For the truest of gearheads, car lovers, and thrill-seekers, there is perhaps no greater dream than to become a Nascar driver. If you’re serious about reaching this goal, you’ll need to start with go-karts, compete in local races, and network with those in the racing industry.
If your ideal day at the office includes sitting behind the wheel of a sporty
race car, whipping around hairpin turns, and defeating your competition, then how to become a Nascar driver has probably crossed your mind. Becoming a Nascar driver is no easy feat, but with enough determination, practice, dedication, and funding, you too could become the next Jeff Gordon. Well, maybe not him exactly, but it is possible to pursue a life of racecar driving if you know where—and when—to start.
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As with any other professional sport, the earlier you start racing, the better your chances of success are. The younger you start driving, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel behind the wheel. You’ll become so used to the feeling of driving and operating a vehicle that by the time you’re entering real races, it will feel like second nature.
Obviously, you can’t hop behind the wheel of your parent’s car at age 10 or before you get your driver’s license. But, you can practice on go-karts. In fact, that’s how the majority of pro racers get their start!
Pro Tip If there aren’t any go-kart tracks near you, you can train by playing a SIM racing video game. Technology has come a long way since video games first hit the market, and playing a high-tech racing video game is fairly comparable to the real thing.
Study up
The next rule about how to become a Nascar driver? Know the basic mechanics of how a race car drives and watch the Nascar pros to see how it’s done.
Once you actually begin racing, understanding how your engine works will work to your advantage on the track. You don’t need to become a full-fledged mechanic, but brushing up on basic knowledge of how an engine operates will be a huge help later down the road.
You should also watch as much Nascar as possible—either on television or in person. The more you see the pros in action, the better idea you’ll have of what makes a winning driver.
Pro Tip Check and see if your local racetrack offers pit passes. There’s no better way to witness the action than firsthand!
Enter local races
How hard is it to become a Nascar driver without any experience? Way harder! Get a competition license and enter local races as soon as you can.
The world of car racing is a small one. Once you start racking up those Ws on the race track, you’ll build up your reputation and start attracting the right kind of attention.
Car racing is more than just cruising in your car—it also takes physical skill. Although you’re sitting down, you’ll need to maintain a strong physical shape in order to withstand changes in acceleration and stay in control of your car. So, maybe do a couple of extra reps at the gym when prepping for races!
Know how to network
To make your racing dreams come true, you’ll need a fairy godmother. In the world of racing, that comes in the form of sponsors.
Pro car racing is a tightly knit community, so if you rub elbows with enough people, you could secure yourself a handsome sponsorship package.
Nascar is one of the most expensive sports you can participate in. Unless you win the lottery, you’ll need sponsorship deals to help finance your racing journey.
Aside from competing in local races, there are plenty of other ways to get to know the right people in the pro racing industry. Interning at Nascar, volunteering at your local track, and going to racing school are all excellent entry points into the world of racing.
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Every Nascar lover will tell you the same thing: when it comes to a race, there’s nothing more important than speed.
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