Looking for a Little Help...

[racemaxx24]

First off, wanted to say that you guys have a great site here. Very informative and easy to find information, thanks to whoever put's this up and runs it and also to everyone that contributes! 

Now, to my issue.   

I've been looking into Legends racing for about 2 years hardcore now. Going to races, reading up on info, talking to different people, etc. I've really got my heart set on trying to get myself running (thankfully there are alteast 2 tracks within 50 miles that have decent sized Legends divisions) and hopefully using this as a tool to move myself into a career in racing. (Maybe not driving but working for a team and such.)

The hitch? I'm a 15 year old high-school student with parents that really do not want to participate at all.  No matter what I do to convince them this is what i'm looking to do to move up, it's always a "It's a waste of money." or "It cost's too much." answer. I've definitely considered TRYING to get a job here locally to pay for it myself but being that there is little if nothing to do around here plus i'm trying to focus on keeping my grades in school up, it's really not an option right now.

I guess what I am looking for is some ideas on what I can do to overcome this? I've figured that if I can ever get over the initial hump of purchasing the car, we should be good to go on maintaining/running it. Is there any way I could get a sponsor or sponsors to commit to helping me purchase a car right now? Or are there other options out there as far as purchasing a car?

Thanks for any help!   

[justfreaky]

Well, your parents are correct in that it is not cheap to go racing. Besides the initial cost of the car you will need a way to get it to the races ( tow vehicle/ trailer), entry fees, repairs and maintenance costs, etc... Working and saving your money is your best option at this point. Doubtful that you will convince your parents at this point. It's hard to find a sponsor or sponsors without a ride. Not saying that it can't be done; But you are asking them to put up their money and you are risking nothing.

If your plan is to become involved in racing, other than as a driver, there are several options. You could volunteer at one of your local tracks as a corner worker, score keeper, etc... Any racers in your neighborhood? Offer to help around their shop or garage. I started out changing tires for my neighbor when I was a couple of years younger than you are. I helped friends work on their cars and volunteered my services as pit crew. Eventually, I got my first shot at racing in a mechanics race. Other options could include (after you get your drivers license and first car) racing in SCCA Solocross or Autocross or drag racing your street vehicle in high school drags or bracket classes.

There are options for you. You just have to create opportunities sometimes. If your passion is cars; learn to work on them (high school auto shop, welding class, whatever). Perhaps not the answer you were looking for, but it's somewhere to start.

Best Of Luck To You!

Steve

[rutter3r]

I was wondering where your located. I would have not problem letting you help on our team. I must say without your parents help it will be very hard for you to get into racing. But I'm not saying you can do it. There are many ways. Friends, grandparents, family. Your right getting your car is the hardest part. You can get a good used one around 6000.00 to start with. But the money doesn't stop there. Pit fees, getting to and from track, oh and don't forget about fixing your car when you wreck because someone else runs into ya. No fault of yours at all. Yes that happens a lot. You could find a couple sponsors to help with some cost. But finding one to cover all expenses is very hard to do. The fact you are not racing now makes it hard because you don't have a name for yourself yet. But like steve said there are many options for you. How bad do you want it. I heard this once and it makes you think. Ask anyone in the stands if they want to drive and all will say yes. Just a few are devoted to make it happen. That's why there fans watching those few

[racemaxx24]

Well, your parents are correct in that it is not cheap to go racing. Besides the initial cost of the car you will need a way to get it to the races ( tow vehicle/ trailer), entry fees, repairs and maintenance costs, etc... Working and saving your money is your best option at this point. Doubtful that you will convince your parents at this point. It's hard to find a sponsor or sponsors without a ride. Not saying that it can't be done; But you are asking them to put up their money and you are risking nothing.

If your plan is to become involved in racing, other than as a driver, there are several options. You could volunteer at one of your local tracks as a corner worker, score keeper, etc... Any racers in your neighborhood? Offer to help around their shop or garage. I started out changing tires for my neighbor when I was a couple of years younger than you are. I helped friends work on their cars and volunteered my services as pit crew. Eventually, I got my first shot at racing in a mechanics race. Other options could include (after you get your drivers license and first car) racing in SCCA Solocross or Autocross or drag racing your street vehicle in high school drags or bracket classes.

There are options for you. You just have to create opportunities sometimes. If your passion is cars; learn to work on them (high school auto shop, welding class, whatever). Perhaps not the answer you were looking for, but it's somewhere to start.

Best Of Luck To You!

Steve

Unfortunately, there are no teams/owners right around here that I know of. Most of the guys who run are out of NC or VA and just come down here for their classes. I've gotten a few offers from guys to come out to track with them which I plan on doing as much as I can but that will have to wait until I can drive myself. Thanks for pointing out the SCCA class though, they appear to have a group that races right around here.

I was wondering where your located. I would have not problem letting you help on our team. I must say without your parents help it will be very hard for you to get into racing. But I'm not saying you can do it. There are many ways. Friends, grandparents, family. Your right getting your car is the hardest part. You can get a good used one around 6000.00 to start with. But the money doesn't stop there. Pit fees, getting to and from track, oh and don't forget about fixing your car when you wreck because someone else runs into ya. No fault of yours at all. Yes that happens a lot. You could find a couple sponsors to help with some cost. But finding one to cover all expenses is very hard to do. The fact you are not racing now makes it hard because you don't have a name for yourself yet. But like steve said there are many options for you. How bad do you want it. I heard this once and it makes you think. Ask anyone in the stands if they want to drive and all will say yes. Just a few are devoted to make it happen. That's why there fans watching those few

I am located near Bristol, TN. My grandfather is the one who initially got me into racing (he used to run NASCAR and other locally sanctioned races in the 60's) but being that we moved away from nearly anyone that I could get help from besides my own parents, that option is already out. We've got the tools (well most of them), we've got the way to get to the track (truck/trailer), just not the actual car. Just gotta keep trying to find ways I suppose!

[VMS Motorsports]

Talk to Jim Brown at Thunder Legends in Tennessee.
Maybe he could get you a part time job working there, another way to get familiar with racing and make money to save for your car

[Gimpster]

 Or hook up with the local dealer for a test drive and or the possibility of renting a car
Also make sure you have a co-signer for the track insurance as many policies require drivers to be 16 years old


----- Gimpster -----

[justfreaky]

All good thoughts!
Where there is a will there is a way.
Now the question is "How Bad Do You Want It"?
There are racers in every little cow town in every state of the nation.
Montana is not known for it's racers... Yet we have the worlds record holder for fastest piston engine driven car at Bonneville. I had the privilage to watch the build of the car, and to befriend the Burkland family.  They taught me the lesson of patience and perseverance.

Steve