| Stroke | 01-06-2004 07:09 PM |
How do I make a name for myself in motorsports...
�
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... with no money, no friends/family already in motorsports, no sponsors to speak of, and no fast car?
I'd like to get into [b]any[/b] field of motorsports, but it always seems like people doing it have either gobs of cash, their own shop, or their father's been doing it for years already.
I feel that I'm a very compitant driver and given the chance, could prove so. What can average joe do?
I'd like to get into [b]any[/b] field of motorsports, but it always seems like people doing it have either gobs of cash, their own shop, or their father's been doing it for years already.
I feel that I'm a very compitant driver and given the chance, could prove so. What can average joe do?
| MattDell | 01-06-2004 07:22 PM |
I'm in the same boat, buddy. My goal is to get a well-paying job and look into Motorsports more seriously when I'm in my late 20's.
-Matt
-Matt
| Smelli Bugatti | 01-06-2004 07:31 PM |
Get involved somehow, but dont think you are going to start at the top. I just read in a european racing magazine about somebody who worked with a race team as an intern, just so he could be part of the sport he loved.
| hillman | 01-06-2004 10:56 PM |
[quote]
I feel that I'm a very compitant driver and given the chance, could prove so. What can average joe do?
[/quote]
Almost everyone thinks they are an undiscovered professional race driver... until they find out otherwise. I'm not saying you aren't, just trying to give you some perspective.
It is relatively easy to find out if you are just an average driver like most of us. Go autocrossing. You can do this fairly cheaply.
If you go autocrossing, and don't mop the floor with everyone there, then you aren't the next great undiscovered race driver. Problem solved.
If you do, well then you've got a problem, but an enviable one. Good luck.
I feel that I'm a very compitant driver and given the chance, could prove so. What can average joe do?
[/quote]
Almost everyone thinks they are an undiscovered professional race driver... until they find out otherwise. I'm not saying you aren't, just trying to give you some perspective.
It is relatively easy to find out if you are just an average driver like most of us. Go autocrossing. You can do this fairly cheaply.
If you go autocrossing, and don't mop the floor with everyone there, then you aren't the next great undiscovered race driver. Problem solved.
If you do, well then you've got a problem, but an enviable one. Good luck.
| ANZAC_1915 | 01-06-2004 11:21 PM |
That's a bit harsh. Not every good driver cleaned up on their first outing. Some things are instinctive, and others can be learned.
Glenn
Glenn
| FSelekler | 01-06-2004 11:46 PM |
There are many amateur but serious racing teams out there with low budgets looking for any help they can get even if it is making coffee. There are even Speed Touring/GT teams looking for volunteer help in of the races they go to.
Granted it is hard for an "average Joe", and it takes long time, but get to know people by offering your help. You'll be suprised who you get to meet and how sometimes small things make a big difference in life. Being positive, always, helps a great deal :)
[B][COLOR=orange]FT[/COLOR]
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Granted it is hard for an "average Joe", and it takes long time, but get to know people by offering your help. You'll be suprised who you get to meet and how sometimes small things make a big difference in life. Being positive, always, helps a great deal :)
[B][COLOR=orange]FT[/COLOR]
[COLOR=blue][SIZE=1][I]Sel Ground Performance[/SIZE][/COLOR]
[COLOR=purple][SIZE=1]www.selgp.com[/COLOR][/I][/SIZE][/B]
| lo-buck | 01-06-2004 11:53 PM |
start autocrossing.
| Kitsune | 01-07-2004 12:15 AM |
Or rallycross ;)
| WRXMaster | 01-07-2004 01:08 AM |
mopping up at autocross will not mean that much................too slow!
Open wheel ------ Karting
Road Racing ------ Spec miata or Rx7
Rally ------ Golf
If you are going to go anywhere you need $$$$$ or sponsors ......... a good stable series helps too!
Seat time means everything ...........the more you have the better you will get ..... If you get in the car once every other month your really not going to improve that much ............ Thats why Europeans are so much better then Americans in racing.
Open wheel ------ Karting
Road Racing ------ Spec miata or Rx7
Rally ------ Golf
If you are going to go anywhere you need $$$$$ or sponsors ......... a good stable series helps too!
Seat time means everything ...........the more you have the better you will get ..... If you get in the car once every other month your really not going to improve that much ............ Thats why Europeans are so much better then Americans in racing.
| TBreu007 | 01-07-2004 01:20 AM |
In a nutshell...if you don't have lots of money, aren't born into racing, you're not an ace karter, or don't know someone deeply involved with racing, your chances are slim to none. That doesn't mean you will never be a pro driver, it just means you have to work much harder to get there. Start by karting and getting a lot of practice time and races under your belt. Also, start crewing for a pro team to learn as much as you can. You work your butt off, but you learn a lot in the menatime. If you can't afford $5000 for a kart, $180 for tires every race or every 6 practices or so and $60 karting entry fees, find another sport like golf. Your chances of making it as a golf pro are MUCH higher.
