Best Article About Pro Racing in a While

[23Racer]

Just saw this and read this. As far as I am concerned the numbers are factual and real. It explains why a bunch of really good drivers stay racing locally and Regionally and why the CASC is full of what looks to be guys with huge talent and brains. Anybody who wants to go pro should read this first and see if it still is a realistic goal.

http://www.goaheadtakethewheel.com/b...sional-racing/

Eric

[impz06]

Originally Posted by 23Racer

Just saw this and read this. As far as I am concerned the numbers are factual and real. It explains why a bunch of really good drivers stay racing locally and Regionally and why the CASC is full of what looks to be guys with huge talent and brains. Anybody who wants to go pro should read this first and see if it still is a realistic goal.

http://www.goaheadtakethewheel.com/b...sional-racing/

Eric

The huge $$$ investments required is exactly why you can find some fantastic drivers in series like Chumpcar. Boils down to supply and demand, and if a mediocre driver is able to drop a few mil on a seat, he/she will be chosen over a great driver with no cash because sponsors are very hard to find any more. It's unfortunate but the reality of our sport, I couldn't even get the company I work for to sponsor the costs of a vinyl package for some cheap advertising... crazy, eh?

[Richard]

I'm actually surprised that the percentages are that low. I would think that most of the fields in Pro racing are made up of those who are paying to race. I know for me money had always been the single biggest issue which is why I'm doing a few Chumpcar events this year and more next year. Besides the money factor I possess neither the space or the ability to build a race car and I can at least get lots of track time for my buck. Lapping gets quite boring after about 3 corners for me.

[MARC W]

One thing that was not mentioned is that many Pay drivers are paying for themselves and a "pro" co-driver.
Also remember to tack on crash damage, travel, food, driver manager/coach (i had a kid pay $100 000 for one season) licensing etc. etc. Basically a
$350 000 season will turn into close to $500 000 easily.

The nice thing about the grand-am/speed tin tops is that if you are fairly decent you can quickly go from paying to drive to having someone pay for you to drive.

[23Racer]

Part 2 of this very enlightening series.

http://www.goaheadtakethewheel.com/b...ings-go-wrong/

So far, nothing that seems false to me and actually very real.

Eric

[Carguy]

Very good article indeed. It would be interesting to read an article covering the costs of lesser/semi pro series with privateer teams who own, build, manage, market and perform driving duties. Typically they have small volunteer crews who's food and lodging expenses for the event can be covered, or who crew for other teams in other series in exchange for the same services in their own series.

I once naively thought I would eventually "graduate" from HPDE/Time Attack to a race series but I eventually found out that the time commitment and level of investment are simply too high for me. I have a few friends I root for in a couple of Ontario race series and I admire their steadfast time and financial commitment. I also feel for them as I am all too familiar with this addiction we share and what it does to the pocketbook.

[HYUNDAI 113]

This article is a great read. I myself have found that if you don't have money behind you, you won't even be looked at. I can name about half a dozen people off the top of my head that have no talent what so ever and are making it big because they have a fat bank roll. It is sad but it is reality and I understand why it has to be this way. The teams have to survive somehow.

[23Racer]

Part 3.

Really makes you sit back and consider the best way to live your life because even the winning paid drivers in Rolex make only a decent salary. Wow, it would be tough to own a house on a race drivers stipend.

http://www.goaheadtakethewheel.com/b...-getting-paid/

Eric