Well to introduce myself. I am 21 years old. I am currently enlisted in the USAF and as of a few months ago I realized me becoming a Jet Engine Mechanic in the civilian world just wasn't going to cut it for me. I want something more.

So I began to think motorsports. Now all my life I have devoted myself to racing. Been racing at the 1/4 mile tracks, autocrosses in various cars, and just doing what I could with the little money and time I had. Never was enrolled into karting because of money issues.

But I just need some seat time. I've decided to devote my time into becoming a race car driver. To set my goals into the ALMS (maybe when I'm 30) and then onto the real deal. The 24 hour Le Mans and hopefully do so in a Porsche.

So if anyone out there can just help me a little. Give me some critique, just let me chat a little in the pits, or just let me get some seat time, I would greatly appreciate it.

This summer or whenever I can save up leave I plan to attend Skip Barber racing school, to later on race in SCCA and hopefully get sponsored from there on. Big goal, bigger dream, help me make it happen.

 

Not to discourage you but I have friends that just got back from PRI (Performance Racing Industry) show in Orlando and they said the FEAR in the air was unbelievable. The economic recession has hit the motorsports industry very, very hard. You have probably read about the big ones - Honda pulling from F1, Porsche and Audi pulling, Nascar teams being forced to merge or close shop because sponsorship has plain dried up.

Times are really, really tuff right now and I know several Pro drivers in several different series that have either been told they no longer have rides or the team is even unsure if they can run the full season. We are talking top rated drivers, not middle of the pack drivers.

I know this is your dream, so keep at it.... but for the next 2-3 years I wouldn't make any plans on it. Sorry, but that is the plain reality of it. The only industry that would be worse to persue right now is airline pilot. I currently have 280 pilots furloughed at my airline with another 80-100 to come in Feb.

 

Thanks alot for the post but my goals were not set until I seperate the military in 5 years. Right now I just want to get my licenses credited to me (while we are in this "recession") so once everything restores sponsorships should be on a rise.

 

i'd start by racing with skip barber after you do your 3day school, etc... forget about the scca, you will have better competition in the skip barber regional and/or national series. start looking for people to sponsor you now..

myself, and a lot of other pro drivers, are doing other things besides racing since its tough to find sponsors. you just don't get "picked" up by a team.. you must bring in $$$ and be talented. so start with the different programs skip barber has to offer, its the best value in motorsports for sure.

 

Thanks alot. But one last question. About how much are we talking. A couple thousand for sponsors or more. I've got close to $15k towards it so would that be enough? Plus also I have a great fall back plan.

 

just for reference, season costs for some of the race series are:

skip barber regional = 30k
skip barber national = 50k
koni challenge (ST) = 200k
koni challenge (GS) = 400k
alms (gt2) = 1.5 - 2M

that excludes extra test days, crash damage, insurance, etc... racing is expensive!

 

This isn't a great way to get your self out there. If i could do it all over again karts is where i would have started, but that only works when people are young. Get your scca nasa license or what ever and start making contacts, thats what I am in the process of doing. You are not alone

 

Hard path ahead. Cash is king in motorsports, now more than ever. I started racing karts when I was 10 but pulled out and went to college because earning your keep as a driver is next to impossible without family money. I've stayed in the loop doing track days here and there, but my goal is to pursue my business first, race second (like most guys in ALMS).