The truth to become a racing driver

Casey Putsch speaks about the unspoken truth behind what it takes to become a professional level race car driver and the behind the scenes stories. Thank you to Avalon King Armor Shield Ceramic Coating. This stuff really works!
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[@ScottsSynthStuff]

No matter the question, the answer is just about always "Kart Racing." Q: How can I learn to drive race cars? A: Kart Racing Q: How can I go racing affordably? A: Kart Racing Q: How can I learn racing with an aim to be a F1 driver? A: Kart Racing Q: How can I have fun on the track and be able to build my own car? A: Kart Racing Q: How can I race without needing sponsorship money? A: Kart Racing There's a REASON why Casey keeps pushing Karts - they are fun, they're fast, they're cheap, you will learn to drive, and guess what - a very large percentage of major famous race car drivers today started in - you guessed it - Karts. That's not a coincidence.

[@Kilo-sz4ch]

Guess it sucks that I’m American, very unlikely I’ll be able to get into Formula 1

[@faultypeanut3597]

Autocross/rallycross via SCCA is the next best thing.

[@gabem.5242]

The answer isn't karts: if you want to be competitive, a Rotax will set you back at least 15 grand, and to that you have to either spend more in hiring mechanics and transport or do everything on your own, even the managerial part. You can buy a decent classic car for that kind of money, there's even a lot of spare cash to fix it up and participate in historic rallies. If you want to go "modern", there's formula Vee that is even cheaper than that and you can actually make it yourself with a VW chassis.

[@OllamhDrab]

@@gabem.5242 Karts do sound like a lot of fun and I believe those who say it's the best way to certain kinds of racing. I do think that personally my joy would be more in pushing street cars, even if I'm going slower. Road/rally kind of stuff is really where I feel happiest.

[@GuyMahoney]

Club racing is the real answer. Build up your street car with the same money you'd spend on the kart minus transport and have a bigger connection to general motoring people. At club level you can build your car(s) toward any kind of discipline, drive at any real motorsport circuit, talk to every level of petrol head and at the end of the day have something you can enjoy off the track. The only reason why top drivers start in karts is because you can start very young, that's it. If you're old enough to be driving a production car then that experience is more transferable to 99% of motorsport disciplines. As long as you're putting down regular track time you can get some kind of sponsorship, and if you've got sponsorship then advertisers will watch your performance and give you some presence to try to negotiate seat time in other areas.

[@jonasidas]

This guy probably just saved me years of heartaches and thousands of dollars. Thank you for the video.

[@goodvibes739]

This channel is dangerously underrated. Would be cool to see some “quite frankly” shirts made haha

[@irobot5291]

There you go! @Quite Frankly...now you're thinking 💡

[@MicheleBoland]

No one just get's discovered in anything. Everyone that makes it works their ass off to get there. Also your observation about the difference between the reality of racing and the imagined dream is spot on. Racing is a business at the top levels. My advice to someone that wants to race, get on a decent job track and race on your own terms, SCCA, carts, dirt track or whatever.

[@johnshaft5613]

There are sports wherein someone can be a one-in-a-billion talent and rise to the top largely due to athletic gifts. Like Greg Lemond in bicycle racing. It was obvious from the time he was about 14 that he was born to race bicycles. I'm not saying he didn't work his ass off...he definitely did. I'm just saying that the hard work and dedication would not have brought him to the top without the talent.

[@nathankirchner6836]

Dude, I just left a full-time "career" in a motorsports business because working hard for the dream was making me poor and bitter. This video is 100% spot on.

[@rotanggang2979]

I just genuinely wanted to say thank you for this video, I've been in a bit of a funk recently since racing has always been pretty much my biggest dream, and receiving some kind of fairy-tale magical opportunity seemed to be my mental approach to it, until I stumbled upon this video. You're insight has helped me recontextualise this goal in my mind, and while I'm certainly not giving up on it, I'm feeling much better about approaching it with a healthier and more level-headed perspective that's grounded in reality, definitely looking forward to starting karting after lockdown and seeing if this is right for me. Once again thank you!

[@CaseyPutsch]

Glad it helped!

[@ImBoostedCookie]

​@Steve-uz9iv if you really want to achieve your dreams you go for it but it'll take steps to get there sometimes you will have to approach them differently but you'll still reach it,yes racing is a business and it shouldn't be all about that..racing should be about skill,dedication,blood,sweet and more. Casey never said that it was impossible to make that dream come true but you have to be smart about it..I still want to be a professional race car driver no matter what but seeing this video made me realize it's not really that easy to get into so I'll just have to do things differently to achieve my dream. Steve you can do it trust me anything is possible sometimes it's not gonna work out hoe you want it but it's possible, when you have a dream you chase it till you can't but that doesn't mean to give up on it so chase it as hard as you can,we only live once so be who you want to be just not blindly. Good luck Steve,don't give up on your dream 😎

[@basithph8958]

Actually I used to want to be a race car driver but at the same time while it’s not a bad idea sometimes it doesn’t seem to be the most realistic or practical job so in the end I decided to pursue engineering Hopefully later on down the line I get to drive some performance cars and race cars!

[@djzar6188]

Why not design them?

[@basithph8958]

@@djzar6188 okay that would be pretty cool need to try that out

[@KartRacer9516]

Same here

[@dyent]

Often it can be cheaper than you think to enter into amateur racing. For example, here in the UK it's possible to meet regulations for the lower tier amateur championships in any discipline for around 5k

[@hideinthebush2729]

What is your job ? :o

[@Chris-hq7nl]

Sounds a lot like the music industry. Almost nobody gets "discovered." They have connections and/or a wallet that can get them in and do the marketing and PR work to make them a star.

[@marian-gabriel9518]

What music are you listening to?!?!? Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2rIfH-GeMicjdk You're welcome!

[@dcgeeked8917]

couldn't be more wrong

[@Chris-hq7nl]

@@dcgeeked8917 ok

[@bioshock9998]

You’re completely wrong

[@Chris-hq7nl]

@@bioshock9998 cool

[@mike30534]

Grew up around the old school of NASCAR environment, later building some NASCAR and ARCA cars fielded by independents. The innovation that took place before I was born in the 40's and 50's was incredible. Self-taught engineering and native driving skills, in my opinion, were what made the sport so popular to the average motorhead -- drive it to the track, race it, drive it back home. Staying up all night grinding on a second-hand part welded back together for one race then seeing it driven to 2nd place at a superspeedway is a great feel-good story for the teams and the fans; however, those days have been lost to the corporate, let's buy a dozen of each just in case, dollar-driven performance. During those same times, we ran up against 'a sanctioning body,' with a long memory that went back over 70 years. They wanted the deep pockets on the hoods and the "C" pillars instead of independents who often raced with just a primer hood. It's sad that it has become a so-called 'sport' where cash fuels the cars and privilege turns the pinions. I guess it has become NASTY-CAR in this day and time. Of course, Ole Billy Robert here didn't have the money to play anyway. Starting out, my friends raced go-carts, but I raced goat carts!

[@AustinG29152]

Always wanted to be a racing driver, Indycar, F1, I love it, but never had the funds to pursue it. However, I know it ain’t over! Working on my engineering degree and getting fit over quarantine. I know once I graduate and start making real money, I’ll be able to start racing cars. Stay focused guys, you can still do it, it just takes effort. 🙏🏾

[@breathingisnotenough1]

Exactly 🙏🏾

[@withdime1176]

So how did it turn out?

[@yeahnahsweetas]

You just saved lots of people lots of time and money. Great advice. Cheers.

[@TheRingKeeper]

Saw this from your most recent post and wanted to check out how much of an “ass” you were….. don’t see that. You’re genuine and care for people in a way that is sadly fading from this country and the world. Keep chopping wood brother, you’re a true inspiration for me as a young man.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Thank you kindly. Honored you’re here.

