QuestionIm 13 and wondering how i should go about getting into stock car racing? I've heard about kids my age driving older models at big racetracks like arizona or pocono, But i dont know how to get into it. help me out please Im a huge race fan and would like to get into the cup series one day. Thanks,Hunter
AnswerThe first thing I tell all young racing enthusiasts is that to be successful in nearly anything, you MUST stay in school. You must also stay drug and alcohol free, Don't even THINK about trying something one of your friends offers you.
Back to the school thing. You should start now to prepare yourself for a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering. Later on , you can start to look for a college that has courses related to auto racing. Also, head to the library and look for a book called "High Performance Driving" by Bob Bondurant. Bob started racing in the 1950's and raced all over the world, even in the Formula One World Driving Championship. He now runs one of the largest race driving schools in the World in Phoenix, Az. You can also buy this book at any larger bookstore, if they don't have it, they can order it for you for about $16.00 . I've read several books on race driving, his is the best in my estimation.
For now, you need to get started racing in Go Karts. Nearly all of today's well known drivers started in Karting and moved up to larger cars later on. Jeff Gordon is one, Tony Stewart, another. Some others are Juan Montoya, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr. and Michael, Andretti. Karting teaches you car control, close racing, and on track courtesy. The important thing is to get started as soon as you can. Many of the more famous drivers started when they were 7 and 8. You can do a Google search for World Karting Association and learn a lot more from them. Plus you should be able to find a track witihin traveling distance.
In the mean time you should search out your local stock car track and start attending races, and visiting the pits. Try to learn what you can from mechanics and drivers (NOT when they're busy) by asking questions about what they are doing and why. Wear ear plugs around running engines !
Finally, nothing in life comes easily. You will learn that racing on any level is expensive, and while starting up you will need to work very hard to earn enough money to support your racing. Later on you'll probably need two jobs to pay for it all. For now, get out the lawn mower and start going door to door. Make darn sure you charge $20.00 for anything that takes an hour. But more importantly , make darn sure you do a VERY good job, so you are welcome back the next time.
That covers the basics Hunter, I would be very glad to help you further if you have other questions. I am here to help and I enjoy doing it, so don't be shy, do write again. I'll look forward to hearing from you
Sincerely,
Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida
