should i give it a shot?

[agte]

well, basically i just wanted some people's opinions on something....i've always wanted to race, especially sprints....so basically my question is: should i attempt to purchase a car?

racing is quite expensive, and i've never raced anything before....but i figure now is possibly my best opportunity (and maybe my only opportunity) to do this....i'm willing to put in the time to learn things, and wouldn't mind spending a few years getting more familiar with the cars by working on someone else's crew....my parents want me to go to a driving school, which i think is a good idea and i'm considering doing....i'm really in no hurry to get out on the track, because i know that i'm going to need time to get things straightened out....if i'm going to do it i want to do it right, and be well prepared....i'm not gunning for the world of outlaws championship, i'm just looking to go out there and have some fun....

but is it worth the financial risks? anyone that would know anything about this i'd apprieciate your input....

[mgoblue]

Re: should i give it a shot?

well, I know nothing about the racing business, but the person in me says go for it...chase your dreams, you only get one good shot at some things...if it doesn't work out, you can do other things, no harm no foul

[forensicd]

Re: should i give it a shot?

I own a USAC sprint team, and yes, to be competitive, it is EXTREMELY Expensive! You do not make money by any means, you do it for the love of racing. In order to compete, you have to put on a new right rear tire almost every time you go out on the track. When these tires cost $400, you spend all your earnings right there. The best way to do it is find a ride, you dont want to buy some ones hand me down equipment. Safety is the main reason. Once a car has been wrecked, the integrity of the roll cage dwindles, no matter how good a repair job is done. IF you want to get into wing sprints, it seems now is a good time for up and comers, becuase the days of the wing sprinter as king is over. Rides are plentiful, but you will need experience. If you want to race non wing, you need to come to indiana. This is the hot bed of sprinters for the nation, with a sprint track literally every 30 or so miles. That being said, it is also the most difficult area to be competitve. But there are many tracks for beginners here. I used to own a track, called Paragon Speedway, that is a great track for beginners to learn on. So, there are many options open to you. Not many sprint car drivers go to racing school, but there are some out there, mainly out west. Theres no doubt sprintcar racing is about as good as gets in terms of auto sports, and if i could drive one, i would in a heartbeat( im 6'6", so my head sticks out of the roll cage!)

[cooldude]

Re: should i give it a shot?

Go for it!

[agte]

Re: should i give it a shot?

yes, i was thinking winged sprinter, probably a 360....and i'm not too worried about finding a track, since knoxville raceway is only a few blocks away and i could push the damn thing to the track if i had to....but also living in knoxville means there are lots of people around that i could learn from or receive help from....

but i do have a question....how willing would a car owner be (if you were an owner) to let some kid with no racing experience drive their car? my dad really thinks i should go that route, but i would guess not many would be willing to just throw me into the line of fire like that

and thanks to you all for your input

[MajorPyn4]

Re: should i give it a shot?

yes, i was thinking winged sprinter, probably a 360....and i'm not too worried about finding a track, since knoxville raceway is only a few blocks away and i could push the damn thing to the track if i had to....but also living in knoxville means there are lots of people around that i could learn from or receive help from....

but i do have a question....how willing would a car owner be (if you were an owner) to let some kid with no racing experience drive their car? my dad really thinks i should go that route, but i would guess not many would be willing to just throw me into the line of fire like that

and thanks to you all for your input

You sound like Cole Trickle trying to get a ride. If only Harry was there to give you a shot. good luck dude

[forensicd]

Re: should i give it a shot?

yes, i was thinking winged sprinter, probably a 360....and i'm not too worried about finding a track, since knoxville raceway is only a few blocks away and i could push the damn thing to the track if i had to....but also living in knoxville means there are lots of people around that i could learn from or receive help from....

but i do have a question....how willing would a car owner be (if you were an owner) to let some kid with no racing experience drive their car? my dad really thinks i should go that route, but i would guess not many would be willing to just throw me into the line of fire like that

and thanks to you all for your input

As an owner, we are always on the lookout for up and comers. But we are usually looking for them in other rides, seeing what they can do with inferior equipment. Some kids get all the breaks. Ryan newman drove for us a while, and also for the aristocrat team, so he jumped in right away into good equipment. I cannot stress enough how important good equipment is when dealing with sprintcars. Gone are the days of guys coming to the track with beat up sprinters, rear tires that are 5 races old, and a pit crew of 2. Now, everything is top of the line, if you want to compete, you have to pay the price. 360's are cheaper due to engine size, but in order to actaully be somewhat competitive, you still have to buy all the things that make you go fast. Do some research, and the best thing to do is join a pit crew for free. Dont ask for any money, except for the pit entrance fee. You will learn all the ins and outs of the cars, which the best racers know all about their cars. Every team wants to have as much help as possible, so find some people you are comfortable with, and offer your help for free. We have 2 guys in your boat at our shop almost everyday, working on the cars, putting em together to see how the work, run, etc. They work for free just to get insight into a team that knows what they are doing.