Expert: Adam - 10/25/2008

Question
Hello, A rather elaborate question. My 14 year old son has expressed over the last 2 years that he would like to be a race driver (specifically graduating into Formula 1 over a period of time). He lives in India and I live in Norway. Coming from a country where racing is not very big and education has generally meant everything, I am a little confused - I would like to encourage him to do what he wishes to but at the same time as a parent wish to make sure that he has the right advise and direction, which I am unable to provide. Lots of thoughts - should he come over to Norway, so that he can travel to UK time to time and learn now.. should be do a formal graduation anyway. I am actually at a loss to give the right heading to my son. Any help would be extremely appreciated. I hope answer to this will help other parents too. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Thanks for the question.
I would say that to get a motor racing career going, the lad needs to start right away in competitive karting, which probably means UK, Ger, US, Ita, Esp or Fra. Not Nor or Ind. There are Nor and Indian race drivers, but I fancy they probably learned the ropes in the UK.

You may want to check out teh following:
http://www.kartingasia.com/forum/india-karting-talk-f11.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/11396660.cms
http://www.karting-nation.co.uk/locations/city.asp?id=45674
http://www.na-motorsports.com/Schools/
http://www.motorsportsemployment.com/norway_sweden_finland_racing_schools.html

Best wishes,
Adam