Dark $ecrets – The Realities of Pro Racing

[gran racing]

A few years ago I was introduced to the harsh realities of professional road racing in the U.S., but realize many people haven’t been exposed to this side. For the past few months I’ve been working on a series of articles that discusses what it’s really like from a financial perspective, how to become a “pro” driver, to a behind-the-scenes look into a top notch team. While I thought I understood how things operate, there plenty of aspects I found eye opening.

Among the many people I spoke with, Eric Curran who started in ITB and whose father I race against discussed his experiences. Jake Gulick and I were also fortunate enough to meet with Duncan Dayton whose the owner of back-to-back American Le Mans team Highcroft racing. Talk about impressive!

I thought that many of you would find this an interesting read. As part of rolling this series out, I’ve also made several enhancements to how the site is organized which should make it more user-friendly. It’s also being expanded to include many more advanced topics such as race tire technology (Hoosier has been a great help with this!).

Thanks again for all of the continued support! If you end up liking this, I’d really appreciate you sharing it with others.

Introduction to Series

Part I - Dark $ecrets – The Realities of Pro Racing

[dhardison]

Dave, how could you write such a thing and crush the dreams of a fellow ITBer?!?!?!?

Seriously, nice articles and VERY eye-opening. I'm looking forward to future editions.

Dan

[gran racing]

I still had hope of having a career with a pro team then Duncan from Highcroft told us how many hours a day his staff works.... Gulp. Almost seems like for some of these gigs you need to be single or have the significant other in racing too.

[Chip42]

I still had hope of having a career with a pro team then Duncan from Highcroft told us how many hours a day his staff works.... Gulp. Almost seems like for some of these gigs you need to be single or have the significant other in racing too.

^^^ the #1 reason i didn't persue a job in pro racing. by the time I was out of college with my BSME I had a dog and a desire to see him once or twice a year. now I'm married with a baby. I always wondered why dad never did the things he said he always wished he had. it takes a special breed that it at once selfless and humble yet completely selfish at the same time. most of us just cant or wont do it.

good stuff Dave. keep it up!

[ITA_honda]

What a great article! I enjoyed reading it. Has a lot of useful information. How about those rental prices, eh?

[Drew M]

I look forward to reading. I've tried to become part of the Highcroft team many times (as a volunteer) for the same reason of learning what it takes to go pro racing and it's nearly impossible.

[Ron Earp]

Thanks for posting that. I re-posted your links with your credit to another forum of folks that might be interested.

[gran racing]

Much appreciated Ron.

My hope is that somehow people will become interested enough and learn how much fun Club Racing is that they give that a try even if the intent is as a stepping stone.

[924Guy]

Damn straight. Haven't read the piece, but am looking forward to it. Having known a few guys who've flirted with that side, and having ready access to it myself as a career path - I much prefer coming home on the weekend and playing with my own racecars than sitting on the sideline trying to make someone else's car faster, and never getting a weekend off.

Actually, that sounds like my life now with the DSR, only I'd have a paycheck... LOL

[Kai Noeske]

Damn straight. Haven't read the piece, but am looking forward to it. Having known a few guys who've flirted with that side, and having ready access to it myself as a career path - I much prefer coming home on the weekend and playing with my own racecars than sitting on the sideline trying to make someone else's car faster, and never getting a weekend off.

Actually, that sounds like my life now with the DSR, only I'd have a paycheck... LOL

Except noone is gonna kick your butt out of your beloved DSR if a new hotshot kid shows up and does a better laptime...!

[Greg Amy]

Except noone is gonna kick your butt out of your beloved DSR if a new hotshot kid shows up and has more money.

Fixed.