The dream of flying down a racetrack at unimaginable speeds and feeling the adrenaline pump through the veins is one common dream that all car fanatics share. Becoming a race car driver is a goal of many; however, it requires more than just a love for fast cars.
It takes dedication, skill, training, and often a clear understanding of how the motorsport industry works and what you truly desire.
In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know about being a professional driver, must-have skills for the job, how to be a race car driver and more.
Let’s begin.
10 Different Types of Professional Race Car Drivers
Before we start discussing how to become a professional race car driver and make a living out of it, it is highly crucial you know what your different options are. If you were not aware, let me tell you that there are about 10 different types of professional race car drivers.
Professional race car drivers specialize in different forms of motorsport, each requiring specific skills, techniques, and vehicles. Thus, you simply saying I want to be a race driver is not doing anything to you. You need to be particular about what you want and then work hard for it.
Here are the primary types of professional race car drivers that you can become:
1. Formula 1 Drivers
If you are all about high-performance cars, becoming the F1 driver should be your goal. The Formula 1 (F1) drivers race in the premier single-seater racing series, known for its high-tech cars and global audience.
F1 cars are open-wheel, highly aerodynamic, and built for extreme speeds, and their drivers need to have exceptional technical skills, precision, and endurance to compete on tracks worldwide. This is the highest level of circuit racing.
2. NASCAR Drivers
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) drivers race primarily in stock cars on oval tracks, though road courses are also part of the series. NASCAR emphasizes close racing, with drivers often racing at high speeds in tight packs, leading to intense competition.
3. IndyCar Drivers
IndyCar drivers compete in the American open-wheel series, featuring a mix of oval tracks, street circuits, and road courses. The cars here are similar in appearance to F1 cars, but there are different regulations and a mix of racing formats. The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most famous IndyCar races.
4. Rally Drivers
Rally drivers generally compete in timed events over a variety of surfaces, like dirt, snow, gravel, and tarmac, rather than on traditional racing circuits. This type of driving demands intense focus, car control, and adaptability from the drivers, as they will be facing unpredictable terrain and weather conditions.
5. Endurance Race Drivers
Endurance drivers mainly participate in long-distance races that test a driver’s consistency, stamina, and teamwork. 24 Hours of Le Mans is one such notable endurance event where multiple drivers share a car, driving in shifts for long periods. These types of races combine strategy, reliability, and speed.
6. GT (Grand Touring) Drivers
The GT drivers compete in vehicles based on production models that are heavily modified for racing. If you choose this field, you will get to drive in Grand Touring races, such as the FIA GT Championship or IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The vehicles here are heavier and less aerodynamic than single-seaters, needing a different driving style.
7. Drag Racers
The drag racers specialize in straight-line speed competitions. It is where two cars race head-to-head over a short distance (usually a quarter-mile) and requires powerful cars and precise launches. NHRA Drag Racing is a pinnacle event for drag racers.
8. Touring Car Drivers
Touring car drivers compete in automobiles similar to production models but are modified for racing. They need to be masters of door-to-door racing, should be able to balance car weight and power, and have adaptability to various weather conditions and race formats.
9. Off-Road and Baja Drivers
Off-road and Baja drivers compete in rugged, all-terrain vehicles over extreme environments like deserts, forests, and mountains. Here, you need to be skilled in controlling a vehicle over rough, uneven surfaces, easily endure long races in extreme conditions, and navigate through unpredictable terrains while maintaining speed.
10. Karting Drivers
Karting drivers, though often seen as entry-level, also race professionally, especially in international competitions like the FIA Karting World Championship.
Many top-level drivers, including Formula 1 champions, started their careers in karting, as it provides an excellent foundation for learning racecraft and car control. Quick reflexes and precise control in lightweight, high-speed karts are the required key skills.
What Is A Race Car Driver Salary?
Race car drivers can earn a wide range of salaries, depending on a number of factors, including their experience, the level of competition they compete in, and their sponsorships.
In the United States, the average salary for a race car driver is between $58,273 and $87,483 per year. However, drivers can earn prize money for winning races. The higher their finish, the more they win.
