How to Be a Race Car Driver
- 1). Think about what your final goal is. Do you want to be a big time dirt track sprint car racer? Are you willing to spend all of your time training to break into NASCAR? Or are you looking to have fun at a local short track once a week?
- 2). Now is the time to take a step back from your end goal and figure out how drivers in your goal situation got there. Look up a few racers and read newspaper or internet articles written about them to see what steps they took. For example, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne drove dirt track oval sprint cars on their way to NASCAR fame. Almost all big time racecar drivers experimented in go karts at a young age.
- 3). After you've determined how your favorite drivers got to where they are, start visiting local tracks where these starter classes are. Take as many notes as possible from a fan's standpoint to see what you'll need to start a race team. Start with the basics: how many laps feature or main events are, what type of qualifying will make you eligible for that race, how many cars are in the field, is there a points system, how much does it pay to win the race, how much does it pay to start the race, etc.
- 4). Then, move on to the racer's outlook. Take a walk through the pits. How much is your pit pass? You'll have to buy one for you and most likely at least one crew member every time you race. How much is the race entry? Is there a membership discount?
- 5). Now, look at your competition. How many cars do they have? If most other teams have backup cars, there is most likely a very competitive field or there maybe a high probability of getting wrecked. While there is nothing wrong with getting in a wreck, it can be expensive if it happens frequently.
- 6). Pick out a few drivers or crew members you may be able to ask for information. Make sure you pick a good time to approach them - when they are not working on the car or after the races have finished - so that you aren't infringing on their race day. Talk to them about what it takes to get started in their division. How many nights a week with how many crew members do they need to work on the car? How many races do they enter weekly?
- 7). Talk to them about equipment. Will you need a lot of special tools or will basic garage tools like a drill, jack, wrench set, etc do? Where do they buy their equipment? Ask if there is a possibility of buying a used car or even a whole setup including a trailer and some specialty tools. Find out if they know any good websites to go on for that.
- 8). If you feel comfortable, ask if you can shadow them for a few weeks or even become a crew member for a season to learn more about the cars. It may take a little bit of time to get into the racecar, but you will know what you're doing and have an ally to share knowledge and parts with.
- 9). Make absolutely sure you know what safety equipment is necessary. Most racing divisions require the use of a helmet, a Hans device (a neck-saving brace), a fireproof driving suit, driving shoes, Nomex (fireproof) gloves and long underwear that you can find at a racing specialty store like www.preciseracingproducts.com.
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Finally, compile all of your notes and make a plan. Create a timeline - I suggest starting at least 3 months before the race season begins to start gathering equipment. You also need to create a budget. How much can you spend? How much are you willing to spend? Add another 20% to that number to account for crashes and broken parts. - 11
Get out there and have fun! Don't be afraid to go slow until you get the hang of it, and know that you will spin out many times over your career. If you can do practice laps at your local track before actually entering a race, by all means do it!
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