Maybe you are one of the kids who watches racecar drivers on TV.You may be an adult who never lets go of a hunger to compete.Competitive racing is available to all age groups and car models.Start small with go-karts, get your license, and find a vehicle to enter into an event to get into racing.
Step 1: Visit a track.
There are short tracks and road courses all over the world.Go to the tracks and sit.You can find out which type of racing appeals to you by watching the race.Go-karting is a good starting point.Go-karts are the safest to race in.Road racing, endurance, track racing and drag racing are some of the forms of motorcycle racing.Motocross adds jumps.Standard races are simple for beginners and don't require more expensive cars.Stock car racing is called NASCAR.Racing is more of a marathon than Formula One and takes place on closed-wheel cars.Many track races in America are similar to this and can be used by beginners.Formula One is the most prestigious racing form and uses open-wheel, aerodynamic cars making circuits on tracks across the world.The Indy car is a lower-level version.Open-wheel cars are more expensive than beginner stock races.Vintage racing lacks the exposure and sponsorship opportunities of Formula One.It doesn't have career building potential as a professional driver since most racers are amateur.Vintage racing can be a great way to expand your network with fellow professionals and business owners who are also passionate about cars, if you intend to hold a regular day job and race as a hobby.endurance racing blends physical endurance with strategy and technology over a long period of timeDrag racing involves racing a short distance in a straight line.Driving through off-track terrain is part of rally racing.Street racing can only be done through approved events.
Step 2: The pit pass is for sale.
Pit passes allow you behind the scenes access at some racetracks.The pit crew makes the final tune-ups for the cars before the race.This will give you some perspective on car mechanics.The garage passes are mostly reserved for staff at some tracks.
Step 3: Don't forget to connect with mechanics.
Other people can help you get your foot in the door in racing.If possible, spend time at the tracks and mechanics.Visit auto shops.They can learn from their vehicular and racing knowledge.It is possible to volunteer for small jobs in a shop or a track.Continue working until you have enough knowledge and trust.Online forums are a good place to learn about racing.
Step 4: Work on vehicles.
You need to know how your vehicle works to be a racer.Top-level racers have mechanical knowledge that makes problem-solving and track navigation possible.If you want to learn how to maintain your own vehicle, buy an old one.Changing parts, improving speed, and performing maintenance are just a few of the things you can learn from race cars.You can get repair books from the library.
Step 5: A pit crew is a group of people who work together.
A chance to learn about cars or stay in racing is provided by pit work.You can join a school that makes mechanical work quickly.While keeping an eye out for pit crew tries, get started with working and networking at lower level races.
Step 6: As an official, you can participate.
Track cleaning and signalling can be used to get close to racing without driving.Many tracks accept unskilled volunteers, even if you can take a short, accredited course online.Start at small posts.You can apply for official positions at major organizations if you volunteer for higher races.
Step 7: Go-karts are the way to start.
Lewis Hamilton and Tony Stewart started racing with go-karts.You can get used to how a vehicle handles during a race with this option.There are kart tracks nearby.Purchase a kart and enter races.
Step 8: Racing school is where you should attend.
There are many schools.There are some that are a day or two of driving lessons.Some can last a few months and cost thousands of dollars.While the former is good for getting a taste of racing without buying a car, the latter is often required to get an official racing license.You should check the requirements of the circuit you want to join.You need a license from a school accredited by the Sports Car Club of America before you can participate in road races.
Step 9: A racing license is needed.
To become a certified driver, you need to submit paperwork.The application can be downloaded from the organization's website.Your medical history and a physical exam are required by the SCCA.The requirements should be checked with your chosen track.Don't forget to renew your license when you're a racer.
Step 10: You should get an appropriate vehicle.
Renting or borrowing a vehicle is the easiest way to enter a race.You will have to buy one if you don't.The kind of vehicle you need depends on the category you wish to enter, but classes are available for even slow civilian cars.You have to search for a seller.Small production sports cars in vintage racing are cheaper and easier to handle for beginners.
Step 11: You can modify your vehicle.
If you join an organization, you will be required to add safety features to your vehicle.This includes a roll cage, a harness, and a fire extinguisher for cars.The features needed to enter races should be checked with the organization.
Step 12: Fix your vehicle.
If your racer works and is safe to use, you can enter it in a race.You will probably need to make repairs with a used vehicle and you may want to upgrade to better parts.Give the vehicle a test run to see if it works.Keep a budget.Racing costs a lot.You will need to spend money on repairs after a race.
Step 13: Join an event.
There is a race at the track.You can expect to pay up to a couple hundred dollars in entry fees.In case of an accident, towing charges are possible.Track when you show up at the event after you have signed up for it.
Step 14: Run a test.
You can run some practice laps on a track.If you want to drive your vehicle and test its handling, contact them for policies and open times.Make adjustments once you have a feel for it.It is possible that your vehicle needs big ones, such as wheel alignment.
Step 15: You must work your way up.
You might be satisfied with local, fun races or go-karting.A lot of work and luck is needed to join the higher ranks.Join more prestigious races if you win at the low levels.You can find a sponsor if you display racing talent or have established connections.
Step 16: There is a sponsorship that you should get.
It is difficult to find a sponsor.Winning is the best way to do this.It is possible that sponsors will start coming to you as you build a reputation.You will need to build an audience and be nice to everyone.You are more likely to get a sponsor's attention if you are visible.Don't be critical for opportunities.You can reach out to companies you like once you start gaining some success.They get many such inquiries and have already sought out the drivers they want.You have to represent the brand well once you get a sponsorship.Stay away from controversy by displaying their products or advertisements.
Step 17: You can join a team.
If you want to join a big team that gives you benefits, you will need to win and establish yourself as a racer.Teams often function the same way, so do what you can to attract sponsors.A team may seek you out to represent them once you develop your reputation.You can try to get in touch with their representatives.Think of yourself as a brand when seeking sponsorship and a team.Be friendly but also market yourself.Establish a presence in the media.It's important to be graceful even during rejection.If you want a team to let you represent them, you need to represent yourself well.