Expert: Dan Liddy - 5/22/2011

Question
Hi Dan,

I came across this site and your contact details while browsing for information on whether or not I might be too old to start racing.

I'm from Ireland and have been car mad all my life, but I have zero racing experience.  I have a master's degree, have worked in the corporate sector, as a university lecturer, and I have spent the last five years working as a humanitarian professional with international NGOs and the UN in Africa, Asia and the Americas.  I am now 36 and had some kind of a moment of clarity at the Le Mans 24 Hours last June 2010 that the racing bug I have tried to suppress all these years is not going away.  Even though I have a good career, I am not fulfilled.  Cars (and planes...deeeep trouble) are in my blood.    

Recently I had the opportunity to do a single seater track tuition session at Dubai Autodrome.  I'd never driven on a race track or sat in a single seater before, and drove considerably quicker than a guy on the course with me who's been racing historic Porsches for the past ten years at Magny Cours, Paul Ricard and other fine tracks in France.  I asked the instructor whether a) he reckoned I had any ability and b) if I could realistically stand a chance at starting racing now.  He told me I had good speed and a competitive nature, and to start now, but that was a bit vague.  

I intend to get more tuition this summer to figure out if I actually have any ability in a racecar.  So the question is - can it be done?  Can a man, once he really figures out his ability level, hope to make a career out of racing cars at the age of 36?  I'd like to aim at touring cars or GT cars; single seaters might be a long shot.  I wouldn't be fussy, really.  I don't think I'm old, I've a young outlook on life, but I know that realistically there are kids out there who've been doing this since they were children and those are the guys with the experience who I'd be up against.  Plus the need for stacks of cash, which I don't have.  If a sponsor has to choose between a 20 year old with 15 years of racing behind him, or a 36 year old who has a dream...  Having said that, there were guys driving in the GT class at Le Mans last year in their 40s and 50s.  

I have a dream.  And a person has to chase those things or life runs away.  I'd be very grateful for some honest advice as to how or if I could make it happen while keeping my feet on the ground.

Many thanks,

Jonathan.

Answer
Hi Jonathan!

A challenging question for sure !

Frankly, your chances of landing a professional career are quite remote. Maybe if you're one in a million in the talent department. That's not to say you shouldn't try !!   

There are many pro drivers in their 30's, 40's and 50's who are competitive, but they most likely started in their pre-teens in Go Karts. Also , many of those drivers you saw at LeMans are amateurs who paid dearly for the ride, with stacks of cash !  

I would suggest that you continue to seek out instruction and seat time where ever you can, and if your regular career leads you back to England or the USA , you should explore further.

There is nothing wrong with trying, some people get incredibly lucky. Maybe you're the one.
I don't know if I'd want to try it from India though. I can't imagine much of an opportunity in that part of the world.

Good luck to you !!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida, USA