If you’re a good driver and get an adrenaline rush every time you get behind the wheel, professional car racing might be for you. With lots of training and dedication, you can make a name for yourself in the industry. Professional car racing pays well. The median salary is $44,680, and top race car drivers make as much as $187,200. Here’s how to join the profession and succeed.
Train and Train Some More
Practice makes perfect; you can only be good at what you do continuously. Pro car racers have to endure extreme conditions such as intense heat and cold. To withstand these conditions, most drivers have a training routine that improves their physical fitness. Exercises such as running or cycling will help your body withstand the rigors of a long race. It’s also important to eat healthy and practice resistance training to lighten the load within the vehicle. Minimizing load can improve your chances of winning because the victor of a race usually wins by seconds.
Every professional race car driver practices driving regularly. If you have access to a course, drive laps on a daily basis. If you don’t, use driving simulators that will help you acclimatize to different racing courses. Driving practice will help maintain your skills and reflexes.
Join Your Local SCCA
The first thing you should do is join your local SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) chapter. The organization holds events at tracks around the country for both amateurs and pro drivers. To join, visit their site and fill out a form. You’ll need to pay a $65 national membership fee and a regional fee. But before you start competing, you’ll have to get a physical from a doctor.
Get a Race Car
Next, get a race car. If you’re just getting started, buy a cheap car and equip it with the right features. But before you finalize the deal, get a mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection. Older sports cars like Porsche 914s and Mazda Miatas are perfect for beginners because they’re affordable and ideal for learning to drive.
Buy Safety Gear
Before you start racing professionally, get a fire-proof helmet, fire-proof shoes, fire-proof racing suit, fire-proof gloves, and a fire extinguisher. These will help you stay safe on the track. In case you don’t have money to buy racing equipment and gear, you can get a title loan to fund your purchase. A short-term loan is easier to pay off.
Get Your Competition License
To compete professionally, you need a license from the SCCA. To get the license, you must race at least three times in the span of two years and take an SCCA-approved racing course. The SCCA will first give you a novice permit. Have it signed by your local chapter’s Chief Steward and then apply for the competition license. You can find one on the SCCA’s website or at an SCCA event. And after getting your license, market yourself. Be active on social media, hold interviews, and grow your fan base. Build your personal brand to attract sponsors.