TRACK COACHES

Juan R Marchand, aka JR has been part of GingerMan since 1997 when he started his motorsports career after graduating from Western Michigan University. He found early success by actually moving to the racetrack in 2002, maintaining racecars for the owner of the track, Daniel Schnitta. He took advantage of using the race track at leisure, progressing his race craft and chassis setup. His accomplishments as a "one man band" racer/mechanic came in 2009 where from he won the Formula Mazda SCCA National Championship RunOffs at Road America. He also has three other podium finishes at RunOffs Championship races to add to his victories and experience.

In 2010 Juan took part on the design and execution of an extension to his home track GingerMan. This was a dream life come true. From his early childhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is fluent in both english and Spanish, also can understand Italian per occasion. Juan has been a driver coach for over a decade and he has the talent and knowledge to help others develop the skills and habits so much needed for the best track experience. JR can bring a lot to the the table, 1-1 or group coaching at the safest race course around, and has the ability to develop your track car as well. Through the use of data recording/ video, lead-follow and drive-along sessions, Juan has been very helpful to other drivers in search of speed and control.

Bob Ashley is Gingerman Raceway’s resident racing enthusiast and track instructor who has logged over twenty-five thousand laps on our raceway, the safest track in Michigan. Bob has taught novice, intermediate, and advanced drivers how to improve their driving skills as they become safer and faster on our track. If you are new to the sport and need assistance, we suggest exploring the capabilities of your car with Bob as you gain track knowledge and grasp the subtleties of weather conditions, tire adhesion and the nuance of each turn and straightaway on our track.

ADVICE: In advance of any training, it’s best to review the Gingerman Raceway website for information about track layout, flags, and general track etiquette prior to your first meeting. All of the above will also be discussed at mandatory driver’s meeting before the start of each track day.

Bob Ashley’s driving experience includes everything from Miata to McLaren, Mini to Ferrari.

His clients have included:

Chris Post has been instructing with us through a large variety of clubs and on open track days since 2009. After graduating from The University of Michigan and Oakland University, he moved to Traverse City, Michigan, where he co-founded a small nonprofit charter school in 1996. Currently, he is a Physics, Math, and Economics teacher, as well as the IT department and part-time administrator. He tracks a variety of vehicles and has experience in track setup and reliability. He has trained with Ross Bentley. He specializes in keeping first time track drivers calm and safe, but has also worked with more experienced drivers to fine tune using GPS data. Although he is sometimes available for last minute requests, advanced notice is helpful. Call him to check availability at 231‑570‑0648.

Brad Pines is the Chief Instructor at the official driving school of GingerMan Raceway, CGI Motorsports. Although he’s driven/instructed on more than 50 tracks nationwide, he has a long association with GingerMan. He first drove the track shortly after its completion in fall 1995 and competed in GingerMan’s Premier Prix, its first races, in May 1996.

During more than two decades as an instructor, Brad has taught many first-time and beginning track drivers as well as racers looking to shave that last bit of lap time. He’s comfortable riding in, and has driven all sorts of cars, from Miatas and Minis to Mustangs and McLarens (and not just cars beginning with the letter M). One of Brad’s strengths is turning hard-to-understand track jargon into understandable english. He customizes coaching for all levels of experience.

Brad has conducted many group events at GingerMan, including training automotive journalists and creating a combination driving school and car show for British car owners. If you wish to entertain your firm’s clients in a unique way, reward employees or create an unforgettable team building exercise, Brad can coordinate a group event at GingerMan.

Media creation was Brad’s profession during a long newspaper career. He can help with automotive writing, photography and video. A pro driver, he has worked for manufacturers like BMW, Alfa Romero and Dodge giving demonstration rides of new models and keeping their new cars safe while driven by the press.