1) Find out what racetracks are close to you - Most everywhere in America are racetracks. Jump on Google and find out where the closest tracks are to you. Here in Southern California, we have two popular ‘local’ tracks; Willow Springs International Raceway and Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
2) Go watch a race - On every racetrack's website you’ll find an events calendar page. See what types of racing and which sanctioning organizations are hosting races and go to a few of them. Check out their websites to find out more. For example, we race with Lucky Dog at our local tracks.
3) Walk the pits and talk with people - Racing people are very friendly and love to share information. Ask questions about how they got started.
4) Buy or build a car -This can be the biggest decision you’ll make. It can take months to years to find, buy or build your first car. There’s a lot to be said for either path and we’ve taken both. We’ve purchased a race-ready Rabbit, built a thrashed Mazda RX-7, grabbed a $200 BMW 325 eBay auction car, and a way-too-nice-to-gut-and-track E46 M3. As they say, this is half the fun.
5) Take a driving school or get track day instruction - No list would be complete without this recommendation. Look online for what driving schools or instructors host events at your local tracks or travel to a larger school. We’ve driven with instructors, had them in our car and taken driving schools in other parts of the country like Skip Barber Racing School.
6) Begin with ‘track days’ - Search your local tracks for either public open track days or rent the track, if you're in California consider a group like Speed Ventures. Many tracks have non-private track rental days that are not as expensive as you might think. It takes all the pressure off of performing against others.
7) Sign up for your first race -This will likely be an endurance event as it’s the easiest and cheapest way to get into road racing. There are several good organizations that run events that are great for beginners. Check out their websites, read everything, call the organizer, and tell them you plan to come racing and what you should expect. Show up for practice day! This will be the day before the races and may include qualifying. You’ll learn the track, get comfortable and shake down your car, which are all very important. And don’t try to be competitive. Just try to finish!
8) Have fun! -Racing is meant for enjoyment. Don’t take yourself too seriously, especially at first. And more than all, grab a buddy or two to do this with. There’s no way to do this sport alone – and we wouldn’t want to!
