Life in the Driver’s Seat

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 | (One Comment)

It’s a tough life! Early mornings, long days, noisy race cars and burnt rubber. It’s hard to comprehend how someone could subject themselves to this type of torture week in and week out for years on end… or maybe it’s not quite so bad!

So what’s life like from the driver’s seat? Well, let’s start with the work required outside of the seat. Hunting sponsors down, keeping sponsors happy, partaking in sponsor events, meet and greats, series events; the list goes on… getting into the seat has and will always be the most challenging part of any race driver’s life. Finding the money to race is extremely tough, physically and mentally preparing to race is tough, and the time commitment is extensive to say the least. So, you might ask… where does skill fit in to this equation? Well, let’s just say, if your not sharp, fast and consistent, you won’t last very long! The better question is; why would someone want to do this?

Racing is probably the most expensive addiction you could have. My dad once said to me, “when your thinking about costs associated with racing, separate that from everything else you evaluate from a financial perspective because racing dollars just don’t make sense!” So it’s expensive, difficult to find sponsorship, tough to prepare for amongst all the physical challenges and for some reason this is still appealing! Absolutely! I’m not sure a greater thrill exists once you finally land behind the wheel.

The Daytona Prototype class of the Grand Am Rolex SportsCar Series offers up some of the most exciting, most thrilling and closest racing in the world. Piloting 500 plus horsepower around many of North America’s premier road racing circuits is an absolute thrill. Racing with 15 other Daytona Prototypes and 25 other GT class cars brings that thrill to a new level. Imagine driving nose to tail on the 401 for twenty four hours at max speed and with a bunch of cars that would be referred to as “moving pylons” (GT cars) always in your way. In lieu of the road reference, we’ll equate these guys to left lane bandits! Add changing weather conditions, fuel and race strategy, lack of sleep and you have perhaps the most exciting event you could ever be a part of. It’s tough and draining but the reward is oh so sweet. Standing on the podium at Daytona after completing such a challenging feat is just the greatest feeling of accomplishment.

So being behind the wheel is pretty neat. It’s hot as heck; well over 110 degrees in the car with a helmet, three layer race suit, shoes etc., but the thrill of competition, the challenge of achieving success and the team nature of the sport makes it all worth while. Hitting top speed, eclipsing every apex just right lap in and lap out, completing the perfect pass and pushing yourself to the limit to the finish makes the role behind the seat, the best view in the house!

Stay tuned for in depth analysis of driving techniques and other pertinent track information for your personal track experience.

Story by Mark Wilkins