179 – James Colborn: The Exhilaration of Open Wheel Racing

179 – James Colborn: The Exhilaration of Open Wheel Racing

Author: Ross Bentley: Performance & Race Driver Coach February 4, 2021 Duration: 51:43

On this week's episode of Speed Secret Podcast, James Colborn joins me to discuss everything open wheel racing, what it's like to race during the pandemic, and racing in British Formula Ford. We also offer tips on racing in the rain.

James Colborn's Speed Secret: Get comfortable with what data can do for you.

James started racing in 2009. A graduate of the ProFormance Racing School in Seattle Washington, James acquired his first race license from the International Conference of Sports Car Clubs (ICSCC) and raced his novice year in a BMW E30 series called PRO3.

From 2009 until 2017 James lived, and raced, in the United States running in a series of both professional and club racing events. Driving predominantly BMWs, James won races in the ICSCC, National Sports Car Association (NASA) and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). This ranged from winning the 25 Hours of Thunderhill to SCCA and ICSCC sprint races. James also competed in numerous professional races in the Continental Tire Series, Street Tuner (ST) class with C360R and BimmerWorld.

In 2018 James moved back to the United Kingdom and shifted focus to Open Wheel racing and the Formula Ford 1600 series. In 2020 James competed in the Castle Combe FF1600 Championship finishing second in C Class and winning the Formula Ford Carnival race (C Class). James campaigns his Van Diemen RF88 with Wayne Poole Racing.

James is passionate about driver development using data. James has partnered with AiM Sports and AiM Technologies since 2013 and his tutorial videos, data seminars and one on one coaching have helped many drivers improve their driving through data analysis and interpretation.

Check out James Colborn below:
https://www.jamescolborn.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/colbornjames


There’s a fine line between simply driving a car and truly connecting with it at the limit, and that’s the space where Speed Secrets Podcast lives. Hosted by renowned performance coach Ross Bentley, each episode feels less like a formal interview and more like a candid garage conversation with some of the most insightful minds in motorsport. The discussions go deep into the tangible details that make a difference on the clock: the nuanced art of trail braking, how to interpret data and video to find tenths, and the subtle interplay between steering input and throttle control. Whether it’s dissecting the ideal line through a complex corner or understanding how a specific car setup change affects handling, Ross and his guests break down complex concepts into applicable knowledge. You’ll come away from this podcast not just with inspiration, but with concrete tips and a clearer mental framework for your own time at the track, be it for competition or personal mastery. It’s a resource built on decades of professional experience, designed for anyone who wants to think more deeply about the craft of high-performance driving.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Speed Secrets Podcast
Podcast Episodes
156 – Jonatan Jorge: Having an Open Mind to Always Learning More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:23
On this week's Speed Secret Podcast, Jonatan Jorge joins me to discuss what's made him so successful as a coach, when a coach needs their own coach, and looking outside motorsport (at other sports) to learn how to be a b…
154 – John Santiago: Learn How to Learn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:55
On this week's Speed Secret Podcast, John joins me to discuss some very important things in driving: self reflection, awareness, accountability, ego, and being okay saying "I don't know." John breaks down philosophy and…
153 – Jeff Braun: Race Strategy & Coffee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:52
On this week's Speed Secrets Podcast, Jeff and I discuss how to improve your race strategy decisions – what to know, what to ask, what to understand, and having patience. We also dig into his hobby business, Mesa Vista C…
151 - Chris Andrews: The Best Car Setup and Driving Styles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:56
On this week's episode, Chris Andrews joins me to discuss how driving styles impact the handling of a car, different car setups for oval and road racing, the best passing zones at Watkins Glen, and the best books to read…
150 – Adam Jabaay: Gridlife and the Best of the Slip Angle Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:22
On this week's episode, Adam Jabaay joins me to discuss the best stories from the Slip Angle podcast, everything Gridlife, and eSports and sim racing. He also shares how he manages time between racing, family, and busine…
149 – David Williams: How Sim Driving Can Help You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:53
On this week's episode, David Williams joins me to talk about how sim racing can make you a better track day driver or racer. We dive deep to discuss Virtual Racing School, how being a pro sim racer works (where does the…
147 – James Chartres: Gaining Confidence and Gaining Speed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:11
On this week's episode, James Chartres joins me to talk about how he built his confidence and became one of "the oast Ones" in the competitive world of SCCA, finding the balance between being analytical and just letting…