[@R_Monteiro2003]

2 years after you posted this video i stumbled upon it. I recently discovered your channel with your video on 5 everyday driving tips, since then i became a supporter and you make some great content! I had this dream of being a racing driver since i saw the Rally Portugal 2010 live on TV, i instantly loved it. I raced local karts with friends many times, alone and once with other drivers and my god the thrill and adrenaline of it was something so addicting, i decided that i was going to try and maybe do this professionally if i can. I thought "I'm going to try some race karts at my local track (Portimão) and hope that someone finding talent sees something in me", i'll admit i was one of those. I did my best and pushed really hard, i felt those were some beautiful drives, but they never did of course. Silly 19 year old me... I'm really glad i found this video, it may have saved me from a dream that i would do anything to reach and it would not make me happy at the end of the day, it was indeed a unrealistic dream. I'm glad i can still study one more year of mechatronics engineering in high school, your video gave me will to study even more. And karting can still be a hobby after all. Thank you Casey, keep on giving more tips and helping more people, you're amazing!

[@CaseyPutsch]

Thank you kindly

[@dylanhale7300]

So here's a few questions.... How do you find out what your personal worth is? How do you figure out what your obtainable dreams are? How do you advance in life? How do you know who to trust? I ask all this because everytime I ask someone for advice or guidance, they say "don't worry about it" or "you'll figure it out..." and I HATE that. I have no one to talk too mentor wise, and it sucks.

[@johnshaft5613]

This is some of the best/most grounded advice I've heard in a long time. It struck me years ago when Paul Newman was driving at the top levels of GT racing in his '60s and '70s. Was he a magical talent? Hell no. But he brought "A" list celebrity status to the table, which gave his team "A" list exposure and "A" list sponsorship. Due to these factors, Newman was able to win because his team could afford the best equipment and organization. If you aren't Paul Newman, the best way to get into high level racing is to earn a big enough mountain of money (doing something else) to buy your own car and finance your own team.

[@Von2097]

I was ready to spend a lot in 2021's time attack..."dreams" But your "normal" people brought me back to earth.... Best wishes from England.

[@Von2097]

I'm doing time attack this year...on my own.. no team..no sponsorship. And nearly no money. If I'm even remotely close I must thank my family and boss. In their own way both played a big role. After raised kids and years and years paying taxes...I wanna look over the fire place and see a Cup... My win. My terms. On my own.

[@Rydeauto]

One of the best things I have ever watched on KZbin. So raw and real. Thank you. My son is karting and I'm a huge gearhead, but keeping realistic dreams truly is the best advice in all dreams.

[@Paynos]

Great to hear all this from your mouth too, Casey. Grew up with the idea of wanting to be a racing driver doing the usual karting/scholarship entries and discovered everything you've mentioned through personal experience too, along with the revelation that KZbin and social media could (and is) opening up whole new avenues into racing that could be utilised. At least I hope so because it's my only shot too hahaha.

[@austinmartin8707]

Woah this has opened my eyes, I’ve always wanted to get into Car racing; my parents pushed for me to rage bikes. I ended up racing for the USA Team, I’ve now left that area of my life behind because of the people.

[@flakey7832]

if they told me I could be a racing driver but I'd lose every single race I'd still do it, it's been my dream since I was a kid and in my country the car scene is small and toxic, thanks for sharing your wisdom casey

[@tiger9764]

I really appreciate this. I had the dream of being a NASCAR driver as a kid growing up watching Bill Elliott drive the 94 MD car and then the 9 dodge car. I’m a bit older now but always loved racing and never really knew where I went wrong at and this helped clear that up. Keep up what your doing as I truly wish you someone like you were around to learn from.

[@cuttingedgeinnovationstati5208]

It's amazing how much certain industries have not caught on to the changing times. Yet there are people out there like in your story that are able to help make the push for new ways so that young and talented people will hopefully get an opportunity for a career. Organizations such as Genus Garage and many others out there are doing such a huge service for providing a great platform for knowledge and understanding of technical skills and how they may apply them to their futures.

