what Annie has to say. [5:29] Perspective On Setting Your Expectations - Whats a win for you today? [15:49] Chickens Or Pigs [19:21] What Is Your Approach To Dealing With Nerves? [26:05] How Would You Define Coaching? [35:08] Breaking Down The Process Of Going Faster -- Links mentioned in the show: - Learn more about Annies book "Mind Games" here: http://www.annievernon.co.uk/ - Follow Annie Vernon on social media: https://twitter.com/annievernongb - Grab Annie Verons book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mind-Games-Determination-Insiders-Psychology/dp/1472949145 -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

Legendary motorsports engineer John Block joins Samir Abid on the Your Data Driven podcast. John has worked at the highest levels in North American racing, engineering pole winning cars at Indy 500 as well as in NASCAR. Through the story of John's background you will understand how his discovery and application of the scientific method can help your own driving and success on track. From an age before data to now one where we are spoilt with the numbers, this is a fascinating conversation. One of Johns tips for drivers is "He who can get back to throttle soonest is the winner." But why and what does he really mean by that. Let's discover that. So as ever, sit back, grab a coffee and lets hear what John has to say. [1:40] John Block Indy 500 and early career [7:30] There Is More To Vehicle Dynamics Than Roll Centres [13:12] He Who Can Back To The Throttle First, Wins [32:34] What Data Do You Look At To Help Drivers? [44:56] How To Do A Track Debrief Really Well -- Links mentioned in the show: - John Block's motorsports business website http://www.auto-ware.com/ - Contact John Block on John@auto-ware.com - Learn motorsports data analysis https://www.yourdatadriven.com/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-motorsports-data-analysis/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com

I'm delighted to welcome Paul Thompson MBE to the show. Paul is a veteran of 8 Olympic games as a senior rowing coach. Paul's crews have won medals in the last 7 games where he's represented Australia, Great Britain and China. There are a remarkable number of similarities between rowing and motorsports. Paul Thompson shares with you his perspectives on the role of coaching and what you should look for in a coach. You'll learn how Paul Thompson sets up a winning training environment and how you can develop as a driver. He even shares a novel, but highly effective way, for you to rapidly reduce some weight. It is a fascinating show from one of the global legends in Olympic rowing. I hope you enjoy what Paul has to say... [4:15] How would you define "coaching?" [8:57] Why you should work on staying "in the moment." [9:37] How to control your nerves with breathing techniques [17:03] What to record in your journal [27:53] What not to do as a coach... -- Links mentioned in the show: - Paul Thompson's wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Thompson_(rower) - Contact Paul Thompson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thompson-mbe-82545525/ - Learn motorsports data analysis https://www.yourdatadriven.com/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-motorsports-data-analysis/ -- Perfectly setup your racecar. Master data analysis. Drive faster @ www.yourdatadriven.com