I am (25 male) looking to get into some serious racing (hopes to be a pro-driver). I am starting out on autox but want to transfer to circuit (touring). I have read about cars and been around working on them for many years now. I just want to take it to the next level. Im out in houston, but am willing to go out of state for schooling. Can anyone direct me to a qualified racing school? Skip Barber? All in all, I want the right direction so if anyone would like to help, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Jared

 

Hi wrxdriver,

The best advice that I can offer is to go ahead and sign-up for the 3-Day Competition course at the Skip Barber School. They're top notch as the instructors are very good, well worth the $$$. The Skippy school will give you a taste for what it feels out on the track and the instructors will let you know if you've got what it takes to be there.

Additionally, the Bondurant School is also a good choice or the Jim Russell School. Finally, when you've completed your schooling, join the SCCA and start racing. Oh, BTW, not to be overlooked is the SCCA driver's school that you will have to attend to get your competition license (but then again that's mandatory rather than optional as is the Skippy school).

Good luck in your endeavor!

 

Boy...I've been there, started racing when I was 25 and still get in when I can get a seat in someone elses car (rare cause Im fat and slow). Mainly track the MINI and other cars for fun and instruct now, jump at any chance to party in a different type of car (most recently Radical SR3's)......I'll assume you know how much this all costs, as thats usually the first thing that hits us when reality sits in. Their are really cheap ways to race (buy a $10K spec miata, $6K per season on parts and expenses Motel 6's and BigMacs so you can buy fresh RA1's) and then if you want to play with the bigboys it costs more (about $28K per weekend in Koni Challenge club racing via Porsche GT3 shared between 3-4 drivers, full crew, full catering full pro experience)

The skippy 3 day is a great way to get your feet wet and learn the fundamentals. their car control clinic is a must do. You may want to look at their MX5 school if you have the cash and plan on turning pro in a sedan racer as opposed to open wheel formula car. Realize that most of your competition in the skip racing series is going to be 15 year olds whose dads think they are fast or 50 year olds whose pocketbooks make them fast..

Russell is pretty much over with unless your willing to pay big buck for F3000 cars....new fleet coming in soon.

As someone whose been there, (but never thought of turning pro) I would recommend a few things:
1) make sure you have enough money to do what you want. Dont take shortcuts on things like safety gear or training. If you cant afford it, reallign your expectations.
2)For the first year, find all of the local trackday clubs that go to the closest tracks to your residence and go to as many events as you can. Usually (in California) that would mean 3-4 events a month. Use those trackdays and the expeienced people at them to learn how to drive. I spent a ton (read tens of thousands) of dollars on racing schools, and in the end, once you have the fundamentals its seat time that matters. Im also pretty lucky in that most of the people at these events (which cost about $250 per day rather than $1200 per day as Skip) are racers and have coached at or near a pro level. That may not be the case in Texas, but Id be willing to be your experience will be similar. Example, owner of local club I go to the track with holds track record at Laguna Seca in SCCA TT2, and will coach me anytime I ask for help and guidance.

3) until you have a dedicated racecar, keep it as a hobby. Dont buy a racecar till youve mastered the hobby...I see lots of guys dump lots of cash on cars they dont enjoy driving or cant afford. If I bought a car when I started, it would have been a GT3...If I bought a car to race at a national level now, it would be a Radical, Mazda GT (google it) or an MX5 Challenge car. Experience, exposure and even new relationships/friendships and partnerships (and willingness to pay) will change ones thoughts quickly.

4) if you are looking to make a million racing, start with 2....

5) have fun and best of luck....

hit me with any questions...

 

seat time is what you need in whatever car you can get in. Most racers now started carting when they were less than 10 years old. that's a lot of time to catch up on. again, you need seat time and money.

 

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but it's unlikely that you'll become a pro anytime soon without paying your way into the sport. Most of the pros you see out on the track these days started karting in their single digits, like bluesmini said, leaving lots of catching up for you to do. Also, autocrossing isn't the way to start off - hop in some karts and work your way up if your goal is to join the ranks of the pros. Just my input.

 

Karting is THE best way to start in racing. You will find some serious competition. It's not cheap, though, but it's relatively inexpensive compared to car racing. Go to a karting school, too. I karted for a few years and it was great. Good luck and don't get discouraged if you are not quick right away. It takes time to build quickness. Some can get there faster than others, but the key is perseverance.