No one has ever earned a paid pro ride straight out of autocross!
Don't worry if you're not a hotshoe right out of the box...Carroll Smith even said great driver's aren't born, they're made.
No one has ever earned a paid pro ride straight out of autocross!
Don't worry if you're not a hotshoe right out of the box...Carroll Smith even said great driver's aren't born, they're made.
| KC | 01-07-2004 08:15 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Stroke[/i]
[B] ... with no money, no friends/family already in motorsports, no sponsors to speak of, and no fast car?
I'd like to get into [b]any[/b] field of motorsports, but it always seems like people doing it have either gobs of cash, their own shop, or their father's been doing it for years already.
I feel that I'm a very compitant driver and given the chance, could prove so. What can average joe do? [/B][/QUOTE]
What's your name? :devil:
You never said what kind of motorsports you're interested in. This is a good board here in that there's various different levels of people that come here from all forms of motorsports; road-race, rally, auto-x.... and more that can give very insightful pointers into what you, in theory, should do.
As with anything, you can't wait from something to come and happen to you, you need to go out and make it happen. Write up some goals, both short term and long term and do what you need to do to attain them.
With any competitive motorsports, the more the seat time the better. I cannot stress this enough. As Gary said... anything can be learned. It comes down to how much time/effort are you willing to dedicate towards it.
My folks/family were never into cars/racing, I don't have gobs of cash, and I don't even have a garage! (It's fun working on a car when it's 20 degrees in the driveway). I know exactly where you're coming from. But things take time.
You just gotta put your time in and be committed.
--kC
[B] ... with no money, no friends/family already in motorsports, no sponsors to speak of, and no fast car?
I'd like to get into [b]any[/b] field of motorsports, but it always seems like people doing it have either gobs of cash, their own shop, or their father's been doing it for years already.
I feel that I'm a very compitant driver and given the chance, could prove so. What can average joe do? [/B][/QUOTE]
What's your name? :devil:
You never said what kind of motorsports you're interested in. This is a good board here in that there's various different levels of people that come here from all forms of motorsports; road-race, rally, auto-x.... and more that can give very insightful pointers into what you, in theory, should do.
As with anything, you can't wait from something to come and happen to you, you need to go out and make it happen. Write up some goals, both short term and long term and do what you need to do to attain them.
With any competitive motorsports, the more the seat time the better. I cannot stress this enough. As Gary said... anything can be learned. It comes down to how much time/effort are you willing to dedicate towards it.
My folks/family were never into cars/racing, I don't have gobs of cash, and I don't even have a garage! (It's fun working on a car when it's 20 degrees in the driveway). I know exactly where you're coming from. But things take time.
You just gotta put your time in and be committed.
--kC
| akuhner | 01-07-2004 09:18 AM |
Some people are born fast, but how can you possibly say you are good when you don't even know what area of motorsport you are good at? have you ever done any SANCTIONED racing? driving fast on public roads or some parking lot doesn't count for anything, the only thing that might show is that you've got balls (and in some cases more balls than brains) ! ;)
That said, you have to start yourself. Your name doesn't matter for anything, you could call yourself Dirk Diggler and nobody will notice (ok, maybe that would get a snicker!). Start Auto-X first in any car that will stay together, then when you have a few years of seat time (in auto-x or any other grass roots series) post this topic again!
I started Auto-X in an Impreza L, FWD automatic and found out that I had to auto-x but needed a 5spd. Got the 2.5RS cheap and started going to every auto-x I could. Even tho I was the greenest idiot out there people helped me because I showed that I wanted to learn. Then I tried Road Rally (TSDs) with a friend and found that dirt was cool, so I started rally-x. I found that I'm way more competitive on dirt and even with an open rear diff the car is amazing. At rally-x I started meeting rally people and now I'm crew on the [URL=http://www.ncrally.com]North Coast Rally[/URL] Pro/Club team supporting a very fast driver. I also help run the rally sprints and rally cross program at [URL=http://www.rallyparknortheast.com]Rally Park Northeast[/URL] , and I've been asked by another region to chair their program. I do all this because I can't afford my own clubrally car and nobody in their right mind is going to give me a car, it's all preperation for when I'm 40 and can afford it! It all just falls together when you get involved and show your comittment... so just get out there and do something!
Alex
That said, you have to start yourself. Your name doesn't matter for anything, you could call yourself Dirk Diggler and nobody will notice (ok, maybe that would get a snicker!). Start Auto-X first in any car that will stay together, then when you have a few years of seat time (in auto-x or any other grass roots series) post this topic again!
I started Auto-X in an Impreza L, FWD automatic and found out that I had to auto-x but needed a 5spd. Got the 2.5RS cheap and started going to every auto-x I could. Even tho I was the greenest idiot out there people helped me because I showed that I wanted to learn. Then I tried Road Rally (TSDs) with a friend and found that dirt was cool, so I started rally-x. I found that I'm way more competitive on dirt and even with an open rear diff the car is amazing. At rally-x I started meeting rally people and now I'm crew on the [URL=http://www.ncrally.com]North Coast Rally[/URL] Pro/Club team supporting a very fast driver. I also help run the rally sprints and rally cross program at [URL=http://www.rallyparknortheast.com]Rally Park Northeast[/URL] , and I've been asked by another region to chair their program. I do all this because I can't afford my own clubrally car and nobody in their right mind is going to give me a car, it's all preperation for when I'm 40 and can afford it! It all just falls together when you get involved and show your comittment... so just get out there and do something!
Alex
| Ryan | 01-07-2004 09:21 AM |
You can join on as a mechanic with the Bridgestone race school in Canada..... they give the mechanics free seat time as part of their job, and being able to tear down and rebuild the car will give you a much better idea of whats involved.
There's also the Jim Russel school, but i hear their mechanics are more like slave labor for a year - but can be a great foot in the door.
You can also try to get involved with local teams on their crew - you can usually score some good deals on parts through them, and even hop in their car(s) for driving schools. I've done this, its been a great experience - you really get to learn alot.
There's also the Jim Russel school, but i hear their mechanics are more like slave labor for a year - but can be a great foot in the door.
You can also try to get involved with local teams on their crew - you can usually score some good deals on parts through them, and even hop in their car(s) for driving schools. I've done this, its been a great experience - you really get to learn alot.
| hillman | 01-07-2004 09:54 AM |
[quote]
Not every good driver cleaned up on their first outing.
[/quote]
I didn't say immediately.
If he goes autocrossing, and cleans up on the first day, he should come back and tell us that. If he doesn't, he should continue working at it until he does. For most of us, this'll take so many years that by the time he's done, he'll be ready to retire... and since he didn't piss away too much money chasing a dream, he'll be able to afford to retire, too.
Not every good driver cleaned up on their first outing.
[/quote]
I didn't say immediately.
If he goes autocrossing, and cleans up on the first day, he should come back and tell us that. If he doesn't, he should continue working at it until he does. For most of us, this'll take so many years that by the time he's done, he'll be ready to retire... and since he didn't piss away too much money chasing a dream, he'll be able to afford to retire, too.
| trhoppe | 01-07-2004 10:16 AM |
Start autox. Whoever says that you cannot make it by starting autoxing is a tool. There are quite a few drivers that are in the speed series or transam that started with autox.
Winning at a national level in autox will open up other doors and opportunities for you. It will get you involved in motorsport and you will know people. A decent driver who knows TONS of people and has lots of people skillzzz will get further then a good driver with no people skills IMHO.
I myself and in a similar situation. I would love to semi pro race in the future and I think I am on the right track. I've autoxed for 2 years and am entering my 3rd year this season. Because of my autox success and marketing myself and my car, I have quite a few sponsors for my car that I acquired for last season and have kept for this year. Those sponsors included Subaru last year :) I am also currently building/looking for a Spec Miata for the 2005 year.
Like someone said. Get a cheap competitive car and autox. A national level competitive STS civic can be built for $5000.
-Tom
Winning at a national level in autox will open up other doors and opportunities for you. It will get you involved in motorsport and you will know people. A decent driver who knows TONS of people and has lots of people skillzzz will get further then a good driver with no people skills IMHO.
I myself and in a similar situation. I would love to semi pro race in the future and I think I am on the right track. I've autoxed for 2 years and am entering my 3rd year this season. Because of my autox success and marketing myself and my car, I have quite a few sponsors for my car that I acquired for last season and have kept for this year. Those sponsors included Subaru last year :) I am also currently building/looking for a Spec Miata for the 2005 year.
Like someone said. Get a cheap competitive car and autox. A national level competitive STS civic can be built for $5000.
-Tom
| Stroke | 01-07-2004 11:39 AM |
There's an Auto-x in my area the 17th & 18th, but the practice day (17th) is all sold out. I'm going to go anyway and I feel confident enough watching the other drivers, I'll apply for the championship on the 18th given that there are spaces still available.
