Want To Build A Racing Career Or Start A Hobby? Remember These Pointers
If you're a racing fan and feel as if you could take on the major racers for the various championships, you might be unclear about how to even get started. Luckily, you can do a lot of racing-related activities that would prepare you for professional racing. If you're serious about this as a hobby and perhaps ultimately a career, these pointers could prove valuable.
Take a Course
There are classes around the country that provide a primer on racing. This can give you a "real-life" feel for what you're in for if you continue on your journey. There are two-day classes and classes that extend on a few days a month. Explore the possibilities in your own area, but look in other states too; you may be able to take a mini-vacation in a distant location so you can complete a course that seems good to you.
If you like the class, you might think about learning even more and possibly coaching. If you earn the ARDS certification for coaching, you can both hone your own skills, help others and make extra money.
Start Karting
Go-karts, or simply karts, aren't just for children. Serious racers often get their start on kart tracks. That's because karts allow you to get the feel for a racing environment and a racing track without as much of the risk. Karts tend to be much smaller and much less powerful than professional racing cars, and the speeds are lower as well. This gives you the freedom to learn all the basic principles of racing on a smaller scale.
Get Good Tires
Once your interest has gotten to the point where you're taking your car down to the track each week to practice, understand that regular street tires are not made to withstand high speeds and some of the other demands of a racing track. Purchasing custom wheels or dedicated racing wheels, such as from Frisby Performance Tire, is imperative.
Whether you purchase Pirelli brand tires or other models, most racing tires have deeper treads which will grip a track better than regular tires. When you get the tires, ensure you're rotating them frequently to prevent uneven wearing.
Becoming a skilled racer takes time. Seek a mentor in the industry and discuss your plans with other drivers, coaches and retailers; everyone may be able to offer valuable information for your goals. With some dedication, you may soon be out there with the pros.