Auto Racing: How to start racing, amusement park rides, sports car club

Question
QUESTION: I'm Sam and I'm 13 and I'd like to know how to start a career in racing. I'd like to race ALMS in the future. How much will it cost to get started and how? I've always loved cars and this is my dream career.

ANSWER: Hi Sam:

Now that's a question !  

How much does it cost ?  Well racing is expensive, very expensive, so you will have to have a good job and probably some help from others, your parents, aunts, and uncles and anyone else you can recruit.

You MUST stay in school, and take a LOT of math, it will be very helpful if you can get an Engineering degree, preferably mechanical engineering.

Third, you need all the racing and driving experience you can manage. Start by going to the local Go Kart track, and stat renting carts to race. The amusement park rides are ok for starters, but you will want to get involved in REAL go Kart Racing through the World Karting Assotiation Try the website www.WKA.com or google "World Karting".

Getting started in racing takes a LOT of hard work, and a lot of sacrifice. Forget about girl friends, parties, ball games, there will be no time and you need to save that money. It isn't easy.

Now, since you're interested in ALMS road racing, you should contact the SCCA, Sports Car Club of America. Go to www.scca.org ,  and search for a region and district near you . Then join and you are on your way. You can volunteer to do some jobs around the amateur races they have, and when you're a little older, you can (with money) go to drivers school, and start road racing.

That's the best advice I have for you now. Let me know in a year , what you've accomplished.

Best Wishes,

Dan Liddy,
Sarasota, Florida

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How would I go about joining WKA? I live in Ohio and wanted to know if, when signed up, I would have to attend a full season?(as in going to every race) Also, I meant how much would it cost to buy a go cart. Thanks for the advice,
         Sam

Answer
Start by using Google to find WKA or World Carting Association. Then visit the site and learn HOW to sign up. Once you are a member you can attend and participate in as many or as few events as you want to , or can afford. You're not required to finish any number of events.

They will have a rule book or guide book which will tell you their guidelines.

Dan Liddy