Thank you for the positive responses, gang! :D
Thank you for the positive responses, gang! :D
| Dussander | 01-07-2004 11:58 AM |
Don't give up if you do terrible. I've seen way to many people give up as their egos were destroyed when they went AutoXing for the first time. There are way to many things you don't realize you don't know. :D
AutoXing can teach you:
Course reading
Car setup
Car handling
Mental stability
But it does sometimes give you a really bad sense of style, ie. Hawaiian shirits. ;)
AutoXing can teach you:
Course reading
Car setup
Car handling
Mental stability
But it does sometimes give you a really bad sense of style, ie. Hawaiian shirits. ;)
| KC | 01-07-2004 12:00 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Dussander[/i]
[B] But it does sometimes give you a really bad sense of style, ie. Hawaiian shirits. ;) [/B][/QUOTE]
Some people just don't understand. :lol:
--kC
(I blame Tom for that)
[B] But it does sometimes give you a really bad sense of style, ie. Hawaiian shirits. ;) [/B][/QUOTE]
Some people just don't understand. :lol:
--kC
(I blame Tom for that)
| trhoppe | 01-07-2004 12:38 PM |
It has been scientifically proven that ugly Hawaiian shirts make you go fastAr.
-Tom
-Tom
| dsmith | 01-07-2004 12:51 PM |
I didn't see anyone mention this, so...
If you are leaning toward road racing, you need to enter a high speed driving school. It's entirely possible that you will scare yourself and find out that you really aren't interested in risking your life in this manner. I love to autocross, but other than the theory of apexs, it didn't really do anything to prepare me for high speed driving. Above 60-70 mph, things can go wrong fast and in big ways.
If you crave for more, then apply for a novice license with SCCA, rent a prepared SCCA club racer (spec RX-7 would be good) and enter the SCCA drivers schools and 2 regionals to get your regional license. This may take the better part of a year, if you are low on funds, or don't get waived to race after your first school. You will have all of the needed driver's suit equip at this point, and can follow the same process for rally, if desired.
If you are STILL interested in having no free time, women in your life, or savings to build wealth for the future, then you need 3 things to be successful:
1. Race VERY well, like win a lot...
2. Be able to set up a car for handling
3. Be able to tune and repair a car
If you have money, you can buy 2 & 3, but you can't buy 1.
Good luck and start spending. It's good for the economy!
David
If you are leaning toward road racing, you need to enter a high speed driving school. It's entirely possible that you will scare yourself and find out that you really aren't interested in risking your life in this manner. I love to autocross, but other than the theory of apexs, it didn't really do anything to prepare me for high speed driving. Above 60-70 mph, things can go wrong fast and in big ways.
If you crave for more, then apply for a novice license with SCCA, rent a prepared SCCA club racer (spec RX-7 would be good) and enter the SCCA drivers schools and 2 regionals to get your regional license. This may take the better part of a year, if you are low on funds, or don't get waived to race after your first school. You will have all of the needed driver's suit equip at this point, and can follow the same process for rally, if desired.
If you are STILL interested in having no free time, women in your life, or savings to build wealth for the future, then you need 3 things to be successful:
1. Race VERY well, like win a lot...
2. Be able to set up a car for handling
3. Be able to tune and repair a car
If you have money, you can buy 2 & 3, but you can't buy 1.
Good luck and start spending. It's good for the economy!
David
| GarySheehan | 01-07-2004 01:11 PM |
dsmith took the words out of my mouth. In high school I decided I wanted to race cars. Because my family didn't have money to get me started in racing cars, or karts, I decided to go to college and get a degree that would allow me to land a job that paid well. I graduated with a BSEE and got the job.
Less than a year later I was at a pro racing school. No previous carting experience. No previous autocross experience. Just dumb-ass stuff on the street. I had no bad habits from karting or autocross to fix.
If your serious, drop $3k to $5k on a pro racing school. That's a chunk of change, but it's a big step in preparing you for what you're up against during your growth as a driver. Don't worry about working on cars, or having the fastest car. Just worry about learning to drive and comparing yourself against the other noobs driving the exact same cars.
If you're in the top half, stick with it. If you're not, you've got a tough decision to make.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
Less than a year later I was at a pro racing school. No previous carting experience. No previous autocross experience. Just dumb-ass stuff on the street. I had no bad habits from karting or autocross to fix.
If your serious, drop $3k to $5k on a pro racing school. That's a chunk of change, but it's a big step in preparing you for what you're up against during your growth as a driver. Don't worry about working on cars, or having the fastest car. Just worry about learning to drive and comparing yourself against the other noobs driving the exact same cars.
If you're in the top half, stick with it. If you're not, you've got a tough decision to make.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
| ANZAC_1915 | 01-07-2004 01:35 PM |
Oh yeah, skills from one type of racing don't automatically translate to another.
I was as fast (0.04 off their FTOD) as some of the very good British tarmac rally and race drivers on the faux WRX launch "pro solo" but I'm not anything near being a national level autocrosser, and I bet they'd wipe the floor with me on a race track.
I've really enjoyed trying a variety of things: performance rally, winter/gravel TSD rally, rallycross, autocross, track days.
One thing I've learned is: there's always someone faster than me. :)
Glenn
I was as fast (0.04 off their FTOD) as some of the very good British tarmac rally and race drivers on the faux WRX launch "pro solo" but I'm not anything near being a national level autocrosser, and I bet they'd wipe the floor with me on a race track.
