Am I Too Poor to Race Cars Professionally?

Sorry for this one, feeling a little bit down today. If you've ever dreamt of becoming a professional race car driver but find yourself worried about your financial situation, you're not alone. It's something that keeps both me and dad up a lot of nights. Racing, especially at the professional level, is often seen as an exclusive sport for the wealthy. The high costs associated with the sport can make it feel like an unattainable dream for many. However, while money undeniably plays a significant role in motorsports, it's not the only factor that determines success.

The Cost of Racing

There's no sugarcoating it—racing is extremely expensive; at my level a typical race weekend can be upwards of $15,000 - $30,000 depending. Expenses include car rentals, maintenance, entry fees, travel, tires, fuel, food, safety equipment and of course...crash damage. Without crucial financial backing, many talented drivers never get the chance to showcase their skills. I'm truly blessed that my dad has been able to do it so far.

How Do Others Afford It?

I admit it, I get jealous, depressed, envious, all the emotions. I follow so may racers and see them climbing the ladder and ask, how do they do it? What am I missing? I know that most professional drivers don't fund their entire careers out of pocket. Many rely on a combination of sponsorships, family wealth (if they're lucky), and team backing. We all know that sponsorships are critical, but securing them can be as competitive as the races themselves. Posting relentlessly on ALL the socials, attending webinars and coaching sessions, copying posts from other racers that did very well and got so many likes. I know its critical, but also can be very disheartening when you don't get the same reactions.

What If I Don't Have Money?

If you're starting from scratch, like me, with little financial support, there are still pathways into racing:

• Sim Racing: eSports racing competitions have become legitimate stepping stones into real-world motorsports. I have to get more involved with this one.

• Working in the Industry: Many drivers work as mechanics, engineers, or instructors to stay close to the sport and earn opportunities. Got my ACE creds, and I'm still in high school.

• Local Racing Clubs: Grassroots motorsport events like autocross, rallycross, and budget endurance racing offer affordable ways to start racing. Looking at you SCCA.

• Social Media and Crowdfunding: Showcasing your journey and passion online can attract followers and potential sponsors. This is a given.

The Importance of Persistence

Yeah, I know, "Darkest before the dawn...You just need one yes...Just keep swimming". I know them all. I know that talent, dedication, and hard work can sometimes outweigh financial disadvantages. Many successful drivers have started with little money but made up for it with relentless determination and smart career moves. Just want one lucky break!!

So what's the point of this rant?

Short answer, nothing. I just needed to vent a little. While having financial resources certainly would make racing easier, it doesn't automatically exclude me from the sport. My road will be more challenging without those deep pockets, but with the right strategy, passion, and perseverance, I'm hoping it's still possible to race professionally. And have a lot of fun along the way. It also makes for a great college essay!!