Hey Everyone,

No I'm not competing in the American Le Mans...yet. I have a few questions and I was wondering if any of you could help me out. I know of a neuro-surgeon that competes in the Le Mans and he really inspired me. Now, I do want to be a surgeon, which is what I am currently studying for, but that only helps me out money wise, and that is not the problem. And I don't want to be a surgeon just because it makes money, I really love helping people and I'm good with my hands. I know that many teams pay their way into competing or to compete in qualifying rounds. The money is not the issue. I also know that I would have to purchase a fast car to get modified, hire a pit crew, and master mechanics to modify the car (I was thinking of my Crossfire, getting it twin-turbo in the future, maybe, maybe not). My questions are this though: Is just paying my way in good enough? I know I obiviously need skill. Where would I need to begin racing? I also know that there are racing schools like Skip Barber, but do those help? I think they are only a few days and they are really expensive. I was wondering, if I purchase a car and get it modified and then race indpendantly on independant races like some of you guys do here, would that help me? I also know of one of the racers who is completely indepandant. He is not racing for the car company. He owns a Corvette that he and his company modified and he qualified to compete, but is it that easy? Obviously this is something I want to accomplish, but several years from now, maybe 10-12. But I really could use help from anybody here. I don't want to sound like some rich snob who just shovels out money here and there. I really could use any advice or help from anybody that can offer it regarding this topic and my questions. Thanks!

-Sam

 

Racing at the level is most definitely NOT about simply buying a fast, race prepped car that meets the vast technical regulations - you need to hone your race craft in lower categories first. But before that, you should attend a race school. Not just a driving school like Skip Barbour, etc, but a true racing school. Join the SCCA or NASAProRacing (no affiliation with the space agency ) and look into their programs as they have many Spec Racing series to choose from.

But I think the best advice I can offer is this: if you already know people who are competing in ALMS, ask them what you need to do to get into racing.

 

this will come from an old guy, who once had that same dream. I started out at 5 yrs of age, racing motorcylces, my first was a 50cc Honda...I moved up over time to eventually 900cc open class asphalt...many dirt bikes in between, and even 2 drag bikes. All this was affordable with help from a local shop, and my Dad was a grt bike mechanic....now, @ 18, I thought cars would be neat to race. I started drag racing a Camaro in a "gas" class, never won anything. Kept pouring $$$ in, more HP, no wins...always close, but no wins...then the light came on @ about 21 yrs of age..."Sponsor Money"...and " Mechanic" that really does know what he is doing...so, drag racing at that level came to an end. I just drag raced my street car from time to time. I then tried dirt track, hobby stock class, but again, needed more money, mechanic, tires, motor...just kept adding up. I had some success on the round track, but without a real sponsor noticing you, you will not go anywhere. Its a nice dream, but money, sponsors, being in the right place at the right time is everything, and studying to be a Doctor will not give you the time to travel in those crowds...oh, you could buy your way in, but without the comradery, friendships developed, it would be hard to succeed. There are many ways to put a rookie out. Good luck on your dream, but get the degree first, there will be time to drive the latest electric racer in lets say, 2034....LOL

 

Hahaha yeah thats true. I know it takes a lot, and I mean a lot of money. I'm definetly not going to let it hinder me from getting my degree, it's just a goal that I want to accomplish. How, i don't exactly know haha. But Mike gave me a few tips. Oh and Mike, I don't know these people personaly, I just know of them. I wish I knew them though haha. Thanks for the tips though guys. Appreciate it!

-Sam