About

The Coach Behind the Wheel

A grassroots motorsport story — from sim racing in lockdown to certified HPDE coach at Calabogie Motorsports Park, helping Ontario drivers find their potential on track.

Your Coach

Hi, I'm Dale.

I've liked cars for as long as I can remember, but my addiction to track days and grassroots motorsport really took off in 2022. It actually started a couple of years earlier — like a lot of people, I got deep into sim racing during lockdown, got pretty good at it, and wanted more. A friend who ran a sim peripheral shop in Ottawa pointed me to Ontario Time Attack and said, “This is where you start.” And start I did.

My first performance car was a 2014 Ford Focus ST — not a Porsche, and honestly it spent about as much time on jack stands as it did on track. But that's exactly how I fell in love with the Ontario Time Attack community: the moment you have a problem, people drop everything to help get you back out there. These days I compete and lap in a yellow Subaru BRZ.

In 2024 I earned my Motorsports Safety Foundation certification and became a certified HPDE coach at Calabogie Motorsports Park — one of the best facilities in the country (I hope you like trees). I also take on private coaching clients at events like Track & Time and at Shannonville Motorsports Park.

Whether it's your very first HPDE day or you're prepping for a competition event, my goal is the same: help you get on track safely, build real confidence, and find speed that actually lasts. Every session is tailored, and every piece of feedback is specific to you and your car.

Credentials

Background & Qualifications

  • 2020
    Got serious about driving through sim racing during lockdown
  • 2022
    First Ontario Time Attack season in a 2014 Ford Focus ST
  • 2024
    Earned Motorsports Safety Foundation (MSF) certification
  • 2024
    Became a certified HPDE coach at Calabogie Motorsports Park
  • 2025
    Launched the Jackson Drives blog & took on private coaching clients
  • Now
    Coaching HPDE drivers and chasing time in a yellow Subaru BRZ

Philosophy

How I Coach

Grassroots at Heart

I came up through the Ontario Time Attack community — the people who drop everything to get you back on track. That spirit shapes every session.

Meet You Where You Are

Whether it's your very first HPDE day or you're prepping for a competition event, coaching adapts to your car, your experience, and your goals.

Safety First, Speed Follows

Real speed comes from control and confidence, not bravado. We build a solid foundation first — that's the fastest route to faster, safer laps.

Dale with a podium medal beside his yellow BRZ at the track

Let's Work Together

Whether you're a complete newcomer or a seasoned driver looking for that extra edge, I'd love to talk through your goals. From your first track day to chasing podium times — let's get you there.

Book a Session →