Expert: Dan Liddy - 8/31/2006

Question
How expensive is real circuit racing? How would you recommend a beginner to start in the sport of circuit racing? Do you recommend any specific racing school for beginners interested in starting?

Answer
Well Calvo:  
You have to start somewhere.  For most younger folks, I recommend at least a couple of years in Go Karts, to get a seat-of-the-pants feel for a racing car, the heat of competition, and the thrill of competing at speed.

The next step would be amateur racing perhaps in the Sports Car Club of your country (Mine is Sports Car Club of America or SCCA)

Costs can vary from reasonable to outrageous. But auto racing is usually not affordable for low wage earners.  Here's a list of minimum equipment you would need to start.

personal gear, helmet, fire suit, gloves, fireproof racing shoes, etc.                          $1000.00
Race tires 2 sets per season           500.00
Replacement  brakes for a season       500.00
Entry fees (about $200 per race)       800.00
Drivers schools  (2 at least @ $3000   600.00
Licenses, memberships, misc.           300.00  

TOTAL                                $3700.00

Note that I didn't include the purchase of a race car, in many circumstances you can rent one for a weekend, prices vary starting at about $700.00 on up to several thousand depending .

That's about all I can tell you  from your question, but if you need more info, feel free to write again

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA