Toyota Kata Overview: Problem Solving Through the Pit Crew Experience

In today’s fast-changing business environment, organizations must adapt quickly, solve problems effectively, and continuously improve to stay competitive. Too often, teams jump to conclusions based on limited information, leading to costly mistakes.
The Toyota Kata Overview, taught at the Performance Instruction & Training (PIT) facility in NASCAR country, provides a unique, hands-on learning experience that connects Lean thinking with the fast-paced world of motorsports.
Participants take part in a pit crew simulation, analyzing performance, identifying improvement opportunities, and applying experimental problem-solving techniques. Through a combination of classroom instruction and team-based activities, the program introduces the principles of Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata—structured methods for developing scientific thinking, strengthening problem-solving skills and building a culture of continuous improvement.
What You’ll Learn
How to apply experimental problem-solving techniques
The fundamentals of Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata
How teams use scientific thinking to achieve better results
Strategies for building a culture of continuous improvement
Program Experience
Orientation to high-performance motorsports
Hands-on pit crew simulation
Lean and Toyota Kata instruction
Team performance analysis and improvement cycles
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
8 a.m. – Greeting and Orientation
8:30 a.m. – Lean Performance U. Presentation (breakfast provided)
8:50 a.m. – Introduction to Kata
9:15 a.m. – Baseline PIT Stop
9:30 a.m. – Training Session: Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata
12:15 p.m. – Lunch (provided)
1 p.m. – Three PDCA Improvement/Experiment Cycles utilizing the PIT Stop Experience
4 p.m. Debrief training and next steps
4:30 p.m. – Depart PIT
Registration
Contact your regional manager.
Question?
Call Allison Godwin at 252.883.1729.
Who Should Participate
Whether you are in a leadership position (manager, supervisor, front-line team leader) or a key technical resource (engineer, technician), you are a great fit for Kata training. Individuals who seek a unique perspective on problem solving and people involvement are encouraged to register.
Benefits
Experience Lean principles in action
Improve problem-solving and team performance
Learn practical tools to drive continuous improvement
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