How would you get started in NASCAR?

[jsarno]

OK, I have a fantasy about driving in NASCAR. I would like to know how someone would get involved in it.
I know right now I have little experience, however, I have no fear in a vehicle. I mean that literally. I have driven 160+ MPH with no issues at all, and I have raced some local events and loved it. I do not panic, I can drive within inches of other cars and walls with no sweat. In fact I seem to relax when I drive that fast. My wife says I was born to be a NASCAR driver, but I am afraid that it's too late since I am 32.
Does anyone have a clue how you get into such a thing.

[SmootSmack]

Yeah it'd be really tough to start that late. But your best bet is to get some experience on dirt tracks, maybe work your way up to a regional circuit. You gotta have money though. It ain't cheap

Head down to the Speedway in New Mexico (near Las Cruces I think) and strike up a conversation with some of the guys there. Get their advice

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Yeah it'd be really tough to start that late. But your best bet is to get some experience on dirt tracks, maybe work your way up to a regional circuit. You gotta have money though. It ain't cheap

Head down to the Speedway in New Mexico (near Las Cruces I think) and strike up a conversation with some of the guys there. Get their advice

That's a good idea.
I just don't understand how you have to start young...it's driving, it's not like you start sucking at a certain age. Dale Sr was good all the way up to the end and wasn't he 48 or so?

[paulskinsfan]

Originally Posted by jsarno

That's a good idea.
I just don't understand how you have to start young...it's driving, it's not like you start sucking at a certain age. Dale Sr was good all the way up to the end and wasn't he 48 or so?

Its all about experience in NASCAR. Just b/c you see 20 somethings behind the wheel at a Nextel cup race does NOT mean they don't have a ton of experience in racing. Jeff Gordan began racing when he was like 7, and there aint no owner that's going to give a race car that costs several hundred thousand dollars to a nobody who claims they can drive fast.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by paulskinsfan

Its all about experience in NASCAR. Just b/c you see 20 somethings behind the wheel at a Nextel cup race does NOT mean they don't have a ton of experience in racing. Jeff Gordan began racing when he was like 7, and there aint no owner that's going to give a race car that costs several hundred thousand dollars to a nobody who claims they can drive fast.

No one is asking them to...I'd be willing to show my stuff, just need to know the correct avenues.

ps- Jeff was 4.

[paulskinsfan]

Originally Posted by jsarno

No one is asking them to...I'd be willing to show my stuff, just need to know the correct avenues.

ps- Jeff was 4.

In that case, Id start with the dirt tracks as previously mentioned. Before that though, Id build a war chest of about 20K and use that money to help build a team in the dirt tracks.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by jsarno

That's a good idea.
I just don't understand how you have to start young...it's driving, it's not like you start sucking at a certain age. Dale Sr was good all the way up to the end and wasn't he 48 or so?

Because your brain slows down as you age. You're reaction time isn't as sharp as that of a 20 year old but you haven't crossed the 40 threshold so you're not damaged goods yet

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

Originally Posted by saden1

Because your brain slows down as you age. You're reaction time isn't as sharp as that of a 20 year old but you haven't crossed the 40 threshold so you're not damaged goods yet

I'm 45 years old and was just gonna give you some crap but for the life of me can't remember why. Huh?

oh well have a great day buddy!
peace

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Sammy Baugh Fan

I'm 45 years old and was just gonna give you some crap but for the life of me can't remember why. Huh?

oh well have a great day buddy!
peace

There's nothing wrong with aging. Hopefully I'll live as long as you have and cross the 40 threshold

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by Sammy Baugh Fan

I'm 45 years old and was just gonna give you some crap but for the life of me can't remember why. Huh?

oh well have a great day buddy!
peace

I think the memory goes first? Right SBF

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Yeah it'd be really tough to start that late. But your best bet is to get some experience on dirt tracks, maybe work your way up to a regional circuit. You gotta have money though. It ain't cheap

Head down to the Speedway in New Mexico (near Las Cruces I think) and strike up a conversation with some of the guys there. Get their advice

As SS says, it VERY expensive, and basically it's ALL you will be doing. It will now be occupying all your former leasure time, and vacation time. Go to the local track and check out what's going on. Talk to some of the local drivers. Mostly guys at this level are friendly, and will share info with you (unless they are prepping for another race).
Check out the website and call the HQ for the local governing body (ex. AMA) in your area. They can help to give you an idea what it's all about as well. It takes years to start racing. Moving up through the amateur ranks. Trying to gather some wins and attract some sponsors to help defray the cost, as it VERY costly. At some point in time, (if you have any talent ans a decent car) you likely will eligible to apply for a pro license, and..............if you get that far, you will know what you need to do! Enjoy!

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

How to get started?
Get in one and push your foot to the floor and see what you got.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

They travel around to race tracks and you can pay to run laps or a 1/2 race or a full race. I was at the Richmond track last May for a contest and they were inside running the cars and I saw folks coming out with chit eating grins so it has to be fun.

If yer good you'll know it and if you throw up in the car then maybe not.

Check it out and let us know how you do in NASCAR. I say go for it at whatever age if'n ya want to.

Good luck and remember... NO Right Turns!
lol

peace
mike

[jsarno]

That's all great advice guys...thanks.
I don't want to look back when I'm 50 or 60 and say "I should have, or I could have". This is why a lot of you were surprised with all the wierd things I have done at a relatively young age.
You only live once, live it up while you can.