It is easy to yell at the TV screen that you could do a better job at racing around the circuit, but do you really have what it takes? This article provides information on what it takes to be a race car driver, and how to become one!

How to Become a Race Car Driver

If you watch car racing of all kinds on the TV or in person and think to yourself: ‘I could do that!’, then this is the article for you! From experience helping thousands of motorists, both everyday commute drivers and racing car drivers, Oils RGV is well versed in racing car mechanics, and what goes into making a good driver. With this experience in mind, Oils RGV has a post to share with information on just what it takes to be a race car driver, and how you can get there.

It All Starts Now

Most race car drivers start their journey at a very young age, often as soon as they are able to get their driving licence. If you’re a little bit older than this, don’t worry - the main advantage of starting young is practice, which you can gain. Start by driving your car. Then all of your friends’ cars. Then any bus, light truck, or motored vehicle you are licenced to drive. The aim is to get as much practice driving and handling as many different types of vehicles as possible.It all adds up to give you unique driving abilities that you’re going to need on the track.

What Do You Know About Engines?

When you make it to the big leagues, you’re going to have a team of mechanics and engineers working around the clock to ensure top performance of your racing car. When you’re just starting out, however, it’s just you. For that reason, you need to know everything you can about engines and how to maintain them with minimal costs and with minimal help. Of course, one of the biggest benefits of performing your own maintenance is that you have a better awareness of what’s happening under the hood, making you more connected with the vehicle. This is going to be a big help when you’re driving and don’t have access to monitor sensors and dials. The first thing to know about racing car maintenance is that the motor oil you use in your everyday sedan is not the same as you would use in a racing car. Products like AMSOIL’s DOMINATOR® 10W-30 Racing Oil, for example, have been purpose designed specifically for the needs of a race car. If you aren’t sure which engine lubricants you should be using, read more information on Oils RGV’s online store, or give them a call at (956) 458-9399 to find out which synthetic engine lubricant is suited to your needs.

Keep Your Fitness Up

If you thought that sitting in a racing car seat for hours on end was comfortable; think again. Despite how it looks, racing around a track can take a serious toll on your body and your health. For that reason, race car drivers need to be in peak physical condition. Whether it’s running around your local park or hitting the gym, whatever you need to do to get fit - do it!

Mental Health

In addition to your body, driving at high speed and making calculated moves can drain your brain, leading you to make critical errors which often result in you losing the race or losing control of your car. When it comes to strengthening your mental health, the best practice is practice. Get out on as many tracks as you can and drive for as long as possible, constantly staying aware of your mental state. If you start to feel yourself drift away, that’s your current maximum point; stop, take a rest, and practice again once you’ve recharged.

It's All About the Fans

Do you know which drivers get noticed the most by selectors? Popular ones! That doesn’t mean that you need to be the ‘cool kid’ in school, but it does mean that you need to get your face and your name out into the world of racing. Start by creating a few social media accounts specifically for your driving. Keep it updated with all of your training and races, and encourage your friends to follow and share your stories. The most places where your posts show up the most chances you have of getting noticed. An important note to keep in mind when it comes to social media and race car driving - your sponsors don’t want their customers to see you drinking at all hours of the night or even doing silly things which you and your friends find funny. If you make the decision to follow the path towards being a race car driver, now is the time to clean up your personal social media accounts, along with monitoring what you share (both from your racing profiles and your personal profiles) with your fans.

Charity Races Can Help Everybody

Not only are smaller charity based races great for important causes, they also provide the perfect platform for you to further advertise yourself. Sign up for and complete as many charity races as you can, making sure that all of your progress and updates are made available to your fans and potential team selectors.

Last, but Certainly Not Least...Money

This tip isn’t going to be your favorite, but it’s an important one: Race car driving costs money. Serious money. While this should not stop you from entering the field, it’s worth noting that, as you start out, you’re going to need a supplementary income to pay for your car, maintenance, safety gear, and anything else you need to get yourself into races and events.

Make Sure You Give Your Racer the Right Synthetic Oil Change in Mission

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it does cover the basics of what you will be looking at should you decide race car driving for you. It might also give you some perspective of what your favorite racer is going through as they power around the track. Whether you choose to start racing, or you are happy to stick with yelling at the TV screen, one thing is certain, your car is going to need maintenance. And all good maintenance sessions include a synthetic oil change. Speak with Oils RGV at (956) 458-9399 or check out their online store to get more information about racing oils, and which one is best suited to your engine.