If you enjoy speed and competition, a professional race car driver job could be right for you. Being a professional driver in motorsports demands dedication and training. To pursue this career, it's crucial to grasp the responsibilities of the job, the necessary skills and qualifications, how to get started, and what the potential yearly earnings might be.
People decide to become drivers for various reasons, which can be different and personal. For some, the appeal lies in the flexibility of work schedules and the freedom to determine their own hours. Others are attracted to the independence of being on the road, making choices about routes, and managing their time independently.
What Is A Professional Driver?
A professional driver earns a living by driving a vehicle. Their main job is transporting cargo or passengers from one place to another. Key responsibilities include:
- Obeying traffic laws, following the correct route.
- Ensuring there's enough fuel.
- Keeping the car interior clean.
Professional drivers come in different types, such as race car drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and truck drivers. "professional driver" usually refers to a race car driver. Race car driving is a motorsport where drivers compete to finish first or achieve the fastest time.
What Does A Professional Driver Do?
Training
Professional racing subjects the body to extreme conditions like intense heat, g-forces, and stress. Many drivers follow a training routine to enhance their physical fitness to endure these challenges. Cardiovascular exercises, such as cycling or running, help condition their bodies for the demands of a long race.
Proper diet and resistance training are also crucial, enabling drivers to manage their weight and lighten the load in the vehicle. In races, the margin between victory and a close competitor is often just a split second, so reducing load can enhance a driver's chances of winning.
While not every professional race car driver follows a physical training routine, they consistently practice driving. Drivers with access to a course may complete laps daily or use realistic driving simulators to familiarize themselves with different classes. This regular driving practice helps them maintain their skills, reflexes, and mental strength.
Promotion and marketing
Professional race car drivers primarily earn their income through sponsorships and endorsements from major companies. These companies display their logos on the drivers' vehicles and outfits. In exchange, drivers engage in press conferences and other events to announce upcoming races, allowing companies to promote their brands.
Vehicle maintenance
In auto racing, a vehicle is an essential tool, and the driver and crew consistently work to keep it functioning well. If issues arise during practice, they communicate these problems to their mechanics. They collaborate to fine-tune the car, ensuring it's prepared for competition.
Travel
Races and racing-related events occur globally. Depending on their type of racing and competition level, Racers may have travel as part of their job. Some racers have limited travel, with events within their state or a nearby state. Others may need to fly with their entire crew to another country.
What Are The Important Skills Needed For Professional Drivers?
Driving ability
Driving is a fundamental skill for professional race car drivers. Successful drivers can skillfully handle a vehicle at high speeds, reaching over 200 miles per hour in certain race types. Making rapid and frequent turns while maintaining control is essential in circuit races. In other race formats, drivers must navigate through rough and diverse terrains like dirt, rocky roads, sand, mud, and slippery surfaces.
Mechanical knowledge
A professional race car driver with a solid understanding of mechanics is more likely to comprehend how their vehicle operates, how to maintain it, and how to optimize its performance. Before and during races, this deep understanding enables the driver and crew to address maintenance issues that could hinder the vehicle's speed or jeopardize the driver's safety. This mechanical knowledge is crucial for the driver to win races and ensure their safety.
Physical fitness and reflexes
Good physical fitness is essential for a driver to endure high speeds. In the fastest vehicles, the driver faces varying g-force levels, quickly depleting the body's energy. Maintaining a high level of physical fitness can reduce the impact of racing on the body.
Quick reflexes are valuable as they help prevent mistakes leading to accidents. Well-tuned reflexes enable a driver to respond to the ever-changing demands of a race, aiding in avoiding collisions and gaining an edge over competitors in head-to-head racing.
Confidence
While speeding on tracks or navigating rough terrain for extended periods, drivers encounter various chances to make mistakes. This is why professional race car drivers must have confidence in their abilities. Confidence comes from believing that your skills are proficient enough to complete a race safely and perform effectively against competitors.
Decision-making
Decision-making is identifying the best choices and picking the one you believe will most likely lead to success. In every auto race, there are numerous chances to make crucial decisions that can guide you to victory. Given the limited time, drivers must consider their options quickly and commit to a choice as fast as possible.
Teamwork
Auto racing is typically seen as an individual sport, but teamwork is crucial in various ways. For instance, multiple drivers may race for the same owner in stock car driving, forming a team. These individual drivers often collaborate to support the one with the best chance of winning. In rally racing, the driver and co-driver work closely to navigate stages correctly and swiftly.
Drivers typically collaborate with a substantial crew, including mechanics, engineers, and specialists. These team members communicate via radio throughout races, providing information to enhance the driver's performance.
How To Become A Professional Driver In 7 Steps
1. Enhance Your Driving Skills
To compete with professional race car drivers, improve your driving skills. Try karting, which resembles open-wheel vehicles, allowing you to navigate at high speeds. Engage in karting races to assess your skills against others. Alternatively, enroll in a racing school for formalized learning, gaining insights from experienced drivers, and practicing on actual courses.
2. Join A Racing Club
Become a member of a reputable racing club to stay informed about events and gain resources for your racing career. Notable options include the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), hosting various races nationwide. Apply online, with membership rates varying based on age and military service.
3. Acquire A Vehicle And Equipment
A reliable, race-capable vehicle is essential. If purchasing outright isn't feasible, consider renting a car while you build up funds. Seek guidance from club members to choose an appropriate vehicle. Obtain mandatory racing gear, including a fireproof racing suit, helmet, and gloves, ensuring it meets safety standards.
4. Secure A Competition License
As a novice in your racing club, obtain a competition license to participate in events. Your club issues the permit, qualifying you for events in various racing clubs. Understand specific licensure requirements from your club, as they may differ. For instance, SCCA may require racing three times within two years.
5. Practice And Train
Regular practice is crucial in reaching a professional level. Aim for at least five weekly sessions on a track or simulator, coupled with regular competition. Develop a training routine involving cardiovascular and resistance workouts to enhance physical endurance. Analyze professional races to incorporate effective maneuvers into your skill set.
6. Seek A Team Or Sponsor
After demonstrating strong performance, attract attention from teams and sponsors. Alternatively, proactively reach out to discuss potential partnerships. Teams may offer funding in exchange for a share of your winnings, while sponsors seek advertising space on your vehicle. With their support, you can transition to participating in more giant races as a professional driver.
7. Maintain Professionalism And Safety
Once you've established yourself as a professional driver, prioritize professionalism and safety. Adhere to traffic laws, practice defensive driving, and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained. Stay informed about industry regulations and advancements, and participate in continuous learning to improve your skills and knowledge.