I've really enjoyed trying a variety of things: performance rally, winter/gravel TSD rally, rallycross, autocross, track days.
One thing I've learned is: there's always someone faster than me. :)
Glenn
| akuhner | 01-07-2004 01:36 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Stroke [/i]
[B]There's an Auto-x in my area the 17th & 18th, but the practice day (17th) is all sold out. I'm going to go anyway and I feel confident enough watching the other drivers,[/B][/QUOTE]
All Auto-X is pratice if you want it to be!!! Go go go every chance you get! People who worry about being competitive in their first few years aren't helping themselves, but you seem to have the right attiude. All seat time is good seat time. If you can't afford the road racing course Gary recommends and want to go that direction keep auto-xing, it will at least expose you to more and more racers. Auto-x is like a gateway drug, it leads you to the harder stuff! ;)
Get a navigator and try a TSD too (better yet, navigate for someone - driving TSDs isn't as challenging as navigating). And go spectate a rally or rally-x if you can find one.
Where is your area?
Alex
[B]There's an Auto-x in my area the 17th & 18th, but the practice day (17th) is all sold out. I'm going to go anyway and I feel confident enough watching the other drivers,[/B][/QUOTE]
All Auto-X is pratice if you want it to be!!! Go go go every chance you get! People who worry about being competitive in their first few years aren't helping themselves, but you seem to have the right attiude. All seat time is good seat time. If you can't afford the road racing course Gary recommends and want to go that direction keep auto-xing, it will at least expose you to more and more racers. Auto-x is like a gateway drug, it leads you to the harder stuff! ;)
Get a navigator and try a TSD too (better yet, navigate for someone - driving TSDs isn't as challenging as navigating). And go spectate a rally or rally-x if you can find one.
Where is your area?
Alex
| Stroke | 01-07-2004 03:34 PM |
Los Angeles area. I've wanted to take a racing school class before, but it's always been a bit down on my priorities (i.e. bills). I'm about ready to seriously look into it now.
Gary; saw you at the auto show on Sunday. Didn't stop to say "hi" because you looked kinda busy w/ all those little kids, and frankly, my friends and I were busy molesting yours & the WRC car.
Gary; saw you at the auto show on Sunday. Didn't stop to say "hi" because you looked kinda busy w/ all those little kids, and frankly, my friends and I were busy molesting yours & the WRC car.
| Jack | 01-07-2004 03:54 PM |
Stroke,
Look into doing any and all racing that might be available to you. I found that the very best times that I've done were when there's been a school on Friday, and autocross on Saturday and a time trial on Sunday. Recent in-car lessons do fade.
Also, you can get seat time without even driving. I learned this when I started teaching autocross for the local BMW club. I was constantly getting in other peoples cars and showing them how to get around the course. My first year instructing, I ended up winning my class and taking FTD for BMWs. You might be able to get in with other instructors or with serious racers who have no competition that day....so are guaranteed a win.
At the track, volunteer to work and ask instructors for rides. I'm now instructing for a couple clubs and we get the first run of the day, when novices are all in class and upper level students are out flagging. I almost never have a passenger for this particular run of the day. That gives you free seat time. You may even get paid for your volunteer work.
Consider a low bucks dedicated racecar. As safe as driver schools and autocrosses usually are, there are times that you can do dammage to your daily driver. Last year, I finally bought a dedicated track car, which it looks like will now be retired to autocross only as I've bought another car that's already race prepared for the class I want to run in. Old race cars are cheap. I have $5k total into both cars (total). One's a Neon and the other a CRX. Small cars don't cost much for tires/brakes etc.
Here in the Northeast, there's also ice racing. It's known as the closest thing to formula one because you're easily on the edge of going out of control. You'll learn smoothness.
Once you get your experience, you'll have to become noticed, and that's not easy. There are a LOT of guys who spend between $5k and $50k a year who are pure amatures, but love racing. If a sponsor can pick up some of that, it can help. Even then, it's very tough to be recognized. You'll have to market yourself to potential sponsors to bring your costs down.....but can you name a single SCCA national champion? Most of the general public can't. That means that most of the potential sponsors out there can't.
It's tough to break in.
jack
[i]I just wanna be faster than spec miatas :D[/i]
Look into doing any and all racing that might be available to you. I found that the very best times that I've done were when there's been a school on Friday, and autocross on Saturday and a time trial on Sunday. Recent in-car lessons do fade.
Also, you can get seat time without even driving. I learned this when I started teaching autocross for the local BMW club. I was constantly getting in other peoples cars and showing them how to get around the course. My first year instructing, I ended up winning my class and taking FTD for BMWs. You might be able to get in with other instructors or with serious racers who have no competition that day....so are guaranteed a win.
