How to become a professional race car driver

Few sports are as full of adrenaline and excitement as car racing. There's a reason young kids love their Hot Wheels car models and teens love playing racing video games and teens can't wait to…

Few sports are as full of adrenaline and excitement as car racing. There's a reason young kids love their Hot Wheels car models, teens love playing racing video games, and teens can't wait to get behind the wheel of a car.

Car racing offers a legal and relatively safe arena for fast, hard and competitive driving.

As with all sports, the sooner you start driving a racing car, the greater your advantage. You can start racing as an adult and still progress to a highly competitive or even pro level.

Part 1 of 4: Learn the Basics of Driving a Race Car

Step 1: Try Karting. Racing seems like fun for everyone, but it's really not for everyone. To make sure that racing is what you're really interested in, try karting first, which is affordable and easy to get started in.

Visit the go-kart track that teenagers go to for their birthdays. It usually costs around $20 or $30 to try and drive this kart and you'll quickly see if racing is right for you.

Step 2: Get serious about karting. If you enjoy driving karts on small tracks, it's time to move on to real karts, which is where most professional racers start out.

Find out about kart racing at your local race track and find out how you can get involved. A go-kart is a lot cheaper to own and maintain than a race car, so it's a relatively affordable way to start racing regularly while you hone your skills.

Most race tracks regularly host go-kart races, which means there should be plenty of opportunities for you to get behind the wheel and start racing.

• FunctionsA: If you started racing at a young age, you can often get the attention of potential sponsors and teams once you've been successful in karting. It is also a great opportunity to meet talented racers and learn from them.

Step 3: Take a racing class. Attend a quality racing car driving class. Your local race track probably has regular driving courses.

Subscribe to a class that has a good reputation and good reviews. If you're still hesitant about racing, try the one day course to see if you like it. If you know you're very interested, sign up for a longer and more intensive course where you can really learn the skills and strategies you need to be a good driver.

• Functions: Always keep an eye out for new activities at the local race track. Even after you have completed the course, there is still a lot to learn and you can find intermediate or advanced driving courses available.

Step 4. Practice with your car. You should never race your car on public roads and you should never speed as both of these things put you and your fellow drivers at risk. However, you can still practice racing with your car.

Think about the lessons you learned in driving courses and see which ones apply to your daily life. For example, you can focus on looking far down the road instead of straight ahead, and focus on reaching the top of your turn early if it's a single turn, or late if it's the start of an S-curve.

• Functions: If your car has an automatic transmission, you can trade it in for a car with a manual transmission to practice shifting and feel as comfortable as possible with it.

Part 2 of 4: Start Competing in Racing Cars

Step 1: Join SCCA. Register with your local Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).

To start racing in cars instead of karts, you need to join your local SCCA chapter. The SCCA often hosts races on tracks across the country, from simple autocross to serious amateur competition.

To join the SCCA, visit their website and fill out the form. You will also need to pay the $65 national membership fee plus regional fees up to $25. Before the competition, you will also need to undergo a medical examination by a doctor.

• FunctionsA: SCCA fees are less if you are under the age of 24 or are an active member of the United States military.

Step 2: Get a race car for yourself. If you are just getting started in racing, you can buy a cheap car and equip it for the race track. Ask a professional for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection before closing the deal.

Older small sports cars like the first generation Mazda Miata and the Porsche 914 are very popular at SCCA events because they are affordable and perfect for learning to drive.

• FunctionsA: If you are buying a cheaper car to learn to race, you will need to prepare it for racing by purchasing the necessary safety equipment such as a roll cage and a five-point harness.

You can also rent a sports car if you prefer this route. Your local SCCA will be able to recommend a good place to rent a top quality sports car.

If you're looking to make a big investment, you can also purchase a newer, fully equipped sports car.

Step 3: Get your protective equipment and gear. Get all the racing gear and safety equipment you need.

Before the race, prepare all the necessary equipment and protective equipment, including a fireproof racing suit, a fireproof helmet, fireproof gloves, fireproof shoes, and a fire extinguisher.

• AttentionA: All of your protective equipment must be inspected and approved by an SCCA official before you can race.

Step 4: start the race. Start competing in SCCA sanctioned competitions.

Keep track of your local SCCA schedule and sign up for as many races as possible. As you race more often you get better and you can get tips and tricks from other riders at these events.

• Functions: If you don't enjoy racing at your local circuit, check out SCCA events in nearby towns.

Step 5: Obtain a license to compete. Obtain a license to compete in the SCCA.

When you first join the SCCA, you are considered a rookie until you disprove this by obtaining a license to compete. To qualify as a rookie, you will have to race at least three times within two years. You will also be required to complete an SCCA sanctioned racing course.

Once you have done this, obtain your SCCA Newcomer Permit and have it signed by the Chief Steward of your local chapter. Then complete the competition license application, which can be found at the SCCA event or on the SCCA website.

Part 3 of 4: Improve your racing skills

Step 1: Practice daily. If you want to race professionally, you must train at least five times a week. If you just want to become a very talented amateur racer, you should train at least once or twice a week.

To practice, you can either find more local activities to participate in or see if you can find a track to rent for an hour or two.

You can also purchase a simulator that can be used for racing at home.

Step 2: Learn to drive a racing car. In addition to learning the skills you need to race, you should learn more about racing. The best professional athletes are constantly looking for new knowledge and new mental abilities.

Buy racing books and videos and watch professional racing to learn from the best in the business.

If you can, have someone videotape your races and then watch them later to identify areas where you can improve your skills.

Step 3. Sign up for advanced racing courses.. Even when you feel very comfortable in the driver's seat of a racing car, constantly strive to new heights.

When you see advanced classes coming to your local race track, sign up for them.

• Functions: Try expanding your class search to include courses in major cities. Traveling just to take a course is an investment, but it can pay off if your goal is to become a professional racing driver.

Step 4: Workout. It is a common misconception that riders are not serious athletes. In fact, racing is an endurance sport, just like long-distance running, swimming, or cycling.

To get your body in shape for serious racing, start exercising every day. Be sure to combine endurance workouts (like running and swimming) with muscle workouts like weightlifting so you're in top shape when you get in the car.

Train your body like a professional athlete. Focus on eating and sleeping well and staying hydrated. Doing these things will greatly help your endurance during a long, hot race.

Part 4 of 4. Become a pro

Step 1: Find a sponsor or team. Once you start racing successfully, it's time to look for a team or sponsor.

The team will usually cover some or all of your expenses in exchange for a portion of your winnings. The sponsor will cover some or all of your costs in exchange for advertising on your race car.

If you're a great driver, you're likely to be approached by potential sponsors and teams. However, if no one contacts you, start contacting the sponsors and teams you see on the track while racing.

Step 2: hire a mechanic. Hire a mechanic to join you on the races. The mechanic will help you get your car ready for the race, make adjustments after practice runs, and help fix problems with the race car.

To find a mechanic, contact either your local SCCA office or your favorite auto shop and see if anyone is willing to provide their services. You can even call one of AvtoTachki's certified mechanics to inspect your vehicle and perform a safety check if necessary.

Step 3: Register for the big races. Once you've built up a reputation and earned a sponsor and/or team, you're ready to start racing big.

Ask your SCCA chapter or team to help you find bigger races and enter as many of them as possible. If you're good enough, these races will turn into something more.

Being a race car driver is a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. If you think racing might be for you, it's definitely worth following the steps below and trying your hand at it.