Getting into auto racing? (stock cars)?

Question

I am 17 years old and just about to graduate from high school with honours. Ever since I could remember I've had a passion for racing stock cars. Unfortunately the closest I've gotten to the sport is computer simulations, and I got several things against me:

1. I have very little money.

2. I don't have much, if any prior experience.

3. My parents don't really care about it.

4. I live in the middle of nowhere (Canada), instead of in the south where all the racing activity is. We do have a 4/10th mile dirt track 30 mins from my house though.

I don't mind starting from the bottom and working my way up. I am just a bit clueless where to start and how to start altogether. I suppose the first thing I need is money obviously, heh.

I am mostly on my own with this dream. Anybody got some advice for me? Thanks!

PS: Where would it be best for me to start? Dirt tracking 30 minutes from my house due to more track time? Or karting, even though it requires more travel?

Answer 1

I am in the EXACT same position as you, the 30 minutes away track, the parents that don't really care, and the money. Let me know how you do in finding anything out. I'm 18 and wanting the same exact thing. Fan since 7th grade and raced nothing but video games and go karts at fairs.

Answer 2

First off - Get to the track. Hook up with someone who is already racing and LEARN!

Help crew on the car, get an idea of the costs involved, make connections and show you are competent and trustworthy.

Try a "rental" deal with someone who has a garage and hauler where you can donate time and money in exchange for use of the garage and transporter. Even the "bone stock" divisions at most tracks will have a local group of grease monkeys with a tired ride their willing to let you play with, provided you pitch in.

Look into getting a truck and trailer, start small and cheap .... and LEARN, LEARN, LEARN.

Answer 3

HA! Where exactly do you live!! I live in Canada too and I have a hometown track that is also 4/10ths of a mile.. HAha there are probably lots of tracks like that ... Anyways, I am starting racing in a couple weeks and im only 14 so im pretty excited.. Well as far as your question, I would the word out that you would like to race, and get you and your buddies to fundraise to buy a car.. when you do that you probably want o get some sponsers.. Considering the price of gas, you mgiht  want to look for some sponsers that can suply you gas.. Start in the least expensive class there is and work your way up.. Thast what Im doing..  If you already drive a car (which I assume) I would just get used to it.. And, if you dont, get used to a standard... Or if you cant, get a car that is automatic.. I suck at standards so I am starting with automatic..  Ask your parents about it.. Im sure they wouldn't mind helping get a car.. Ask the general managers of the track after you get a car if you can get some practice time on the track.. find some people that also race and get 4 or 5 of you to rent the track for practice.. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

xoxoxLauraashleyy