How to Become a Race Car Driver - Turning Pro
Ten Years of Karting Two Years National Car Racing, Now What?
Aug 13, 2009
The previous articles (how to become a race car driver - Karting first, and after Karting), explored the typical career path a professional race car driver may follow. At some point, the driver will be paid for his services and ability. There are a number of possibilities for a driver to turn professional, and get paid to drive, but the driver must work hard to secure that paid drive.
Not all drivers are going to get offered an F1 test. Not all drivers are going to be asked to team up with other professionals at Le Mans. And in the States, not all drivers are going to be offered a team car in NASCAR. But it is possible. A focused, talented driver will find doors opening for him, choosing which door to go through is the next big decision for the future champion.
Contacts
By the time a driver gets to this point, he or she will have established a number of contacts. These contacts will prove invaluable in the next phase of his career. And although the driver will want his driving talents to do the talking, he will find that being a good communicator (preferably with the spoken word) is extremely important. Also, keeping records of teams and what they are working on will remind the driver to make regular courtesy calls; for instance, ‘how is that new car coming along, if you need a driver to test it, just let me know?’ Often, during the conversation, other information will become available such as: ‘we have a commercial being filmed next week, and may need a driver for some of the on-track footage.’
One of the best openings for a professional driver is through one of the many racing schools. Professional drivers get paid to teach new drivers at the school and often get asked to drive for a team. These drives may be for an endurance racing team that needs a professional driver to compliment their less experienced owner drivers, or for help setting up a car’s suspension during a test prior to a race meeting. The relationships a driver establishes at a race school will prove valuable as he starts to make a living as a professional.
Working Relationships
Building a relationship with a car manufacturer/importer is also essential to a professional driver. Manufacturers often need drivers to drive cars during publicity events and, as they plan a marketing strategy, they will consult a list of drivers to see who is available on the planned date. Needless to say, a good working relationship with another professional driver will help too; one may not be available on the required date and will recommend another driver – networking is common amongst professional drivers.
During the times when a professional driver is not actually driving (which will be most of his time), a driver can improve on his net worth by studying. Understanding vehicle dynamics and data logging is essential for a driver. There are many good books and courses available on both subjects. A professional never stops learning!
Being a professional race car driver is not all about signing autographs and traveling the world first class. Many, if not all, professional race car drivers will have sat waiting patiently all day in hot sunshine (or pouring rain) for a car to be readied, oftentimes in vain. Being polite, friendly and helpful during the hard times will set a driver up for the future. (A driver may even get called out of retirement – Schumacher to replace Massa, for instance).
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