Keeping the student/instructor...
Keeping the student/instructor ratio low ensures individual attention. Here instructor Brian Stokes discusses some riding technique with Yamaha PR manager Kevin Foley (right), while fellow Yamaha rep Dave Park (far left) and El Jefe listen in.
Similar to other top riding schools, the JJYCS keeps the student/instructor ratio low to ensure that everyone gets enough individual attention during their two-day course if they need help with a particular problem or have questions. We often saw students getting some one-on-one instruction during the numerous track sessions, and a few even took advantage of a two-up ride with an instructor to get an over-the-shoulder viewpoint of the proper way to dissect a racetrack. As per usual practice, groups are separated by skill level and the JJYCS instructors keep a watchful eye to make sure that riders within each group are closely matched. And if you're an advanced-level rider or racer, don't think that you'll be forced to putt around with a group well below your speed; needless to say, the instructors are highly adaptable and have more than enough knowledge and speed in hand to help even the most seasoned experts.
Another teaching tool at the JJYCS that caught our eye was the on-board video bike that was used to capture students in action out on the track. While other schools also use this method, the unique setup on the JJYCS video bike also displays the instructor's real-time speed, rpm and throttle position, allowing students to view the instructor's control actions and hopefully compare them to their own.
The track walk allows students...
The track walk allows students to get an important perspective of the Barber circuit's camber and elevation changes that they can't obtain while out riding. It also permits students to get answers from instructors to questions on a particular corner that would be difficult to do in the classroom.
Two-up lapping sessions around...
Two-up lapping sessions around the track with an instructor are an oft-used teaching tool with novice riders at the JJYCS.
The JJYCS instructors are...
The JJYCS instructors are highly adaptable and can instruct both novices and experts with equal aplomb. Here instructor Brian Stokes shows SR's El Jefe the fast line around Barber.
"Well, I'd say Kent's doing...
"Well, I'd say Kent's doing everything right except accelerating, braking, and turning. What do you think, Jamie?"
A Fun Way To Learn
We've returned from some riding schools in the past knowing that we learned a few things, but feeling as if we just graduated from a tough four-year university; thanks for the education, but we're not exactly bummed it's over. We came away from the Jamie James Yamaha Champions School finding that we'd discovered a few new riding techniques without having to consciously think about it-we were having so much fun that the lessons seemed almost subliminal in nature, as if we were kids in summer camp. Real learning development is all about having the right teaching environment-and when you're rubbing elbows and getting an education from racing heroes like Jamie James, Scott Russell, and numerous other champions in every session at a superb classroom like Barber Motorsports Park, it's hard not to feel like a kid at play.
A fleet of well-maintained...
A fleet of well-maintained Yamaha sportbikes shod with Michelin Pilot Power rubber awaits the students for every track session.
For more information on the Jamie James Yamaha Champions School, log onto www.jamiejamesyamaha.com or call (828) 337-7495.