At the track, volunteer to work and ask instructors for rides. I'm now instructing for a couple clubs and we get the first run of the day, when novices are all in class and upper level students are out flagging. I almost never have a passenger for this particular run of the day. That gives you free seat time. You may even get paid for your volunteer work.
Consider a low bucks dedicated racecar. As safe as driver schools and autocrosses usually are, there are times that you can do dammage to your daily driver. Last year, I finally bought a dedicated track car, which it looks like will now be retired to autocross only as I've bought another car that's already race prepared for the class I want to run in. Old race cars are cheap. I have $5k total into both cars (total). One's a Neon and the other a CRX. Small cars don't cost much for tires/brakes etc.
Here in the Northeast, there's also ice racing. It's known as the closest thing to formula one because you're easily on the edge of going out of control. You'll learn smoothness.
Once you get your experience, you'll have to become noticed, and that's not easy. There are a LOT of guys who spend between $5k and $50k a year who are pure amatures, but love racing. If a sponsor can pick up some of that, it can help. Even then, it's very tough to be recognized. You'll have to market yourself to potential sponsors to bring your costs down.....but can you name a single SCCA national champion? Most of the general public can't. That means that most of the potential sponsors out there can't.
It's tough to break in.
jack
[i]I just wanna be faster than spec miatas :D[/i]
| hillman | 01-07-2004 04:44 PM |
[quote]
Here in the Northeast, there's also ice racing. It's known as the closest thing to formula one because you're easily on the edge of going out of control. You'll learn smoothness.
[/quote]
As a dedicated ice racer, I've got to say... I've never heard anyone call it "the closest thing to formula one".
It will make you a better, smoother driver, though, and is cheaper than any other type of racing. I ran 21 races in my daily driver last year for under $600 including gas, tires, entry fees and everything. Won three times.
Here in the Northeast, there's also ice racing. It's known as the closest thing to formula one because you're easily on the edge of going out of control. You'll learn smoothness.
[/quote]
As a dedicated ice racer, I've got to say... I've never heard anyone call it "the closest thing to formula one".
It will make you a better, smoother driver, though, and is cheaper than any other type of racing. I ran 21 races in my daily driver last year for under $600 including gas, tires, entry fees and everything. Won three times.
| GotWRX03 | 01-07-2004 04:51 PM |
I like Gary's philosophy and determination. He had a plan and stuck with it 'till he was able to attained.
That's basically where I'm headed. I'm working on my degreed (not engineering though but CIS) then afterwards, hopefully, land on a job that pays well, set aside some money for driving school - take the course, then decide whether driving (as a career) is for me or not.
As for now, "messing" with cars and learning things mechanically and few track days here and there will be enough.
Patience, determination, and timing will definitely give you the result(s). It doesn't mean you'll like the end result, but you'll definetely come into a conclusion.
That's basically where I'm headed. I'm working on my degreed (not engineering though but CIS) then afterwards, hopefully, land on a job that pays well, set aside some money for driving school - take the course, then decide whether driving (as a career) is for me or not.
As for now, "messing" with cars and learning things mechanically and few track days here and there will be enough.
Patience, determination, and timing will definitely give you the result(s). It doesn't mean you'll like the end result, but you'll definetely come into a conclusion.
| zzyzx | 01-07-2004 09:47 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jack ffr1846 [/i]
[B][i]I just wanna be faster than spec miatas :D[/i] [/B][/QUOTE]
:lol:
Believe me, I know what you mean! There's nothing worse then getting stuck in a pack of SMs!
- Steve
[B][i]I just wanna be faster than spec miatas :D[/i] [/B][/QUOTE]
:lol:
Believe me, I know what you mean! There's nothing worse then getting stuck in a pack of SMs!
- Steve
| TBreu007 | 01-08-2004 12:34 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by trhoppe [/i]
[B]Whoever says that you cannot make it by starting autoxing is a tool. There are quite a few drivers that are in the speed series or transam that started with autox.
Winning at a national level in autox will open up other doors and opportunities for you. It will get you involved in motorsport and you will know people. A decent driver who knows TONS of people and has lots of people skillzzz will get further then a good driver with no people skills IMHO. [/B][/QUOTE]
Well, I guess I'm the tool then. I said no one has ever earned a paid ride out of autocross. All the people in Speed WC, ALMS, Grand-Am, etc. that are racing surely didn't get a paid ride straight out of autocross. If you think they did, you are kidding yourself or have no idea what actually goes on in motorsports...real life isn't anything like Speed Racer you know.
How can the American drivers in Speed WC, ALMS and Grand-Am get rides??? MONEY! You can learn skills in autocross, but ultimately it takes money to get the first ride in a car on the race track. Without money or major wheel to wheel experience you'll be dodging cones for an eternity looking for a paid ride.
[B]Whoever says that you cannot make it by starting autoxing is a tool. There are quite a few drivers that are in the speed series or transam that started with autox.
