Auto Racing: Karting/F1, local auto, lap times

Question
I have already asked you a question about formula 1 because i was interested in a carrier in it you gave me good advice but know i need some more i had taken the first step u told me to start go kart racing and i did you told me 2-3 times a week unfortunitly i dont have the money for that and my parents wount drive me but i still go once a week i got good lap times all i would like to now is what is the nexted step i should take? competitions,races, anything to be noticed in the U.s.a Michigan area

Answer
Hello Jacob, glad to hear that you've made the first big step and that your times are also good.

I am not so familiar with the set up in North America regarding how "the ladder" works there, but as in Europe and Japan, there are junior championships and senior championships and typically, a driver progresses up the ladder based on performances in the previous championships.

If you have a real flair for racing then hopefully you will win some events at karting, maybe progressing up towards national championships in the more powerful karts. That would certainly get you noticed by teams running cars in single seater championships and self-publicity is no bad thing - you can contact the teams yourself and explain to them what your plans are.

Regarding money, have you the budget to compete in a national series and to have competitive equipment/spares/expert support? If not you either need to find a team that will run you and/or sponsorship. Never easy for a novice but essential. Try contacting local auto and servicing outlets in the Michigan area, your employer, your local paper to run a story, basically, get going on the PR. If you've already had some success then maybe the local media will be interested on running a story and you can use these to build up a CV to send to interested parties.

You need to find out about scholarships - what kart championships are offering the prize for the winners of drives in single seaters, and maybe focus your aim on these championships. If you subscribe to National Karting News, this information may be there. The advertisements section will also be helpful, possibly with kart teams offering drives in competitive machinery at the right price. Speak to them and ask them their advice about progression, I'm sure they'll be pleased to pass on their experience and thoughts.

I think I already mentioned it before, but racing schools offer a useful way of stepping up from karts to cars. Please check out your local providers, such as the Skip Barber Racing School - they will be able to advise you as well regarding next steps and whether scholarship prizes are on offer.

Further info:
http://www.ekartingnews.com/news_info.php?n=7108&sid=65419e1c5f206fe96e738274ea0...

http://kartlink.com/2006/08/19/552/
http://kartlink.com/2006/09/28/601/
http://www.ekartingnews.com

I hope this is helpful for you Jacob. If you don't come to Europe then there is a way up in the States to F1, F1 sponsors love to have US drivers (as seen with Scott Speed)so doing well at any of the prestige senior car championships could earn you a testing contract that could lead to a full time drive. Good luck.

Adam