Alright, so you wanna know how I got into racing cars? Buckle up, it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, but hopefully, my experience can give you a clearer picture.
It all started with a serious addiction to racing video games. I was hooked on Gran Turismo, Assetto Corsa, you name it. I spent hours tweaking setups, memorizing tracks, and just generally living the virtual racing life. Then one day, I thought, “Why not try the real thing?”
First things first: Research. I started looking into local racing schools and clubs. There were a couple of options around, some more serious than others. I ended up choosing a well-regarded racing school that offered a multi-day introductory course.
The first day was mostly classroom stuff. We covered basic racing theory, car control, flags, safety procedures – the whole nine yards. Honestly, it was a bit dry, but essential. I took a ton of notes.
Day two: Getting behind the wheel! They started us in slow, manageable cars – think souped-up Miatas. We practiced things like proper seating position, steering techniques, braking points, and heel-toe downshifting (which I totally butchered at first). The instructors were great, super patient, and gave personalized feedback. I spun out. A lot. But I was grinning ear-to-ear.
The real game-changer was learning about vision. I realized I was so focused on what was right in front of me that I was missing the bigger picture. Learning to look further ahead, anticipate corners, and use my peripheral vision made a huge difference in my lap times. I started to string together decent laps by the end of the day.
The last day was all about putting it all together. We did longer sessions on the track, working on consistency and racecraft. Overtaking, defending, reading the other drivers – it was a whole new level of intensity. I wasn’t exactly winning any races, but I was definitely improving.
After the school, I was hooked. I joined a local racing club and started participating in autocross events. Autocross is awesome because it’s relatively cheap and you can use your own street car. It’s basically a timed run through a tight, technical course laid out with cones in a parking lot. It’s a great way to learn car control and improve your skills without the risks (and costs) of wheel-to-wheel racing.
I then started tracking my car and I really mean it TRACKING IT! Not just driving fast, but using data to get better. I got a simple OBD2 reader to get live data such as engine RPM, coolant temperature, and throttle position. Then I would use a GPS lap timer app on my phone to record my lap times.
Next step: Budgeting. Racing isn’t cheap. Track days, entry fees, tires, brakes, fuel, maintenance – it all adds up quickly. I had to be realistic about what I could afford. I made a budget, tracked my expenses, and looked for ways to save money. For example, I learned to do a lot of the maintenance on my car myself.
Finally, remember to have fun! Racing can be stressful and competitive, but at the end of the day, it’s about the thrill of driving and the camaraderie of the racing community. Don’t take yourself too seriously, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the ride.
So, that’s my story so far. It’s a journey, and I’m still learning every day. But if you’re thinking about getting into racing, I say go for it! It’s an incredible experience.