Winning at a national level in autox will open up other doors and opportunities for you. It will get you involved in motorsport and you will know people. A decent driver who knows TONS of people and has lots of people skillzzz will get further then a good driver with no people skills IMHO. [/B][/QUOTE]
Well, I guess I'm the tool then. I said no one has ever earned a paid ride out of autocross. All the people in Speed WC, ALMS, Grand-Am, etc. that are racing surely didn't get a paid ride straight out of autocross. If you think they did, you are kidding yourself or have no idea what actually goes on in motorsports...real life isn't anything like Speed Racer you know.
How can the American drivers in Speed WC, ALMS and Grand-Am get rides??? MONEY! You can learn skills in autocross, but ultimately it takes money to get the first ride in a car on the race track. Without money or major wheel to wheel experience you'll be dodging cones for an eternity looking for a paid ride.
| solaris | 01-08-2004 02:18 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by zzyzx [/i]
[B]:lol:
Believe me, I know what you mean! There's nothing worse then getting stuck in a pack of SMs!
- Steve [/B][/QUOTE]
Over here, it's more like a swarm. Nothing like going into 3a/b at Gateway with 7-8 SMs buzzing around you. Good times :)
[B]:lol:
Believe me, I know what you mean! There's nothing worse then getting stuck in a pack of SMs!
- Steve [/B][/QUOTE]
Over here, it's more like a swarm. Nothing like going into 3a/b at Gateway with 7-8 SMs buzzing around you. Good times :)
| enduroshark | 01-09-2004 09:29 AM |
Make money and dump everything into it.
Sell yourself to get more money to dump into it.
The real key is selling yourself. Getting your name out there.
Start autocrossing. Get your name at the top of the results.
Go to a pro driving school. Do track events with the local clubs. That also gets you recognized among the locals that like motorsports. Become a track club instructor.
Start club racing in the highest/fastest class that you can afford to get in and build or buy a winning car. By this I mean that it makes no sense in racing GT1 if all you can afford is a crappy car that has no chance at all of winning, if your goal is to be dominant and get recognized. You are better off being the Champion at a lower/slower class. The name of the game is recognition.
Always have/show great attitude at the track. Become known for being courteous, helpful, friendly, always smiling as well as safe, but competitive. What you want is to have people know who you are, so that they keep you in mind when they need an extra driver for an enduro or a pro racing effort, etc.
For the most part, as you get recognized (and if you are good), you'll start getting offers for free rides or cheap rides at higher levels. Don't expect them to knock on your door though. You have to "job hunt" for those offers. The higher the competition level, the more it costs, so eventually you'll have to get your own marketing partners/sponsors that you can bring to the table so that a pro racing team can decide on you over someone else. Only the very best few actually get hired and paid to simply drive. Very few people make a living just driving race cars.
Hope this helps...
Sell yourself to get more money to dump into it.
The real key is selling yourself. Getting your name out there.
Start autocrossing. Get your name at the top of the results.
Go to a pro driving school. Do track events with the local clubs. That also gets you recognized among the locals that like motorsports. Become a track club instructor.
Start club racing in the highest/fastest class that you can afford to get in and build or buy a winning car. By this I mean that it makes no sense in racing GT1 if all you can afford is a crappy car that has no chance at all of winning, if your goal is to be dominant and get recognized. You are better off being the Champion at a lower/slower class. The name of the game is recognition.
Always have/show great attitude at the track. Become known for being courteous, helpful, friendly, always smiling as well as safe, but competitive. What you want is to have people know who you are, so that they keep you in mind when they need an extra driver for an enduro or a pro racing effort, etc.
For the most part, as you get recognized (and if you are good), you'll start getting offers for free rides or cheap rides at higher levels. Don't expect them to knock on your door though. You have to "job hunt" for those offers. The higher the competition level, the more it costs, so eventually you'll have to get your own marketing partners/sponsors that you can bring to the table so that a pro racing team can decide on you over someone else. Only the very best few actually get hired and paid to simply drive. Very few people make a living just driving race cars.
Hope this helps...
| bbimpreza | 01-09-2004 09:53 AM |
I would have to say one of the biggest things to getting sponsors and recognition is being able to communicate effectively, and get as much experience as you can (schools, track days, autocrossing, etc). You may be the best driver in the world, but if you are not able to communicate with companies to gain sponsorships and help sell there product, you can only go as fair as your money can take you. I may be a half way decent driver, but I have very little communication skills. I have just be waiting for people to come to me, instead of me going out and getting them, sponsors. Show interest in them, in order for them to show interest in you.
Another thing that is very helpful is having a support team, family and friends, that encourage you to do well and will be there to make you feel good, no matter what place you finish in. I think that is one of the things that has helped me so much this year. I met someone this year that has been my biggest fan, and it has helped to take the pressure off, knowing that you will be number one in their eyes no matter what.
