Seltzer

Hello guys,

I'm 14 and live in NJ, does anyone have any suggestions for how to start to get into racing? The only car I "own" would be a 2000s Acura RSX, and I'm looking to get into professional motorsports. Does anyone have recommendations for coaching, classes, or anything else that may be of use (preferably in the Northeast)? Thanks in advance!

jayzbird

Carting is the way most people start out these days. Once you have a drivers permit you can also autocross with some clubs. You also may be able to volunteer for a team or SCCA etc. if your folks sign a waiver.

jscott82

If your goal is to become a pro (paid) driver, carting is the way to go. At 14 you are still young enough to start working your way up the ladder... The big pro teams are scouting the regional / national carting talent..

Like any sport, the key is practice, practice, practice.. Find a local league, get out and drive regularly and start working your way up...

Volunteer with SCCA is a great suggestion. Hanging out at SCCA / PCA / BMW events is a great place to network.

Once you get a drivers license then I would start looking at the manufactures driving programs...

Best way to get started is start driving anything you can get your hands on (legally). Join a competitive league for whatever that is and do it regularly...

Difool

As stated: karting. Also: sim rig. You can start with a very affordable setup and iRacing. Unfortunately money (yours or someone else’s) is a strong predictor of success in all auto sports.

ProCoach

Majority of people I’ve seen usually volunteer or work as crew, then as they prove their worth, they get more opportunities, but it does take some money.

Jas0nn

Make a lot of money.

amurph182

I think the thing to remember is that there are a LOT of different careers in motor sports and the vast majority of them aren’t as drivers. If you just have a dream of being a professional racing driver, then plenty of great advice already (especially about having lots of money). If you’re open to the rest of the industry, there are a number of college/university programs out there focused on motor sports. Here’s a few. If you want to drive NOW and get exposed to organized motor sports locally, I know a couple of younger guys (18-20) that have been racing US Legend cars since they were younger than you, and they’ve built a pretty large network that is helping them find opportunities to work in the field as they head off to college and some of the programs I linked to. Certainly more expensive than entry-level karting, but probably easier to find more opportunities to race and/or work/volunteer in your region at your age.

38D

You didn’t say if you were looking to be a driver or crew. To be a pro driver, starting at 14 is likely too late on most cases. Many kids start at 6 or even 5. There are exceptions, but they are very rare. And you’ll not just need some money, but a literal ton of money to grind the karting circuit. Not trying to crush your dreams, but being a pro driver is a very difficult path (not unlike any other pro athlete).

To work in the industry, go to local race shops and see if you can be an unpaid intern to start. Volunteer to do the things that no one else wants to do. That will get you a bit of experience which you can use to get a paying gig. Be prepared to work very very hard.

ParadiseGT3

Few things that you can do near-term to get headed down the right path:

- Karting. To start, have a K1 Speed in your area? Open every day, good outlet to begin learning the basics of performance driving. Target the monthly leaderboard lap times and/or get involved in their Teen league for racing.

- Sim setup and iRacing. Check out Fanatec components, or if your Santas are feeling generous, Simucube. All of your peers will be using this training tool, it's a must for your generation.

- Autocross with your RSX as soon as you can, check with your local organizations. Maybe they'll let you on with a learner's permit. Your part-time job can fund monthly autocross. (Get to work and start saving!)

- Build your physical and mental health. Reflex/reaction training, focus, endurance. Performance driving is very physically challenging. If you ever make it to a midnight stint at Daytona, you'll want to be fit.

Good luck!

LuigiVampa

Get adopted by Lawrence Stroll.

DOUGLAP1

Everything this guy said.

In my opinion, everyone should have to do at least a year in autocross or karting before anyone lets them out on a real race track in any capacity. Then you might want to look into a racing school, and get a SCCA license to start.

Seltzer

I'd just like to clarify a few things:
1) Yes, I would like to be driving, although I'd be willing to work in another department or as a volunteer at events if it means my end goal of driving can be achieved.
2) I'm not trying to do this for fun. Although I love motorsports and always enjoy watching it or karting, I want to make this a professional career, especially considering how much money it would cost me and my parents.
3) In NJ, you get your learner's permit at 16, and while my parents would be willing to take me to events, many events require at least some drivers license from the actual driver (not all though).

ProCoach

Some start as mechanics for pro schools like Bertil Roos and Skip Barber, then get driving credits time goes on.

StoogeMoe

Sign up with NASA northeast HPDE. You don’t need a driver’s license. Just parent permission. If you advance to racing, you’ll quickly know if you have what it takes, or if your dreams will be dashed.

M13S

Rule #1 - Be rich
Rule #2 See rule #1