How to become A Race Car Driver

• Racing Car Driver
• Racing Driver
• Car Racer

What do Race Car Drivers do?

A Race Car Driver would typically need to:

• Operate gears, accelerators, and brakes to drive the car around a defined track faster than the competition; win a race within an optimal time
• Practice intensively to develop requisite driving skills, techniques, and reflexes to manoeuvre the car at high speeds while circling bends without an accident
• Collaborate with their team to evaluate maps of the circuits, plan racing strategies and decide the pit stop schedule
• Work with the technical team to make sure the car is in peak condition before the race and suits the specific course and conditions
• Overtake competitors; aim to not get overtaken
• Monitor the car’s performance; check for possible damages to the equipment
• Drive to the designated pit stop area for maintenance; position the car to avoid wasting any time
• Attend off-the-track events to increase the publicity of the team, racing organisation, and sponsors; sign autographs for fans; respond to questions
• Manage their diet and train every day of their active career

Race Car Drivers typically drive on a wide range of racetracks, including rural and modern speedways. They must travel extensively, both internationally and locally, to participate in races and for training purposes. 

Regular engagement with the public and the press, either face to face or via social media, is an essential prerequisite.

Race Car Drivers generally work long and irregular hours. They may frequently spend fifteen hours a day training at the race track. Car races usually happen on weekends and holidays; be prepared to spend time away from home when participating in one.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Race Car Drivers can boost their job search by joining their local racing clubs and participating in various organised racing events. Self-employment and freelancing are viable options.

Race Car Drivers are generally employed by:

• A race team
• A sponsor

Professional associations and organisations, such as the FIA, the governing body for world motorsport and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organisations, are crucial for Race Car Drivers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The high risk of car crashes and fires which can turn out to be fatal
• A high-investment career that requires a lot of money to be expended in gear and cars until a sponsor can take over the financials; an unsteady source of income until well-established
• Having to race through varying weather conditions
• Dealing with physical discomfort from having to sit for long periods without even toilet breaks
• Being away from home during some weekends and holidays

Aspiring Race Car Drivers typically begin racing in go-karts, midget cars, trucks, open-wheel cars, and stock cars at an early age to gain experience. They start racing on dirt tracks, ovals, and rally courses to hone their skills before testing their cars on modern, asphalt super raceways.

It may be beneficial for you to join racing clubs and acquire racing experience through constant practice. Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working as Race Car Drivers to improve your skills.

Studying mathematics in high school and completing manufacturers’ speciality courses and automotive mechanics courses would benefit career advancement.

You do not require specific postsecondary or college-level qualifications to become a Race Car Driver. However, a good education will only increase your chances of being recognised by higher-level people and sponsors in the racing car industry.

Individuals who wish to race cars should obtain valid medical certification to prove they are over 18 years old and have an incredible level of physical stamina and fitness.

In general, Race Car Drivers require a kart competition license and regional racing license in addition to a regular driving license. You must complete relevant assessments accredited by the local motorsports association to obtain the special permits.

The accreditation proves that the Race Car Driver has a basic understanding of race car dynamics, the event, racing protocols, and on-track safety.

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. Licensure typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education and training.

A National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) racing license may be necessary to prove your ability to handle the risks and difficulties of driving a race car. To obtain this, you need to submit an application and a resume through the NASCAR headquarters. 

Car racing does not follow a defined career path, and there are no standard promotions in the profession. However, successful Race Car Drivers attract sponsors or become part of a team to promote themselves and their careers.

Their training, driving skills, and achievements drive their career progression. Once a driver makes it to the international driving scene, they try to win as many races as possible, build their reputation, and gain fame.

Business-savvy Race Car Drivers can go on to be sole or part-owner of race tracks and race teams. They can run at-track and online souvenir businesses and serve as TV Analysts. 

Candidates with excellent driving skills have the best job prospects.

Acquiring a competition license and completing a racing course should help Race Car Drivers outgrow the status of ‘novice.’ The license usually requires participation in at least three races within two years.  

With experience and fame comes the opportunity to apply for and obtain a valid Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) license, which will allow you to compete in races worldwide. 

The all-time goal would be to attain the FIA Super License after competing in a stipulated number of relevant championships and passing a theoretical assessment of F1 spotting codes and regulations. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Race Car Driver build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, or self-directed learning.

Courses in business management, public speaking, and marketing will help you gain the skills needed to promote yourself and your career and prepare for a post-race future.

Which One Propels You?

‘Car Racing’ is a comprehensive terminology under which drivers race stock cars, rally cars, sports cars, and open-wheel cars, amongst numerous others. 

The most popular is the open-wheel car format which includes the much-beloved Formula Racing and IndyCar, where drivers zoom by in open-wheeled, single-seat custom vehicles. Formula Racing can again be divided into One, Two, Three, Four, E, and D categories. Formula D, referring to drifting, is a relatively newer format of racing where drivers intentionally oversteer and lose traction and control around corners. 

Sports car racing ranks second in popularity. These races can last anywhere between 2.5 to 24 hours.  Internationally recognised races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Nurburgring, and 24 Hours of Le Mans are some of the most famous in this category. 

Stock Car Racing gave birth to the extraordinarily thrilling NASCAR series. This racing series first began in 1948 with cars being driven on oval tracks.

Rally races, such as those in the World Rally Championship (WRC), happen on mud, dirt, and other rough terrains. That they take place throughout the year and through varying weather conditions only increases the thrill.

A Team or a Sponsor?

As a Race Car Driver begins to taste success, they generally can opt for a team, a sponsor, or both. A team usually covers some or all of your expenses in exchange for a portion of your winnings. A sponsor will cover some or all of your costs in return for advertising on your race car.

Safety First

Race Car Drivers are obliged to wear crash helmets and fire-retardant clothing to minimise severe injuries and fatalities while racing.

The top Formula1 teams spend about US$500,000,000 each year - almost five times more than the annual expenditure of top NFL teams.

Not your typical nine-to-five profession, car racing demands superior levels of focus, skills, strength, stamina and courage. Race Car Drivers who make this lifestyle choice and give it their all will be amongst those who make it to the top and become living deities.

During the training period, you must join a club or take the help of your school and invest time and money into practising on racetracks with a proper car.