I should mention the reverse benefit, more so on track days than autocross but nevertheless still a benefit. From to time I'll do something and then instantly realize "hey I tell students not to do that". The great thing about instructors at events is the chance to brain storm a little.
Tom
Our local club starts the season with a school. I was a student for a few years and when I felt I wasn't getting anything from the classes I volunteered to be an assistant instructor for beginners. I think I learned more than the students. Teaching forces you to do things correct in front of the students. Been coaching a few years now. Even coached at a couple street survival events. After a few years I seemed to have plateaued so I started riding with the faster than me guys and found it helps me see what to do and speed up my time. I got the basics but wasn't moving past that, needed advanced techniques. Should go to an advance school but not in the cards right now.
Last year we had volunteer coaches for the novices every event. This year we are trying something different that really seems to be working. We line up the experienced drivers on one side of the grid and novices on the other side and encourage ride-alongs. This way a novice gets to ride with an experienced driver before they drive and can have the experienced driver ride with them.