How to Become a NASCAR Driver

You like to drive fast. Most of the time that can only get you a speeding ticket. But if you have dreams of driving fast for a living, become a NASCAR driver. It's not easy. However, if you have determination, persistence and some lucky breaks, you can become a NASCAR driver like Jeff Gordon. Get ready to put the pedal to the metal.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Start young. Race go-carts. Many tracks allow kids younger than the legal driving age to drive on their tracks. If you have access to a local track that permits this, sign up.

2. Visit a local race track. If you can, buy a pit pass. Talk to pit crews, drivers, crew managers and officials. Get a feel for what the sport entails and how to become a NASCAR driver.

3. Get a good education. Though there are no education requirements to become a NASCAR driver, if you are good enough and become popular, chances are you can be interviewed frequently and might be asked to represent a sponsor. You need to be able to speak eloquently and intelligently in front of the camera.

4. Condition your body. Racing requires stamina and endurance. Participate in a physical conditioning routine that strengthens your body. Being thin and toned is more ideal for a NASCAR driver than being heavier.

5. Develop eye-hand coordination. Like most sports, race car driving requires great reflexes. Sharpen them by participating in games like ping-pong or even playing video games.

6. Attend driving courses, or hire an instructor to coach you on the track. Becoming a NASCAR driver is hardly a self-taught endeavor. Seek guidance from professional teachers and coaches.

7. Learn everything there is to know about a car: the engine, the body, the interior-everything. You need to communicate with pit crews, and the more you know, the better you are able to communicate. Being a NASCAR driver is more than driving fast.