Expert: Dan Liddy - 6/16/2009

Question
Hey, my name is tyler and I am 21, I graduated from high school in 2006 and have just been doing hard labor, I've been thinking of joining the Air Force and getting some education for mechanical work, I know how to perform some mechanical work now though already. My question is do you think that Ive waited too long to really start a racing career. Because I do love cars and driving them fast.

Answer
Hi John:

Definately join the Air Force !!- - you'll get fantastic training and you cn train for jobs far beyond regular car mechanics. The idea being to give you the kind of income you need to pursue a career associated with racing . Example, Airline mechaniics make BUCKETS more money than the car guys, and the working conditions are far more pleasant as well. You even get fre travel with some lines.  

You may not know it but many of todays race drivers in NASCAR and other series are already mechanical engineers. Ryan Newmann for one , but there are many others.

You are never too old to start racing , I wasn't able to start until I was over 50 , now I'm 69 and still racing .  I never had a pro career but once in a while I get paid for instructing. Once even for assisting in a lawsuit about a race wreck.

So yes, do join the Air Force, bust your butt while you are there,and learn everything you can, especially about alternative fuels. It's the coming thing in racing, you know. This year's Sebring Grand Prix was won by an Audi Diesel, and just last tweekend the great race  in France, the 24 Hours of Le Mans was won by a Peugeot Diesel burning some hi-tech bio-diesel gook they make out of wood chips or cow pies or something.

That's the best advice I have, and no matter WHAT, training and school are your best friends.

Good Ludk!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Floridia