Lastly, the race car drivers who compete at the top level of auto racing, such as in Formula One (F1) or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), can earn a consistent and significant salary compared to the other drivers.
What Do You Need To Become a Racecar Driver?
Becoming a racecar driver is about more than just driving at raw speed. It requires a combination of skills, training, and resources to succeed on the track. Whether you’re pursuing car racing as a hobby or aiming for a professional career, here are the important things you need to get started:
- Driving Skills and Technique: Racecar driving is about mastering the art of controlling a vehicle at high speeds. Thus, you need understanding of how to navigate corners, brake efficiently, and manage throttle control, when to overtake, defend your position, handle the pressure of close racing, and familiarize yourself with racetrack.
- Physical Fitness: Racecar driving is physically demanding. Thus, you need to have excellent endurance to handle the intense G-forces, high temperatures, and long periods of focus during a race.
- Mental Toughness: Racing isn’t just physically taxing; it’s a mental game, too. Thus, developing mental resilience, quick reflexes, and the ability to handle the stress of competition is critical for success in this career.
- Racing License: To participate in most official racing events, you’ll need to acquire a racing license. Licensing ensures you meet the standards required to race competitively and safely.
- A Suitable Car (or Access to One): To race, you’ll need a race-ready car. While top-level professional drivers have teams to provide their vehicles, beginners often use their own or rent cars.
- Funding and Sponsorship: Racing can be an expensive sport. You need money for equipment, track fees, travel, and maintenance. So, if you do not have it, you need to raise it through funds or sponsorships.
- Racing Gear: Safety is a top priority in motorsports, so you’ll need to invest in the right gear like a helmet, racing suit, racing gloves and shoes, and a head and neck support device.
- Practice and Build Experience: Becoming a successful racecar driver takes years of practice and experience. Consistent practice and racing will help you improve your driving abilities and give you the competitive edge needed to succeed.
- Mentorship: Seeking mentorship from experienced drivers can help you boost your skills. You can develop a lot by learning from their successes and mistakes.
- Passion and Dedication: Above all, you need a deep passion for racing and a willingness to dedicate time, effort, and resources to pursue your goals. Racing is a challenging and competitive field, and the drivers with the true commitment are the ones who make it to the top.
How To Become A Race Car Driver Professional?
If you are serious about becoming a professional race car driver and are not afraid after learning the different skills and things you need to do in order to become one, you are already half way there.
Becoming a pro race car driver is a serious goal that you can only achieve if you are determined and have the right guidance. Here I have a detailed roadmap on how to become a pro race car driver and finally stop looking for affordable cars that look like Lamborghinis to buy but instead go for the real thing.
Start Young (If Possible)
Pursuing car racing is like pursuing any other career or skill. Start as early as possible. Most professional drivers start their driving journey early in life, mainly around the age of 5 or 6.
However, there is no fixed age limit for pursuing the career of race car driver. There are many drivers who make their debut in their teens, in their 20s, or even later. So, if you are sitting at home thinking things like can I become a race car driver at 25, well, the answer is yes, you can. Starting young simply offers you longer time to hone your skills and build connections.
Karting is where most professionals start their journey. Kart racing is an excellent entry-level motorsport, providing new and upcoming drivers with the opportunity to develop their racing skills, understand race track dynamics, and learn the fundamentals of racing.
Understand Different Types of Motorsports
Motorsports aren’t a one-size-fits-all field. There are different types of racing, and no one can do them all. Thus, you need to explore these different types, as it will help you determine where your passion lies and where your skill set fits best.
Each type of racing demands different skills, cars, and strategies. For example, Formula 1 racing requires incredible technical skills and agility, while rally racing emphasizes control on various terrains.
Thus, from the very beginning, you need to be clear on what you want to do and polish your skills accordingly.
Begin With Karting
Karting is one of the best ways to gain experience as an aspiring race car driver. Whether you are someone exploring how to become a race car driver at 16 or a parent whose young kid is showing potential and interest in the field, karting is the right way to start.
Through karting, you will learn crucial skills like racing lines, throttle control, braking points, overtaking tactics, and more. Not only this, competing in karting leagues is a relatively affordable way to enter the racing world and build up your racecraft.
Doing better here can lead you to sponsorship opportunities or be a stepping stone to your entry into more prominent racing series.
Enroll in Racing Schools
If you have had questions like, What education is needed to become a race car driver? in your head, then you are not crazy. It is a legit question that comes with a legit answer.
To be able to become a true professional race car driver, you need formal education. Many professional race car drivers have honed their skills at racing schools. These schools excel at teaching you advanced driving techniques and offer hands-on track time.
Some notable racing schools in the US that you can enroll yourself in are:
- Skip Barber Racing School
- Bondurant Racing School
- Pinnacle Racing School
- Jim Russell Racing School
These schools, apart from teaching you, often allow you to drive high-performance cars and may provide valuable networking opportunities with professional instructors and fellow racers, something that is impossible to do solely on your own.
Earn Your Racing License
To be able to participate in most competitive racing events, you need a racing license. The process typically involves:
- Completing a certified driving course
- Passing a driving test
- Meeting the age requirements (usually 16+ for most racing series)
- Gaining experience in amateur or semi-professional events
Licenses for racing professionals are issued at different levels. So, your first step would typically be getting a national-level license before progressing to international levels. Do good at home, and the world will welcome you.
Compete in Amateur Racing
Never take any race for granted; each one is a place to showcase what you have got to offer. Amateur or grassroots racing leagues provide you a real-world platform to compete, build your experience, and demonstrate your skills.
Explore local or regional races, autocross events, or track days where you can participate. These are a good way to gain race experience, boost your confidence, meet other drivers and teams, and work on your racecraft in a competitive environment.
You might also want to consider joining organizations like the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) or National Auto Sport Association (NASA), which organize various amateur and semi-professional races.
Get Sponsorship and Build Connections
Racing is an expensive sport, and most drivers rely on sponsorships to support their careers. Getting into racing without a lot of money is incredibly challenging. So, if you were contemplating how to get into racing with no money, the road is tougher than you want it to be.
Thus, to stay afloat, you need to start by creating a compelling racing resume or portfolio that includes your race results, social media presence, public image, and potential value to sponsors.
You can reach out to local businesses, car manufacturers, or motorsport companies for potential sponsorships. Networking in the motorsport community is essential; attend races, meet team members, and connect with other drivers to grow your presence.
Progress Through Racing Tiers
Like any sport, motorsport has a tiered system. To reach professional levels, you must climb through these tiers, from grassroots competitions to semi-professional series and finally into professional racing.
You will have to start with karting leagues and move up with club racing events, regional and national championships, and professional feeder series like F3, F2, or lower-tier NASCAR series.
As you climb the ranks, your performance will need to consistently improve, and you’ll need to continuously adapt your driving style, skills, and mental endurance. It would be impossible to climb up the tiers if there is no improvement in your skills.
Stay Physically and Mentally Fit
Being a race car driver demands physical and mental endurance. You’ll need to have a high level of fitness to handle the extreme forces you experience in a race car. This includes core strength, cardiovascular fitness, and reflex sharpness.
Mental fitness is just as crucial. Racing can be intense and stressful, so keeping your focus, managing pressure, and maintaining mental clarity are vital to performing at your best.
Never Stop Learning and Improving
Motorsport technology and strategies evolve, and so should you. Constantly work on improving your driving technique, vehicle knowledge, and track awareness. Study telemetry, watch footage of your races, and analyze your competition.
Never sit still on your knowledge and skills; keep honing them till the time you are behind the wheel.
Conclusion
Becoming a race car driver is a serious career that requires passion, dedication, and continuous improvement. It’s a long journey from karting to professional racing, but with the right steps, determination, and a little bit of luck, you could find yourself on the podium someday.
This article covers everything you need to know about how to become a race car driver. So, start now, learn, push your limits, and one day you will surely achieve what you desire.
