How do you become a racecar driver?

Answer 1

One of the most common questions I receive is: "My child wants to be a NASCAR Sprint Cup race car driver. How does (he, she) get started?"

The first thing is that it is never too early to start. All of the drivers you see on TV every week, no matter the type of cars, started out young (some as early as 4 years old) at their local race track or in karts. The hard part is to prove that you have some ability there, prove yourself there and you'll quickly find yourself moving up through the ranks. Keep it up and you'll find yourself catching the eye of a big name car owner.

The First Step

Go to your local race track (dirt or asphalt doesn't matter) and buy a pit pass if possible. Then go in and strike up a conversation with someone. Drivers, crew members and officials are all great resources with different perspectives on what it takes to get started at that track.

As long as they don't have pressing work to do most people will be more than happy to talk to you, but please be courteous.

Ask if they have a minimum age. Many tracks' age limit is lower than the state driving age. If your child is too young to race at that track then someone will probably direct you to a local karting association.

There are definitely no "gimmies" here. Hard work, practice, natural skill, luck and money all play a roll in your ability to catch a break.

Becoming a NASCAR driver is not just about your raw racing talent. There are a number of other factors that will determine whether or not you will ever see a green flag in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Physical Characteristics

Racing at it's highest level is a physically demanding sport. 500 miles with a 120 degree track temperature can be brutal. A regular exercise program will improve your stamina and help you stay sharp over the course of a long hot race.

Also, a slim and toned driver will have an advantage over one that's heavier. In racing every pound counts and that includes the driver as well as the race car.

Get A Good Education

In NASCAR sponsors are the true key to success. You need every possible advantage in order to represent the sponsors well.

A good education gives you the ability to speak well in front of the camera.

A racer represents his sponsor everywhere he goes. If you want a quality ride then you need the sponsors' money. Before they will write a check the sponsor needs to believe that you will represent them well.

In the early days of NASCAR you could drop out of school and be successful, with today's high-tech race cars and the ever increasing business side of the sport a high school education is the bare minimum. 1992 Winston Cup Champ Alan Kulwicki was the first ever to have a college degree, now it's becoming more and more common as drivers are realizing the importance of a good education.

Go For It!

Getting all the way to Sprint Cup is hard work. If you want to do it there is no "little bit." You've got to give it your all, all the time. If you make it you can be a legend, but if you don't make it you'll still have a bunch of fun and learn a lot along the way.

Good luck! And don't forget me when you become rich and famous.

Answer 2

A lot of the current Nascar drivers started out racing on dirt tracks. They slowly worked their way up to bigger races such as ARCA/ REMAX and then they were good enough for the owners to get a Sprint Cup racing career.

Answer 3

Many people start out in the SCCA as it is probably the easiest way to start your automotive career.

Start with Autocross, you can do this with any car, and it is probably the easiest and least expensive way to start. You can also see if the SCCA has a Novice School coming up, it will give you some seat time with a knowledgeable instructor to help hone your driving skills.

There is more information on when, where, and how you can attend these events at www.scca.com.

Your other option is NASA, like the SCCA it is a well known racing organization that has been around for a while. However it tends to cater to more experienced drivers.

You can find more information on it at www.nasaproracing.com.

If you want to get involved with drifting, I suggest going to Drifting.com or Drift411.com and finding out where events are held in your area. Ask around and you may find someone willing to give you lessons, or a place where you can practice legally by yourself or in a group.

If you want to get involved with Dirt Track Racing then many people start in the smaller Outlaw/Sprint karts and move up to bigger things as they get more experienced. This is generally on an individual basis much like drifting and you teach yourself as you go or you make friends who can teach you. The best way to get started would be to find your local dirt track and make friends with the racers in the pits.

Good luck.

Answer 4

My advice is to start out racing at local dirt and paved tracks and work your way up through the divisions. Then start racing at different bigger, more popular tracks. If you are realy good you might get signed by a team to race in one of Nascars lower series such as the Canadian tire series. From there you can work your way up. This will be hard to accomplish, but good luck.

Answer 5

Practice, Dedication, Lots of Money to burn, you have to make a name for yourself.

Its not all about raw talent, its how well you can market yourself, if you can get a lot of attention, you will draw people and fans to you, which will in turn bring you sponsorship dollars.

Don't be afraid to be pushy, use all the connections you may form, any help you can get to get an edge, use. you can not be shy, and you can not be timid.

Answer 6

Its very difficult to get into the sport of Nascar. You are better off starting off in go carts as a child and work your way up the ladder.. Most people who do this tho, do not make it to the top. Nascar has three top series; The Craftsman Truck Series(2008) The Nationwide Series (2008) And The Sprint Cup Series (2008). There are other levels of Nascar out there too. Like The Arca Remax Series (2008) And many locations accross the country they have Busch Series, i.e The Busch East Series (2008) What car owners want out of a driver is someone who can win in all sorts of cars, and tracks. Not just one style of car. And car owners are always looking for fresh talent, so keep racing and maybe one day, you will get spotted.

Answer 7

you can check nascar.com for available jobs. you need to check team websites as well. dont forget to contact nascar tracks for jobs as well.