NASCAR Racing: Probably the dumbest question anyone has asked you., daytona beach fl, nascar driver

Question
QUESTION: My name is Nick Claeys, and i have always been into cars and know I want to do this for a living. I never even looked into what it would take to do until now. I am almost 20 years old and want to look into being a driver. I just want to know anything you know about what it takes, what I have to do, where I need to go to train and become a professional driver. If you have any idea on what I need to do to get a kick start that would be great.

ANSWER: Hi Nick,

Your dream of being a driver is great.  THE NUMBER 1 THING YOU NEED IS THE PASSION TO WIN -- BAD.  If you want to be a NASCAR driver in the Busch and Cup series, then get some experience on the short tracks in your local hometown.  Win some races, and expand your network of friends.  These friends can help get you set up with bigger and better rides.  If you eventually get to racing Late Modified cars, then that is the first big step to NASCAR.  If you already have an ample amount of racing experience (competed in some series, have driven many tracks that NASCAR uses) then apply to NASCAR for their license.  You can contact nascar by
NASCAR's mailing address is:
1801 W. International Speed Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL, 32114
(386) 253-0611
(386) 253-8804

Or to contact them about employment
Employment Opportunities
To inquire about positions with NASCAR, please call the job hotline at 386-947-6878. This job hotline is updated every Friday. For parties interested in jobs working with drivers, teams or tracks, those entities must be contacted directly. Or see www.employment.nascar.com

A good idea is to go to a local racing school, but some requires you to bring your own helmet, flame-retardant suit, etc.  Check into that.

If you are fairly certain that you will get a ride, check into some businesses for sponsorship.  The only thing that impresses owners more than drivers who are in good with the sponsors, are drivers who have the sponsors and win.

Never forget where you came from, when you make it big.  Make sure not to let the rockstar mentality get to you.  Or else you might be the next Jeff Gordon.

Hope you make it big.  (Contact me if you do)
Coy Jordan

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

QUESTION: Thank you Coy very much. The only thing is right now my financial situation. I don't think there are any actually tracks around here where I live. I DO have the desire to win, and I am very competitive. I live in Pittsburg Kansas, which is right by Joplin MO, where Jamie Mcmurray is from. I'm sure there are plenty of places to go to for sponsorships around here, but is that where I would get money to start up everything? I definitely do not have enough to get everything i need for this what so ever. If you could help me out again that would be great. And yes, if I do make it big, you will be one of my number one contacts. If I make it big, I'm sure you would be there to watch it as well.

Answer
Hi again,

I really don't know what to tell you.  If you really, really, think you can win and be successful, then move.  I don't recommend it if you have a good career as it is.  I don't know what exactly your job is but i will tell you that some have gone to Moorseville, NC (NASCAR teams are located there) and either have made it big, like Carl Edwards, or end up poor people working at some fast food joint.  Even if you can get a job working a small job for some race shop, take it.  Eventually, something will happen that will lend itself to opportunity.  But it takes a big leap of faith to pack up and move.  Really, Moorseville, NC and Charlotte, NC are the only places that let anyone into NASCAR.  It all depends on what your personality is.  If you have a job that you could quit and move and get another job of the same means, then do it.  Of course, there are other expenses involved with moving, morgage, rent, etc.  It's all up to you.
Hope you make the best decision for your situation.
Coy Jordan