Auto Racing: Young Racers/ Future Stars, sports car club, buckets of money

Question
My eight year old son has been racing asphalt and dirt gokarts for over 3.5 years now and has some pretty amazing natural talent, he has won several nw championships; my husband and I are looking at moving in the future and want to move somewhere where he will have the best opportunities in racing as it is his favorite thing to do, any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Tabitha:

Charlotte, North Carolina is close to the hub of NASCAR racing activities, many of the major teams have headquarters in the area. There are lots of good schools, and plenty of lower level racing in the area.

Here are some things I tell all aspiring drivers and their families.

1)  The more early experienece the better. Go Karts are good,     
   especially those that include road racing circuits.
2)  There's no such thing as too much education. Mechanical   
   Engineering is a good place to start.  Lots of math, lots of  
   mechanical work background.
3)  A well rounded personality, which will include extensive Human
   Relations training, an example of 'why' appears below* A little
   later in his life, the Dale Carnegie Institute has several
   courses that will help him open up. Typical childlhood shyness is
   something best conquered at a young age. And he will need  
   considerable people skills and no camera shyness.
4)  Racing careers cost buckets of money. NOW would be a good time to
   start finding personal sponsorship for him. There are books about
   obtaining financial help, try www.summitracing.com and try
   keyword 'books'.
5)  The whole family should consider joining Sports Car Club of
   America. It's the largest sanctioning body of amateur racing in
   the country. There are opportunities for the whole family to
   become involved in one facet of racing or another.

There are many other considerations but these are key points.

* Here is why I mention Human Relations training.  I know of a local young man whose familly has been racing around here since the 1940's  Their son has won several Hooters Cup championships, and has amazing talent. He has NO chance in the Nationwide or Sprint cup series for one reason only - - Frankly, he's a total JERK.  He's surly and rude, uses coarse language in public, and has made the sports news media despise and avoid him. No sponsor is attracted to that type of individual no matter how good he is.  

That's all I can think of at the time, I would welcome any further questions you have. I wish you and your son the very best of luck.

Sincerely

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida