Career Exploration

Being a Racecar Driver

As I explored what it took to be a racecar driver, I learned many surprising things. For example, I didn't know that drivers needed to know so much physics!

What does a racecar driver do?

Well, it may seem simple, but a race car driver ... races cars!

The top drivers can make millions of dollars per year. But most people who race cars do it for passion more than money.

Racecar Driver's Responsibilities

• Test-drive car frequently
• Experiment with mechanical adjustments
• Study tracks
• Watch weather forecasts, to define necessary adjustments at race-time
• RACE!

How do I become a racecar driver?

There are many different paths to becoming a race car driver. It depends how much money that you have. If you happen to be very wealthy, there are not many barriers to entry. You buy a car, hire a racing team, and qualify for races. So if you're already rich, you need to practice driving a lot.

If you're not rich, you need to begin by racing locally. Then work your way up to more and more expensive cars in more and more competitive races.

Regardless of whether you have to earn your way up the ranks, or can take a shortcut with wealth, racecar drivers need to poseess the following traits:

• Competitiveness
• Physically Fit
• Smart
• Mechanically Knowledgable
• Great working on a team

Should You Become a Racecar Driver?

Based on my research, I would want to be a racecar driver!