AboutDan Liddy Expertise Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior
Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding,
fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design.
Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.
Experience I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !
Question My eight year old son has been racing asphalt and dirt gokarts for over 3.5 years now and has some pretty amazing natural talent, he has won several nw championships; my husband and I are looking at moving in the future and want to move somewhere where he will have the best opportunities in racing as it is his favorite thing to do, any suggestions?
Answer Hello Tabitha:
Charlotte, North Carolina is close to the hub of NASCAR racing activities, many of the major teams have headquarters in the area. There are lots of good schools, and plenty of lower level racing in the area.
Here are some things I tell all aspiring drivers and their families.
1) The more early experienece the better. Go Karts are good,
especially those that include road racing circuits.
2) There's no such thing as too much education. Mechanical
Engineering is a good place to start. Lots of math, lots of
mechanical work background.
3) A well rounded personality, which will include extensive Human
Relations training, an example of 'why' appears below* A little
later in his life, the Dale Carnegie Institute has several
courses that will help him open up. Typical childlhood shyness is
something best conquered at a young age. And he will need
considerable people skills and no camera shyness.
4) Racing careers cost buckets of money. NOW would be a good time to
start finding personal sponsorship for him. There are books about
obtaining financial help, try www.summitracing.com and try
keyword 'books'.
5) The whole family should consider joining Sports Car Club of
America. It's the largest sanctioning body of amateur racing in
the country. There are opportunities for the whole family to
become involved in one facet of racing or another.
There are many other considerations but these are key points.
* Here is why I mention Human Relations training. I know of a local young man whose familly has been racing around here since the 1940's Their son has won several Hooters Cup championships, and has amazing talent. He has NO chance in the Nationwide or Sprint cup series for one reason only - - Frankly, he's a total JERK. He's surly and rude, uses coarse language in public, and has made the sports news media despise and avoid him. No sponsor is attracted to that type of individual no matter how good he is.
That's all I can think of at the time, I would welcome any further questions you have. I wish you and your son the very best of luck.