Motorsports is very much a mental game. You could have the best car out there, but if you do not have the correct mind set, you will never be finishing at the top. Make sure that you are going out there to have fun and not because of money or other things like that. You will enjoy it a lot more.
Well those are my thoughts on the subject.
Another thing that is very helpful is having a support team, family and friends, that encourage you to do well and will be there to make you feel good, no matter what place you finish in. I think that is one of the things that has helped me so much this year. I met someone this year that has been my biggest fan, and it has helped to take the pressure off, knowing that you will be number one in their eyes no matter what.
Motorsports is very much a mental game. You could have the best car out there, but if you do not have the correct mind set, you will never be finishing at the top. Make sure that you are going out there to have fun and not because of money or other things like that. You will enjoy it a lot more.
Well those are my thoughts on the subject.
| dave bruener | 01-09-2004 02:53 PM |
I can think of a few guys who "made it" by coming up thru the ranks of SCCA. Peter Cunningham of RealTime started at autocross,(he still does it occasionally in the Milwaukee region) moved on to Showroom Stock, moved into Escort Endurance and onto World Challenge. He stayed pretty faithful to Honda the whole time. I belive he even got an SCCA rally championship along the way. He had some luck, he had some support and help along the way, and he is smart and made good choices. PLUS he drives like a mo fo.
Micheal Galati, formerly of RealTime and current Champion Audi driver,did pretty much the same thing, not sure about the autocross part tho.
Boris Said did a similar route.
They taught at professional drivers schools, too.
It is an amazingly small world, actually. Once you meet a person here or there you can meet a whole bunch of people in a short time.
These guys did sacrifice a whole lot to achieve what they did, too. Talk about driven:lol: :lol:
If you are looking to get in to racing but not nessasarily as a driver, you can become a mechanic thru Russell driving schools. A friend of mine did it and has crewed for Formula Atlantic and now works for Comtech in their IRL program. A lot of guys do have asperations of driving and make a lot of good connections by going this route.
Micheal Galati, formerly of RealTime and current Champion Audi driver,did pretty much the same thing, not sure about the autocross part tho.
Boris Said did a similar route.
They taught at professional drivers schools, too.
It is an amazingly small world, actually. Once you meet a person here or there you can meet a whole bunch of people in a short time.
These guys did sacrifice a whole lot to achieve what they did, too. Talk about driven:lol: :lol:
If you are looking to get in to racing but not nessasarily as a driver, you can become a mechanic thru Russell driving schools. A friend of mine did it and has crewed for Formula Atlantic and now works for Comtech in their IRL program. A lot of guys do have asperations of driving and make a lot of good connections by going this route.
| sweetsuby | 01-09-2004 03:31 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by bbimpreza [/i]
[B]I would have to say one of the biggest things to getting sponsors and recognition is being able to communicate effectively, and get as much experience as you can (schools, track days, autocrossing, etc). You may be the best driver in the world, but if you are not able to communicate with companies to gain sponsorships and help sell there product, you can only go as fair as your money can take you. I may be a half way decent driver, but I have very little communication skills. I have just be waiting for people to come to me, instead of me going out and getting them, sponsors. Show interest in them, in order for them to show interest in you.
Another thing that is very helpful is having a support team, family and friends, that encourage you to do well and will be there to make you feel good, no matter what place you finish in. I think that is one of the things that has helped me so much this year. I met someone this year that has been my biggest fan, and it has helped to take the pressure off, knowing that you will be number one in their eyes no matter what.
Motorsports is very much a mental game. You could have the best car out there, but if you do not have the correct mind set, you will never be finishing at the top. Make sure that you are going out there to have fun and not because of money or other things like that. You will enjoy it a lot more.
Well those are my thoughts on the subject. [/B][/QUOTE]
always my #1 fan:D
[B]I would have to say one of the biggest things to getting sponsors and recognition is being able to communicate effectively, and get as much experience as you can (schools, track days, autocrossing, etc). You may be the best driver in the world, but if you are not able to communicate with companies to gain sponsorships and help sell there product, you can only go as fair as your money can take you. I may be a half way decent driver, but I have very little communication skills. I have just be waiting for people to come to me, instead of me going out and getting them, sponsors. Show interest in them, in order for them to show interest in you.
Another thing that is very helpful is having a support team, family and friends, that encourage you to do well and will be there to make you feel good, no matter what place you finish in. I think that is one of the things that has helped me so much this year. I met someone this year that has been my biggest fan, and it has helped to take the pressure off, knowing that you will be number one in their eyes no matter what.
Motorsports is very much a mental game. You could have the best car out there, but if you do not have the correct mind set, you will never be finishing at the top. Make sure that you are going out there to have fun and not because of money or other things like that. You will enjoy it a lot more.
Well those are my thoughts on the subject. [/B][/QUOTE]
always my #1 fan:D
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