Don Russell - A League of His Own
I came to Don sceptical, sceptical of the claims made in his bio but I can tell you hand on heart Don Russell changed my life. I had been to driving instructors from John O Groats to Lands End none of which understood me for me. When I entered the car for the first time with Don it was a totally immersive experience. I was the car and the car was me - I suppose you could say the car became an extension of me. Forthright in his approach, firm in his beliefs, a coach who builds a team ethic with a strong, hard working philosophy but at all times fair Don made me realise that driving is more than just ignition, clutch, gas and go. Yes we clashed at times and yes we would discuss things me with my point of view and him with his but we would always and I mean ALWAYS be productive. When the day came to part ways after an astonishing zero minors on my test I can honestly say that tears were shed. Tears of appreciation to a man who's methods may not always be conventional but they always get results. Finally, I wouldn't say Don was the best instructor in the world but he's definitely in the top 1.