In the Zone: What Great Track Drivers Know About Focus and Performance with Ross Bentley

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What separates a good driver from a truly great one? In this episode, we sit down with racing legend Ross Bentley—professional racer, four-decade driver coach, and author of multiple Speed Secrets books—to uncover the principles behind high-performance driving and effective coaching. You will learn how to simplify complex techniques, think critically on the track, and differentiate between instructing and coaching. 

Listen in as Ross shares insights from decades of experience in IndyCar, IMSA, and sports car racing, including lessons from over 180 days per year of driver training programs. He talks about the mindset that separates great drivers, as well as the value of asking questions, exploring “what if?” scenarios, and developing mental models to enhance performance. Ross also breaks down how performance techniques translate into everyday life to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and more. 

What You'll Learn:

• How to simplify complex driving techniques for better performance.
• The difference between instructing and coaching—and why it matters.
• How to develop mental models to anticipate the track ahead.
• Practical strategies for braking, turning, and throttle control.
• Techniques to maintain focus and flow under pressure.
• Performance driving lessons to improve everyday life and work.
• How visualization and mental imagery can enhance driving skills.
• The mindset that separates good drivers from great ones.
• Why asking questions and exploring “what if?” scenarios deepens understanding.
• How mastering fundamentals leads to consistent, safer, and faster driving.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “A great instructor knows when to stop telling and start drawing it out. And sometimes it's not saying anything at all.” - Ross Bentley
• “Whenever an instructor tells you to do something or encourages you to do something, or even asks you a question to get you to do something, don't be afraid to say ‘why?’ Because the second you understand why, you can apply that to everything.” - Ross Bentley
• “Not asking enough questions early in my career—and not taking advantage of other people's knowledge—was the most expensive lesson I've learned.” - Ross Bentley

Resources:

• Ross Bentley: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Books by Ross Bentley
• It’s Not the Car Podcast
• The Technique of Motor Racing (Driving) by Piero Taruffi
• Willow Springs Raceway
• Sports Car Club of British Columbia
• INDYCAR
• IMSA (International Motor Sports Association)
• TransAm
• Burt Brothers Motorpark
• Phoenix Raceway
• Trac-Com