I met Raphael Allan when he enrolled and participated in the Bridgestone Racing School’s mechanics training program (MTP) in 1998. The program took place at Shannonville Motorsports Park in Ontario, Canada.
The MTP was open to anyone who wanted to trade their time and mechanical abilities to learn to drive a race car. It was an eight-month course (March to October) of intense mechanical and driver training that would help prepare the trainees for work after the program. As the assistant shop manager, it was my job to instruct the trainees on the mechanical side of the program. Raphael participated in the MTP and was and important member of the team. He listened to the instructors and learned the requisite mechanical training but he excelled in the driver training portion. He learned the basics of proper driving techniques and proceeded to hone his skills as the program progressed.
Raphael participated in the MTP racing program in 1998 where he perfected his race craft and made steady and measured improvement every race. He learned the art of high-performance driving techniques and put them to use becoming more competitive every race. Raphael has proven his ability to learn and practice the craft of high-performance driving. His knowledge coming from learning his craft and practicing it at a consistently high level from his experience and training he learned while at the Bridgestone Racing School.
To whom it may concern,
I had the opportunity to work with Raphael Allan at the Bridgestone Racing Academy. During our time working together, I was able to see the dedication and commitment Raphael put into motorsports.
He travelled all the way to Canada to complete his racing studies and he demonstrated a strong understanding of not only driving but the mechanical side as well.
He has a deep passion and commitment to motorsports and it shows in the work he does.
Raphael knows fast. He can go fast around a track. He can also teach fast to others.
Years ago, I met Raphael at Bridgestone Racing Academy. He was not much good at fixing cars, but he could drive laps around my young and inexperienced self. Here he truly cultivated his love of driving and teaching. My dear friend showed me how to heel-and-toe my performance shooting brake I owned at the time. I have never heard of taking a line, but he quickly mind mapped it for me on our commute home.
Since that time, Raphael has grown in experience. He has raced in several series with open wheeled cars and proved himself. If you are looking to take your driving to the next level, it is easier to get there with a skilled racecar trainer than just buying more horsepower. Learning how to finesse a vehicle is the best path to faster and safer track times. Raphael can teach you valuable lessons, as he has taught me, which truly last a lifetime.
I had the pleasure of working with Raphael at the Bridgestone Racing Academy. He was very hard working in both the mechanical aspect and also the racing performance. He worked very well with others and took much pride in his work on and off the track. He was a great team player and integral part of the school and helping customers have a great experience.
Raphael is the the utmost professional. Having raced wheel to wheel with him he will help you progress into a qualified race car driver. From a novice to a pro, he will help you push your boundaries and refine your skills!