How to: get into professional racing?

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

Ok i just cant figure it out, how exactly do people get into professional motorsports, is it like any other sport and u just have to be in the right palce at the right time and have someone see you and offer you a job? or do you have to have connections? Its long been a dream of mine and im beginning to think the only thing im good at is driving, Just curious.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Go-Kart... Age 7

 

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

little late for that, by about 14 years

 

[Brian MP5T]

Well, Big Go Kart - Age 21

 

[MP3racer]

Ok i just cant figure it out, how exactly do people get into professional motorsports, is it like any other sport and u just have to be in the right palce at the right time and have someone see you and offer you a job? or do you have to have connections? Its long been a dream of mine and im beginning to think the only thing im good at is driving, Just curious.

\

There are a few ways of getting into professional racing. First is to spend a ton of your own money as most of the actors involved in professional racing. I'm not saying they are bad drivers but if you are not known for your driving skills you are going to have to fund your own way and that will cost alot.

The second way still costs alot but maybe not as much. You can start out (that is own your own team, car, etc.)in amateur racing (SCCA, NASA, vintage racing, etc.) and do very well there to get some sponsors behind you and then make the jump to professional racing. However, this is quite difficilt to do.

The third way is to start in go-kart racing or one of the above amateur series and do so well that a professional team notices you and offers you a "ride". This can range from you, the driver, having to either work on the team to help out to a fully paid offer where you get a salary.

If none of those work for you....then you can start out by volunteering with a professional team to work as crew and then you can "make some contacts". This way will require gobs of luck!

The best thing is that with any of the ways it is always a ton of fun!!!!!

Take Care,
Tom
Doc B Racing

 

[borkap]

Bottom line you have to get into some form of motorsports and win by a good margin.

It takes two things money and devotion. You hav to be willing to stay up all night fixing a car then run it the next day and win.

Most pro drivers (NASCAR aside) are special people. Roush racing currently has a program called racerX where you can get a spot on their team. The only thing is that you have to already be running and winning.

I think I am a decent driver. I'm better tan average but no where near the caliber of a pro.

The other advice is to take as many driving schools as you can. A lot of times the instructors are pro's and they can not only teach you to improve your skills but they can offer you advice and contacts.

Either way be prepared to eat ramen noodles and burritos as it is very expensive to get into.

 

[low_psi]

Since you didn't kart as a kid, you most likely have a lot of track time infront of you before anyone even looks in your direction. Go to every track day/driving school available, make contacts in the racing world and you'll start to figure things out.

 

[Brian MP5T]

AUto-X and accept that you might never be anything more than a Weekend Racer...

 

[SpicyMchaggis]

club race.

practice.

money.

beat someone important's laptime under similar conditions.

works everytime.

 

[justanotheradikt]

i got into pro. motorsports through helping out on the team... i started by cleaning hte car for free after the races... sucked but i did it. over a few years i moved myself up to the top and one day at a practice session i was like hey let me take a few laps....i had been running autox in my car and a few kart races, but i ran faster laps than the current driver at that time....so then i was offered his job.

but yes once you get into any form of it, talk to everybody and get to know them....never know when you will need that call for some help