edge04

Curious what the protocol is, do you tip an instructor at a HPDE or not? Sure lots of variables like group, whether it cost extra to have an instructor, how good he was and whether they get paid or not. Not talking private lessons, talking run groups like Chin, Hooked, MVP, etc. I've had instructors walk away and be insistent that no tip is needed but I still feel bad. So tip or not and if yes what is the range.

brkntrxn

No, not at an HPDE with any of the normal groups.

Private instruction, your call.

ErnieN85

should not be excepted

Midnight89

I've offered multiple times and consistently received the message that the instruction is "part of the program" and no tip is necessary (or will be accepted).

If you're serious about passing along a "thanks", many would ask that you continue to focus on becoming a better driver and then repay the favor down the line by helping instruct others.

BEZ06

I agree.

I instruct for several different groups that organize HPDE's and never expect, and wouldn't accept a monetary tip. I'm not a professional coach and do the HPDE instructing for the enjoyment of it. And...the cost of the event for an instructor is usually zero, or at least a very low registration fee.

That being said, I instructed at an event this spring, and I had a first time student that was just doing one day. At the end of the day there was a banquet at a local restaurant. After the meal and socializing, my student handed me what I thought was a "thank you" card and I thanked him and we left. When I got home (I live near the track, and of course it was a local restaurant) I opened it and it was a $50 gift card to the restaurant.

I really appreciated it, and I guess I should have realized it was something like that when he handed it to me and just given it back, but....

Bottom line, like brkntrxn says, HPDE no, but private instruction maybe.

.

froggy47

The best tip is a mention to the promoter/organizer that the instructor was really good.




If a student offered me a set of tires I would be sorely tempted.

SunnydayDILYSI

Instructors are out at the track for comradarie, fun, relaxation, beautiful cars, meeting new folks, and enjoying the sport.

NVR2L8

I have never accepted a "cash" gift, but a few times students have given me a "momento", and I display them proudly in my office. When I look at them, I remember the student , the track and the experience, and reminds me what a rewarding experience it is to instruct.

Deneb

Tip. It is the classy thing to do. In a world losing class fast we need all the help we can get. Tipping really makes a person feel good.

jaa1992

I am there to coach the student thru the line, get him safe and get him to have fun at this.

That said I have tried to turn down tips from students. I've been mostly successful, a couple of times they didn't take no for an answer

As one of the posters above said - the best tip is let the event organizer know the instructor did a great job and you can't wait to get back to another event put on by that organizer.

I do it because I love to teach and instructing at a road course is my only opportunity to do so!

rocsvette

I've been offered tips, once it was $100 but wouldn't take that or any other. When I was running Ncm events told people it was out of the question being an employee. Suggested if they felt strongly then donate to the museum. Outside events said no. Volunteer because I enjoy the teaching. One time at NCM event a green student showed up without his car which had died the night before. He thought at least he could do the classroom. I had my cobalt there for my kid and told the guy he could share it with JR. In the mail I got a thank you with a gift card. That was only thing I kept, felt it would be wrong to just mail it back.

z06801

That was my first thought when I saw the title. "Will instruct for stickers"

Nowanker

Buy them lunch, pick up their dinner tab, bar tab, fuel bill, wax their car... but cash might seem a bit crass.
I like the idea of a gift card... Tire rack has them!

edge04

so your saying I can hand out all my old worn out tires, rotors, pads, etc. as a tip....awesome

ScaryFast

Ha, never thought of tips. I would feel a bit awkward if a student offered one.

In my experience, the student is "less prepared" meaning they drove or open trailered their car with only the bare necessities. I'm there with the full race rig and more often than not I am happy to supply the student with water and Gatorade, tools, assistance, etc.

Maybe I should rethink my approach

z06801

Was thinking more of new slicks with the stickers still on them👍

rithsleeper

I was tipped once. He was extremely insistant and it was $40. He said use it on gas since I took him out so much and took his son out for a ride. I in no way ever expect it or look for it. If I wasn't being compensated it would be different but free track weekend seems fine for NASA.

I like the idea of high praise and maybe buying lunch.

Rx7Rob

I was just in Japan. Tipping is not accepted for anything. Its almost an insult. Makes things much easier.

Hat_Trick_Hokie

No tip necessary. Like everyone above said, instructors are compensated in other ways.

I do really appreciate the follow up email from students on the Monday after an event.

PaConehead

I certainly don't expect or accept tips - shake my hand, tell me thanks, tell me you had fun, tell me you learned something.