When I first began offering driving information online (originally with an Inner Speed Secrets webinar way back in 2015), I wasn’t really sure what to expect. And I had no idea how to present to a screen! After many years of talking to, and facilitating dialogue with a live audience of drivers, not having the immediate feedback of seeing engagement on the faces of my audience was more than difficult. I didn’t like it.
Sure, it was a more efficient way of helping more drivers. I could create and deliver content, provide knowledge and experience to hundreds of drivers, rather than one-on-one coaching and small group sessions. That part felt good because I was helping more people be even better drivers.
The more I did it, though, the more I liked it. I learned to read the online audience through the comments and questions coming in, and the feedback I received.
Over the next few years, and through more webinars, I noticed something else — something far more interesting and important: there were a group of drivers who kept showing up again and again for these online training sessions, and they created a community of like-minded people.
Still, it was online, and not face-to-face. There were limitations, and some of it was the perception that learning only happens behind the wheel, on the track. But the community grew, partly through the willingness of a few to share what they had experienced with others in the group. Questions would be sent to me, and others would share their thoughts and opinions, as well. It was fun to see this community grow.
I learned from this experience, as did the participants of these sessions. The main thing we learned was how valuable any and all knowledge gained can be before going to the track. With every moment on track costing serious money, making the most of it by preparing is a huge benefit.
All of this led to me doing a simple, casual, live, online, Q&A chalktalks (although they really should be a called a “markertalk” because I use whiteboard markers rather than chalk on a chalkboard!). I did one on New Year’s Day a few years ago as a way to say thank you to everyone in the Speed Secrets community; that was so popular that I’ve done them every year since — and will again this coming January 1st. It’s a cool way to start the year, thinking about performance and race driving.
I noticed another major shift when the pandemic hit: people began communicating more online, and the idea of learning through Zoom/Teams/Meet/webinars/etc. became acceptable. Of course, the funny instances of an important person presenting wearing very business-like clothing on top, but pajamas on the bottom helped make the experience more relaxed and fun for everyone!
Who hasn’t been on a virtual meeting or call since early-2020?
As I present information in the webinars and masterclasses, my wife Robin monitors the Chat box and grabs the questions to feed me. I’m also keeping an eye on the conversations going on, and notice the relationships that have been built in these sessions. It starts with participants saying hello and sharing where they’re from, and soon it’s, “Hey Bob, how are things on the other side of the country?” and “Jen, what are you driving this season?” type of comments.
There are drivers who would be okay if they were the only ones at a track, but they would be the minority. A very small minority. Almost non-existent. An important part of the experience at the track is spending time with friends, and without it, our sport would not be as popular — or growing as much and fast as it is (it is, by the way). I’ve had drivers tell me that they would not continue to go to the track if it wasn’t for their fellow driving enthusiasts. Or, as I like to refer to them — and myself — driving geeks.
Thank you for being a part of the Speed Secrets and Driving Directions community. Thank you for being a “driving geek.” Without you, I would not be able to do what I do, which I used to think was only to help you and others be even better drivers. But, beyond that, I’ve come to realize that I also have a responsibility to help grow our driving geekdom. I’m certainly not complaining, because it’s huge fun!
I mentioned that I’ll be doing another free chalktalk on New Year’s Day, 2025. But I’m also doing a special one just for paid subscribers of Driving Directions, this coming Sunday, November 17th, at 12 noon Pacific time (details on how to sign up and log on will be sent to paid subscribers separately). It’s a bonus available to those who help support this thing, and allow me to focus my time on creating content for you that I hope will help you be an even better driver. Well, for you and your fellow driving geeks.
Thank you for being a part of this, and I hope to see you online next Sunday to talk “all things driving.”