AboutStooge Expertise 8 year crew member, 25 year NASCAR historian with VAST collection of
NASCAR data (stats, photos, old magazines, books, programs). I know all
or can find all about NASCAR Winston Cup trivia, including stats, driver
facts, race records, pit & inspection info, pics of old cars and
drivers, etc.
Experience Almost 40 year fan, 8 years on pit crew, high traffic NASCAR website, hundreds of old info sources including pics
Education/Credentials Life: lived it for 8 years, been following it for almost 40 years, been to more than 200 races, worked shoulder to shoulder with many of the drivers and crewmen of the present and past, been quoted in magazines and newspapers, website listed in a book, had picture published in Nextel Cup Scene (was Grand National Scene back then). *Just quoted in a Las Vegas magazine last month (Feb/March '07) about the Vegas race*
Question I've always wanted to become a nascar driver for any series but nationwide series would probably be the best because I'm from Ireland I'm 11 and I don't think I will be allowed to move to america until I am 18 I do have a lot of skill in driving go-karts and I have great stamina & reflexes.Could you tell me how to become a nascar driver.
Thanks!!!
Answer Ahhh, the weekly "How do I become a NASCAR driver question?" Here's some of my previous answers:
"I'm sorry but there is no easy way into a drivers seat in any NASCAR series. I can only tell you to continue in a local series and win a lot. That way you have something to show to potential owners and sponsors. Nobody just walks up and says I want to drive a race car. You have to work your way up from the bottom. It's like saying, "I want to be president of Microsoft, I've used a computer before." Race and win. That's all I can tell you."
"I'm sorry but I know of no apprenticeship type programs in NASCAR. Most drivers move up by consistently winning in their class and then having a ride offered to them by someone who has seen them winning.
All I can tell you is if he has his heart set on it he will have to keep winning and sell himself to sponsors so that he can continually upgrade. Sorry, I know this isn't the answer you want to hear but it's all experience and who you know."
In short, there is no definitive way to get into NASCAR, just drive and win and keep working towards the prize. Remember, there are 43 drivers that start every Nextel Cup race. Now figure how many drivers there are out there driving Sat. night dirt tracks who dream of doing the same thing....
And cost? Most of the winners are spending sponsorship money and driving cars owned by other people. Only costs the winners their time.
