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25th
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Becoming a successful race car driver requires world-class skills, tons of money, rock-solid determination, and (of course) a certain amount of luck or good timing (whatever you want to call it).
How many young drivers embark on this merciless venture without all of these prerequisites? Short answer: Too many.
Having spent the past three decades on and around the track, I've witnessed firsthand the attempts of hundreds of aspiring race car drivers. A number of them were clearly gifted behind the wheel, but had zero determination. Others were just not prepared to make huge sacrifices to succeed.
Auto racing is extremely competitive: If you're not willing to bring everything to the table, you might as well change sports already.
Let me tell you a story about a young woman (she shall remain anonymous) who put her heart, soul and everything else on the line to fulfill her passion for racing.
She started by investing what she earned via a contest into her first few ventures. Her goal was to make a significant amount of cash that she would re-invest into a car rental business.
Then, she moved to Uncle Sam's land to work in a karting centre, where she hoped to make some additional money, become a more household name and, more importantly, meet influential people.
After a few open-wheel races, she had a shot to enter the world of stock car racing, which was totally unfamiliar to her at the time. Resolved to continue her career at all costs, she jumped on the opportunity.
Of course, there is no bigger hotbed for stock cars in the U.S. than North Carolina. Our girl did not hesitate to leave the sunny beaches of California to move into an apartment on the East Coast.
Soon enough, a major sponsor offered her a chance to drive a super-fast, super-powerful car in front of her fans. Had she declined, that would have been the end of her career. On the other hand, saying yes meant facing by far her biggest challenge yet. She did, because she didn't really have a choice.
Exposed to intense scrutiny during the race, she received plenty of criticism afterwards.
“Just a pretty girl;”
“She can't do anything;”
“No talent;”
Even, “She doesn't belong here;”
Were some of the unflattering comments heard around the track.
But at least she tried. Her skills may not have matched those of her male counterparts, but this woman needs to be commended for seizing the opportunities she fought so hard to get. One day, she'll be able to tell her kids: “Yes, I tried, and I didn't succeed. But at least I gave it my all.”
How many young drivers, at one point or another, missed their shot to shine and show their worth on a bigger stage? A lot more than you think, I can promise you that.
What about you? Would you be willing to put everything on the line for a chance to succeed?
How many young drivers embark on this merciless venture without all of these prerequisites? Short answer: Too many.
Having spent the past three decades on and around the track, I've witnessed firsthand the attempts of hundreds of aspiring race car drivers. A number of them were clearly gifted behind the wheel, but had zero determination. Others were just not prepared to make huge sacrifices to succeed.
Auto racing is extremely competitive: If you're not willing to bring everything to the table, you might as well change sports already.
Let me tell you a story about a young woman (she shall remain anonymous) who put her heart, soul and everything else on the line to fulfill her passion for racing.
She started by investing what she earned via a contest into her first few ventures. Her goal was to make a significant amount of cash that she would re-invest into a car rental business.
Then, she moved to Uncle Sam's land to work in a karting centre, where she hoped to make some additional money, become a more household name and, more importantly, meet influential people.
After a few open-wheel races, she had a shot to enter the world of stock car racing, which was totally unfamiliar to her at the time. Resolved to continue her career at all costs, she jumped on the opportunity.
Of course, there is no bigger hotbed for stock cars in the U.S. than North Carolina. Our girl did not hesitate to leave the sunny beaches of California to move into an apartment on the East Coast.
Soon enough, a major sponsor offered her a chance to drive a super-fast, super-powerful car in front of her fans. Had she declined, that would have been the end of her career. On the other hand, saying yes meant facing by far her biggest challenge yet. She did, because she didn't really have a choice.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert |
Exposed to intense scrutiny during the race, she received plenty of criticism afterwards.
“Just a pretty girl;”
“She can't do anything;”
“No talent;”
Even, “She doesn't belong here;”
Were some of the unflattering comments heard around the track.
But at least she tried. Her skills may not have matched those of her male counterparts, but this woman needs to be commended for seizing the opportunities she fought so hard to get. One day, she'll be able to tell her kids: “Yes, I tried, and I didn't succeed. But at least I gave it my all.”
How many young drivers, at one point or another, missed their shot to shine and show their worth on a bigger stage? A lot more than you think, I can promise you that.
What about you? Would you be willing to put everything on the line for a chance to succeed?