Go-karting is an ideal starting point. Go-karts are the cheapest racing vehicle to buy are safest to race. Motorcycle racing has various forms, including road racing, endurance, track racing, and drag racing. Motocross adds jumps. Standard races are simplest for beginners and don’t require more expensive cars with safety modifications. NASCAR is the highest version of stock car racing. Racing is more of a marathon than Formula One and takes place on oval tracks using closed-wheel cars. Many track races in America are similar to this and can be used by beginners with civilian cars. Formula One is the most prestigious racing form and uses open-wheel, aerodynamic cars making circuits on tracks across the world. Formula Two and Indy car are lower-level versions. Open-wheel cars may be less common or more expensive than beginner stock races. Vintage racing is also highly prestigious, but lack the exposure and sponsorship opportunities of Formula One. It also does not have career building potential as a professional driver since most racers are amateurs racing their personal vehicles. However if you intend to hold a regular day job and race as a hobby, vintage racing can be a great way to expand your network with fellow professionals and business owners who are also passionate about cars. Endurance racing, such as 24 Hours of Le Mans, blends physical endurance with strategy and technology over a long period of time. Drag racing involves accelerating quickly to race a short distance in a straight line. Rally racing involves completing driving through any off-track terrain. Street racing is illegal and highly dangerous unless done through sanctioned events.
Some tracks also offer garage passes, but these are harder to come by and are mostly reserved for staff.
At first, you may have to volunteer for small jobs in a shop or at a track. Keep working until you gain sufficient knowledge and trust. Online forums are also a good opportunity for connecting with others while learning about racing.
Get repair books from the library and consider signing up for shop classes.
Check the requirements of the racing circuit you want to join. For example, you’ll need a license from a school accredited by the Sports Car Club of America before you can join their sanctioned road races.
Don’t forget to renew your license while you’re an active racer.
Some classes, such as small production sports cars in vintage racing and Improved Touring class in SCCA races, are cheaper and easier to handle for beginners.
Keep a budget. Racing gets very expensive. Remember that you’ll need to spend money on towing, replacing tires, and repairing damage after a race.
Once you start gaining some success, you can reach out to companies you like. Keep in mind though that they get many such inquiries and have likely already sought out the drivers they want. Once you get a sponsorship, you must represent the brand well. Display their products or advertisements and stay away from controversy.
In seeking sponsorships and a team, think of yourself as a brand. Maintain personal responsibility and be friendly, but also market yourself. Establish a media presence, including online. Remember to be graceful even during rejection. Represent yourself well if you want a team to let you represent them.
