Expert: Dan Liddy - 11/17/2006

Question
dear dan,

  i was wondering on how most people get into nascar racing cus i know its not a job that just falls out of a tree. i know that most people start in small competition (i think) and then work their way up but how do i get there, i am workin towards buyin me a `75 camaro gen 2 and i cant wait to open that bad boy up on a track but i have been watchin racing for about 8 years give or take because i kind of lost faith after earnhardt sr died and then picked it back up but hell i was only 10 when he died but i know that i am young but i believe that gives me more of an advantage cus i have years ahead of me to get into racing. i know that it takes marketing skills and you cant just be some dude off the street but you actually have to know something. i know alot cept when it comes to getting started. so if you have any advice please let me know. one thing i would really like to know is what kind of schooling do i need after highschool? but anything will help. thanks

                                    james

Answer
Hi James:

There are several areas you must polish for a career in racing.  Your ability to communicate effectively is one of themost important and one you should concentrate upon.  Pay attention in English classes, and in your Copmposition classes as well. Learn to express yourself well in writing.

Mechanical knowledge is also important and you can take classes at the local vocational school for that.  Take some Welding while you're there.

In college (yes, VERY important to go to college !!) you will have to take more English , study it hard, learn to use it well. After that, concentrate on math and science, and think about engineering as a career. Also very important is to take courses in Public Speaking or Speech.  Ryan Newman in a graduate Mechanical Engineer, there are others.  But notice that the most famous are always very well spoken, they use good grammar, and they don't scratch themselves, or spit !

For practical experience, find the local Go Kart track, nearly any famous driver you can name did a LOT of Kart racing bafore moving up.  The list includes Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick, Al Unser Jr.

You're right, racing jobs don't drop from the sky, you have to go after them vigorously, and keep trying until you get the one you want. Please trust me when I say it though, you will get absolutely nowhere without an education - - -you MUST stay in school.

Best of luck

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida