Looking for an Apprenticeship

[Matty.E]

16 years old, looking to get into racing.
current exp is 1/8th nitro truggy racing with club + 4x4 driving 4 hours.

I would like to get into touring car racing (Or other), got told that an apprenticeship was the easiest way.

Live in London UK.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[MrJan]

I'll give the same advice I give to everyone else, join a motor club and start making contacts. Find out the BTCC and support series teams and fire off a few letters/rough CV saying that you are looking for work and are willing to do anything. (That's if you want to be pit crew rather than drive)

Consider that there is about 1 person a month who asks exactly the same question on this forum alone so be aware that you will probably have to start out making the tea and doing it for free.

Try getting enroled in a college course for mechanics or the like as a mechanical background is a huge bonus.


If you want to be a driver then be very, very nice to your parents because if to want to start racing it'll cost a fortune. Without even getting a car it'll cost £250 to do an ARDS test (to get a racing license), £200 nomex suit, £250 helmet. Cars you can get off eBay from £600 upwards but then you'll need a trailer, a tow car/van, wet and dry tyres, petrol, entry fee (a sprint event sets me back about £60-£100 and I get about 6 or 7 minutes track time in a day, and I'm very slow) and money for repairs. And in every case you only get what you pay for (in other words make sure you spend well on safety gear and if you get a poor car then it'll probably need some work).


Not to put you off driving because it's fantastic, just letting you know that it's expensive.

Also have a look at some of the scholarship classes but most of those will probably enrol from a karting background for which you aren't over the hill but a bit old to be starting. Karting is probably the best starting point but again will be expensive (nowhere near car racing but still pricey)