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ROLE OF A SPOTTER -Keep the driver safe-Protect the equipment -Relay important race information to the driver from race officials -Assist in race strategy -Be the 'eyes' for the driver for flags, debris, wrecks and updates -Be in the spotter stand for all practices sessions, qualifying and five minutes before race (minimum) TECHNIQUES OF A SPOTTER -Attend driver/spotter meeting and take notes -Know your driver' s capabilities and competition -Make disclaimer regarding language on radio (for example, driver and spotter must understand meaning of "clear, inside, outside") -Clarify the use of words like "still there" that might sound like "clear" in a noisy environment -Keep emotions in check and have a stable voice to keep driver calm -Prior to start engine, radio check driver and crew chief, spotter calls green flag Prior to race during warm-up laps discuss with driver: -Passing rules, race distance,scrub tires and make sure belts are tight -If possible, talk to driver on straightaways only (Driver needs to concentrate in turns ) -Allow radio time for crew chief -At one to go, advise driver to be patient and get ready to race -When driver is not in traffic always look ahead for incidents (Visually scan track) -Listen to Spotter Officials for directions, changes to race, placement on track CAUTIONS FOR ON-TRACK INCIDENTS -Call location (Turn one, back straight, etc...)-Call type of incident (Debris, spin, wreck, etc) -Call caution and advise driver to wave off cars in rear -Call track conditions (Track is blocked, track is clear high, etc) DURING CAUTION DISCUSS -Passing rules on restart-Scrub tires -Make sure belts are tight-Conserve car -Split race into segments (for example: a 100-lap race, call 25-laps, 50-laps, 75-laps and drivers position) -If the driver gains a lot of positions in a few laps, but no more in the next few have driver conserve truck -Call pace car activity NEW SPOTTER HELP -Practice, Practice, Practice. Practice to a spotter is like seat time to a driver-Observe and monitor other spotters in different series -During other races pick a car and pretend you are spotting for that car-Ensure car is clear, error on the side of safety (If not sure, tell driver Your call ) -Use secondary spotter if large track or road course or if depth perception precludes safety -Work with driver during practice or before race to identify "blind areas" or areas that are hard to call -Praise in the public, criticize in private-After each race while it is still fresh in your mind, ask your driver to evaluate your performance-You evaluate the drivers performance-Don't use profanity (other people monitor radios and you could be fined) -Use car numbers, not names (Don't call other drivers bad names) COACHING Discuss with driver how much 'talking" they want during a race. Some drivers do not like a lot of 'chit chat' - just the basics.-Keep driver calm (remembers, you can't win on 1st lap)-Praise your driver-Good job (After passing)-Good line (When his line is good)-Advise driver if other lines are faster-Encourage driver after passing -Remind driver to conserve car/save tires -Remind driver to hit his marks-If car is loose or tight, try different lines-Advise driver of leaders position on track as well as location of lapped trucks TOOLS OF A SPOTTER RADIO BAG -Spare battery - VERY important -Headset -Spotter Badge -Timer -Binoculars-at road course -Notebook-Ball-point pens-Water-Sun-tan lotion-Small screwdriver set-Jacket
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