[@ethanwelch6345]

Damn you really know how to crush some dreams. I remember how I felt watching this a year ago. Feels really bad. Like all I want to do in this world is race. I’m still looking for avenues, but you made it clear there aren’t any. Or maybe there still is. Why does everyone in the comments seem relieved for this news? For me it’s like I have nothing after watching this. The only thing I’ve been truly passionate about. God gave me one gift and I can’t even use it. I hate the idea of giving up on this. How can I give up on this? Believing in this is like throwing myself into a grave. Admitting that your right feels like I’ll never accomplish anything.

[@buzzbuzzard3809]

This guy doesn´t even have a Wikipedia page. Stop listening to losers telling you why something can´t be done. Get off your ass, get out there, make your own opportunity and make it happen. No excuses.

[@dylanwalser3138]

This is wholly his opinion and his experiences. There ARE avenues still out there

[@GordonFreeman69]

Just make sure it's YOUR dream, not somebody else's dream. Maybe your dream is really not "racing". I can tell you "racing" is all about money and advertisement. Don't be upset that you found out that "your dream" was to be an advertising executive. Racing is super cool, it takes competition to an extreme. So does climbing a mountain, just don't expect to climb Everest for less than $100,000. Start running, when you win against 100 other runners you'll know you have done something, and it won't be god given. It will have been YOU that made it happen. Not everybody can pull themselves up by the boot straps, but most can if given just a little help.

[@donlemme898]

The concept of “Opportunity Cost” is something I try to consider when looking at interesting ideas. Interesting video Casey. Thanks.

[@garrettmadewell4909]

I never had a passion growing up. Shortly after graduating high school, I took an interest in professional racing. It has been my dream ever since to race group cars, especially on the Nordschleife. I never did research because I was afraid that getting in would be too difficult. I finally set myself down and found this video, and I just want to say that I'm ever grateful for it. I was determined to chase this dream but this video has helped me realize that I can still enjoy my passion, I just may not be able to make it my career. Thank you Casey.

[@sganzerlag]

Excellent advice, Casey. Spot on. Don't let dream chasing lead you down a path to a shitty life. And have reasonable expectations. Having unrealistic expectations simply means you will get frustrated when you fail to reach your (impossible) goals. And while you're out chasing your goals, don't forget to every so often stop and look around, so to speak. Sometimes, while chasing something you wanted badly, you might accidentally fall into some other thing you can enjoy even more than the original goal. But if you don't stop and look around every so often, you could fail to spot that. Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.

[@speedracer0352]

I love to watch this video a lot. You give me and others a reality check that we need instead of looking lost.

[@squash7751]

This hurt a lot to watch and seems hard to swallow. The kind of advice a father gives their son. Thank you brother :,)

[@eeenigma13]

You are an amazingly refreshing breath of wholesome air. Keep up your ethical foundation and speak your truth. We all need to hear it. Cheers

[@jacknickolstine3355]

Wanna know how to make a million dollars in racing ? Spend 2 million.

[@shelbyavant5081]

Yea, how do you become a millionaire in racing? Start with a billion!

[@Craig-wp3pz]

The real key, own the series and cars, in-house GG built type R engines in say, formula 3000 chassis, and lease the seat to mix highest bidders, wannabe/upcoming drivers, fledgling teams, say 6 races a year at different tracks, a few mandatory training days pre race, Bob's your uncle!

[@jacknickolstine3355]

@@Craig-wp3pz na my uncle is tony at "uncle Tony's garage" on KZbin

[@Craig-wp3pz]

@@jacknickolstine3355 then you know it makes sense, he's got the social media following, the people, the sponsors, add a grid of race cars, a few small events, stuff F1, rally or IndyCar, who wouldn't pay top dollar to watch genuinely good formula racing,young hopefuls vs rich kids, talent vs money,auto school teams, college teams, sealed drivetrain and chassis, free range aero controls, control tyres and mandatory pit stops (GG student jobs!) yes, there are grass roots series already, but Casey could be a so much more rewarding operator, non profit, education focused, trustworthy, experienced in the shady world of motorsports already, with the full backing of sponsors, he really could take this to the next level, who knows, do it right and here as an English guy, would be a dream come true to one day see a Genius Garage event here at Silverstone circuit, on a European tour!

