The Ways to  Get into Racing in South Africa

 

 

How much do car racers make in South Africa?

If you’re one of the top drivers in Johannesburg, you could make up to R30 000 at the end of the month. If you’re in Cape Town, you’d make R25 000.

 

 

How to Get into Motorsport in South Africa?

 

Join a motorsport club affiliated to Motorsport South Africa. Get your motorsport racing licence for your chosen category. Invest in the necessary equipment for your motorsport class and category (check with the relevant body or organising committee) – including vehicle and the appropriate safety clothing.

 

 

How do I start a career in racing?

You can follow these steps to become a professional race car driver:

• Develop your driving skills.

To compete against professional race car drivers, you must have excellent driving skills.

 

Join a racing club.

• Obtain a vehicle and equipment.
• Obtain a competition license.
• Practice and train.
• Look for a team or a sponsor.

 

 

What are the skills required to become a professional Racer?

 

Driving ability

 

Driving is a foundational skill for professional race car drivers. Successful drivers can handle a vehicle at high speeds, sometimes over 200 miles per hour for certain types of races. For circuit races, you must be able to make quick, frequent turns while maintaining control. In other race types, you must be able to steer through rough and varied terrain, such as dirt, rocky roads, sand, mud and slick surfaces.

 

Mechanical knowledge

A professional race car driver with well-developed mechanical knowledge is likely better able to comprehend how their vehicle works, how they can maintain it and what they can do to optimize its performance.

 

Physical fitness and reflexes

Excellent physical fitness allows a driver to endure high speeds. In the fastest vehicles, the driver experiences varying high levels of g-force, which can quickly drain the body of energy.

 

Confidence

When speeding on tracks or through rough terrain for extended periods of time, drivers face numerous opportunities to make mistakes.

 

What is the easiest way to get into racing?

Autocross is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get into racing. Typically, autocross is where an organization rents a parking lot and sets up a temporary racetrack using cones.

 

 

How Much Do Track Days Cost?

The entry fee for a day is usually around $300 for the weekend. There are other fees to consider for track days such as fuel and most likely tires. There may be added expenses like hotel and food, depending on track location. Most drivers seem to be paying around $1k per weekend for their track day events.

 

Where Can I Go To Find An Event?

The Top recommendations to start with include:

• West Coast Drivers – Hooked On Driving
• East Coast Drivers – Chin Track Days
• Car Clubs, such as Audi Club