Expert: Dan Liddy - 2/14/2010

Question
I am about to turn 15 years old and I live outside Philadelphia, PA.  I want to get started in racing.  I had thought about quarter midgets but that wouldn't be practical because of the age limit at 16. Would 600-Racing Bandoleros be an option and if you think they are, how should I go about finding a car, a track near me, and starting to race. Thanks.

Answer
It looks like they would be a good option for you . As far as finding a track near you and a source for the cars, do what I did , go to Google and seach "Bandolero Race cars"   Lots of information there.

As for personal preparation, my first advice is always STAY IN SCHOOL.  Any pro race driver you will ever meet will tell you the same thing, education is more important than ANYthing else.

Racing is expensive. This means that you will need to have a good part time job, and a lot of support from your friends and parents. Many times you will have to give up other things if you really want to go racing. Movies, summer camps and hot dates are but a few of the things you will have to put aside for your racing. Keep your parents support by keeping your school grades up, AND by helping around the house.

Learning to drive is largely a matter of experience and coaching. There is a good book writtin by Bob Bondurant who was a Formula One driver when I was your age, and has raced all over the US and Europe.I think Bob's book is called "High Perforamnce Driving"  but if not, try Google for that too.  Its a great book.

That's about all I can suggest for the time being, Good luck to you , and feel free to write again sometime

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida