Since 1988, drivers coached by Tony Kester have won dozens of National Championships, Professional, SCCA Club , PCA, and Ferrari Challenge Races. Lap records and podium finishes are too numerous to count.
Tony pioneered the application of onboard data acquisition for the purpose of driver development and is well versed in its present day usage. He also utilizes onboard camera video whenever possible to get a more complete picture of the dynamics of the situations his drivers are facing. These aids are strongly recommended, but certainly much improvement can be made without them.
Tony is unique in his "hands off" approach to coaching. Areas of improvement are identified, suggestions are made to the driver (usually limited to one general technique and two or three specific areas), and the driver is sent out for the session. He does not encourage the use of radios for instruction during sessions, preferring for the driver to think for himself. This promotes a better understanding of concepts rather than just "parroting" the coach's orders.
Eventually, drivers become capable of self instructing, eliminating the need for a coach. This is not the best plan for return business for Tony, but he feels that it is the most honest approach. The driver shouldn't be considered a profit center, but a student, and if the teacher does his job, someday the student's skills should eclipse those of the master.