-
-
Are you a thrill seeker with a need for speed? Do you love the sound of revving engines and the smell of oil and gasoline? If so, you may be the perfect candidate to become a race car driver. It will take hard work and dedication, not to mention an extensive knowledge of cars, but if you have a competitive nature and passion for roaring engines, then continue reading this guide on how to become a race car driver.
-
-
Professional Racing School
This video discusses PRM Motor Sports Racing School and the benefits of attending racing school in your pursuit to becoming a professional race car dr ... read moreThis video discusses PRM Motor Sports Racing School and the benefits of attending racing school in your pursuit to becoming a professional race car driver. The video discusses what a 2-year professional racing degree will do for aspiring racers, including teaching the fundamentals of today's racing circuit.
-
Introduction
- Pursuing a career in race car driving is more difficult than most people realize. The necessary skill set required extends beyond the ability to operate compact machinery at high velocities, but rather encompasses the realm of knowledge relating to engines, brakes, tires and countless other mechanical nuances. It also expects the driver to have a wealth of information on the historic aspects of racing, which in turn helps separate those whose love of racing extends beyond the base desire for competition and speed. If you think you have what it takes to race cars, or possess a strong desire to learn all you can about the vehicles, then read this guide on how to become a race car driver.
-
-
Step 1: Research
Racing to win (Creative Commons photo by webg33k)- Becoming a race car driver is not as easy as many believe, but instead demands those pursuing it to become well versed in everything car related. For the average person, this means extensive research on the background of race cars, mechanics and driving. The sooner you begin schooling yourself, the better chance you have at becoming successful behind the wheel. You should:
- Read everything about the sport of racing and race cars that you can. This includes books, magazines, mechanic's manuals, car maintenance textbooks, etc. Also, check out all the books written by Carroll Smith.
- Go check out racetracks. Talk to racetrack employees. Speak to drivers, crew members and anyone else involved on the race team. The more people you approach, the more knowledge you can add to your repertoire and the more contacts you will have when it is time to start getting more serious.
- Decide what cars or type of racing you are interested in
-
Step 2: Experience
Helping the race team (Creative Commons photo by HowdeeDoodat)- Experience and research go hand and hand, so once you have gained a significant amount of knowledge it is time to acquire hands on experience.
- Get a job at a racetrack. Sell tickets. Become an usher. Just make sure you are involved with the day-to-day operations that help make a racetrack a profitable place to recreate.
- Volunteer to help out a race team. Get up close and personal with people in the business. Make sure they realize you are serious about learning. If they want you to wash the car and help with the engine then don't ask questions, just do it.
- Work part-time for a mechanic
- Go racing every chance you get, even if it is driving go-karts. Seat time is everything, no matter what vehicle you are driving.
-
-
Step 3: Attend a Race School
- Attending a race school is essential for the aspiring driver. Not only will it provide a more thorough and well rounded education, but will also give future drivers a chance to compete against those that have their same level of skill and experience. Before choosing a school, keep in mind that the most well known schools are not always the best, so do some research before committing to a specific one. Also bare in mind that the type of racing you are pursuing will determine which school you attend as well. Here are some options:
- Porsche Driving Experience - Sportscars
- Panoz Racing School - Sportscars
- Bertil Roos Racing School - Formula One
- The Derek Daly Academy - Formula One
- Competition 101 - Stockcars
-
Step 4: Start Racing
- Again, seat time is the most important commodity for a future race car driver. Get behind the wheel as often as you are able to. Utilize your time at race school wisely, as this is the perfect opportunity to gain experience, improve upon your skills and hopefully convince a sponsor to take you on.
-
-
Conclusion
- Becoming a race car driver is not easy, but for those with the passion, drive and discipline it is definitely within your reach. Stay persistent and learn everything you can about cars and driving, and before you know it you will be pressing down on the gas while feeling the engine's vibration against the steering wheel. After that, let your dreams lead the way.
.jpg){kind=link}
