EVERYTHING the aspiring racer or karter needs to know to become a racing driver – from how to get a race licence, to choosing the right championship, car, kart, and equipment. Learn how to best utilise track time, professional racing simulators and professional instruction – then get yourself on the grid for your first race! This is a thorough, one-stop guide for all wannabe kart and car racing drivers.
The full package
So, You want to be a Racing Driver reveals the steps you need to take to become a racing driver in the UK. Focussing on karting and car racing, you'll learn precisely what you need to know – from how to get a race licence, to finding the best championship to compete in.
From buying the best kart, car or equipment, to how to make the most of track time and professional racing simulators – as well as how to maximise professional tuition and instruction – with the expert advice of racing driver and motorsport professional Leanne Fahy, you'll be joining the grid for your first race in no time!
From dream to reality
Racing can be an expensive hobby, and a career as a racing driver can be a hard path to follow – not to mention a long one. But let's dispel the myth that becoming a racing driver is an unobtainable dream.
In England alone, over 56000 people, of all ages, participate in motorsports events annually; 4600 events were held in the UK in 2020 – 3½ times more than in 2019 – and with over 720 registered motorsports clubs in the UK, racing is surprisingly accessible.
Of course, if you're going to succeed in motorsport, you'll need expert guidance and sage advice, especially when starting out. This book is the perfect place to get it.
First steps
The decision to start racing is the beginning of your motorsport journey, but how do you actually get racing? Starting with the vital first steps, you'll discover some of the resources that every UK racer needs, providing an insider view of UK motorsports, including the 'Blue Book' and 'Gold Book', Motorsport UK's Yearbooks for car and kart racing respectively.
Early planning is vital and none more so than setting yourself a racing budget: how to assess your budget in detail, for both kart racing and cars, from the kind of equipment you'll need, to how much you might expect to pay, is covered in depth.
A racing license is just one part of your full racing kit; equipment is your next consideration. Covering all the items you'll need as a novice karter or racing driver, you'll learn which items are essential for both disciplines; from racing boots, to HANS devices and insurance providers. Along with specific equipment for each discipline, you'll also find advice on researching your kit, and where to purchase.
Different disciplines
Whether you want to race karts or cars, there's much to consider in both disciplines, and this guide takes a deep dive into the differences and technical requirements of both.
You'll also find details of clubs and tracks across the UK, from Bayford Meadows, to Whilton Mill, as well as info on the Championships themselves. It even covers 'arrive-and-drive' packages, for those looking to gain more experience on the track.
For car racing, Leanne details your options, from single-seaters to Tin Top, and from sprint to hillclimb races, including pointers on what you can expect from the different rules and regulations for each discipline.
There are many practical areas a budding racer must consider, from clubs, categories and championships, to the kart and car, trailer, storage, and the equipment needed to give yourself the best chance. In this guide, all this and much more is clearly explained.
Hitting the track
Race meetings are where you finally get to prove your mettle on track, but how do you get to participate? From booking your first race to purchasing the correct transponder, and even on-board cameras and data-logging, it's all here. From the technical to the practical, kart and car racing procedures are explained, along with vital track etiquette and flag procedures that every racer needs to know.
Honing your skills
While there's no substitute for track time, there are plenty of ways to keep your skills sharp. Leanne dedicates an entire chapter to racing simulators, both for kart and car racing, covering everything from dedicated sim centres, to home simulators; you'll discover how to get the most from your sim time, as well maximise your learning with professional driver coaching – even the new virtual discipline of Sim Racing is covered.
Spreading the word
Ability and sportsmanship on track may be the key to becoming a successful racing driver, but in the modern world publicity is vital. Leanne is the founder and Director of motorsport PR company 3 Phase Media, so is perfectly placed to advise on how to use all types of media to your best advantage.
From chatting with other drivers and taking time to talk with journalists from traditional media outlets such as AutoSport and Motorsport News, to live streaming events and managing social media channels (either by yourself or with the aid of a professional social media manager), you'll learn how you can get the most out of your media presence, both at the track, and away from it.
An invaluable resource
Superbly practical, and packed with essential and broad ranging advice for all budding racers, So, You want to be a Racing Driver is a genuinely useful resource that covers every area of kart and car racing, both on and off track – and an essential part of every racing driver's kit.
With extensive appendices covering separate checklists for Kart and Car Test & Race Day Checks, a list of race Organising Clubs, a racing Instructor Directory, and a listing of UK Kart and Race Circuits, if you want to be a racing driver, start here!
Everything you need to know to start your motor racing journey
Informative in depth content focusing on the key topics
A great way to help attract new competitors to the sport
Discover how to gain your kart or race licence
Find out more about professional simulators and how to use them
Learn more about track days and test days
Find out how to get the most from an instruction or simulator session
Learn more about the different cars and championships
Understand how to use social media to your advantage
Unique, covering everything from karting to car racing