[@jacknickolstine3355]

@@Craig-wp3pz I would agree.

[@toby3299]

I’m a guy in a wheelchair and I want to become a professional race car driver

[@gtaunderground2.089]

You should get ahold of Chair Slayer he makes hand control systems for racing kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH2tiISslNubo80

[@angelgjr1999]

Hey man best of luck to you. Maybe you can drive with an automatic transmission with hand controls.

[@toby3299]

We Be Gamin I tried he wants 5,000 and a t56 transmission I’m on disability I can’t afford it I’m currently building a is300 drift car it’s kinda on hold because of the engine and hand controls

[@jamescameron9420]

you could start a go fund me, im sure many people would be willing to help out

[@toby3299]

JAmes Cameron I tried that also no luck but I’m not giving up

[@MIGHTYDAVIUS]

Oh Man! Could you imagine a "Casey Putsch Racing League"? A separate racing group that brings racing back to its roots! Build what you can afford and race against others for fun. I would start watching again.

[@OGSomeOne]

Karts are an excellent start into racing because you are going speeds that could cause injury but usually not death, in vehicles that are robust and will train you how to see the racing lines etc.

[@cuttingedgeinnovationstati5208]

As follow up to my pervious comment. I'm glad you took the time to explain why to be cautious when trying to negotiate a deal. As a general contractor I run into investors that want to "make a quick buck" by doing a house flip. The amount of backwards on ethical and some straight up scams that are out there are unbelievable. It's important to take your time when getting involved with others. These cautionary tale from you are important to hear. They are not unique to the racing world. Keep up the great work!

[@jamesb_53]

Great advice. My father worked in IndyCar for 40 years and his advice was similar. Don’t try making it your career. I became an electrician, raced karts and now I race Formula Fords in SVRA and SCCA. I get to do it simply for the love of the sport and it’s great!!

[@jamimakela5540]

I did karting for 3 years but ran out of money after my dad couldn't support my "hobby" anymore, but im currently planning to start racing again next year

[@miata100]

This is a great video. I had a client I met through a sales job who had a great running business. My only seat time is sim and autocross but we discussed him buying a car he wanted sponsored and me as potentially a driver. Heart strings almost overlooked how he wanted me to basically be responsible solely for the car and its transportation. I also started looking up famous drivers to find out their parents are multi millionaires and own or fund the entire racing team.

[@rudafitness9870]

this is actually encouraging because I think I can hold my own but business is my passion. So maybe I am a better fit than I once thought

[@zachjo1457]

Wish I had the chance to watch this much sooner in my life - thanks for a real conversation about the elephant in the room no young race fan wants to deal with

[@doubleutubefan5]

I don't need to race the car.... I love physics and learning how things work. It would be awesome to be the guy who sets up the car due to a fundamental understanding of physical properties and the effects of the elements.

[@fastinradfordable]

Alignment technician is a fun job. Except for the portion of the public that’s absolutely bonkers. Or the rock crawlers that crash into boulders and do doughnuts in fields then try to guilt you into re-aligning their car.... After they bent the whole freaking thing.

[@taunaengus4978]

After driving Formula Ford and A Production in SCCA and IMSA in the 70's and trying to "make it" I learned a lot about the business of racing. It is more dog eat dog than the racing itself, and no place for an introvert. I totally agree with your words and philosophy.

[@1littlehondashop]

Good call Casey ! Always give good thought before big decisions , best education I got when I was younger losing my ass on quick response to a deal.

[@nitrous36]

Like anything else, "its not what you know, its who you know". A combo of being in the right place at the right time. And having a ton of money in your pockets to fund your endeavors(youre going to need it).

[@bibby1391]

The best racing talk video I’ve ever seen Thank you very much man

[@UncleLub]

I'm so glad I found this channel. Please keep doing what you're doing and please never change your intentions.

[@dylanwalser3138]

This was super informative and eye opening about the whole business/sport of racing. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@christophermiller1394]

The red pill is hard to swallow. Thanks, buddy

[@dlracer2]

The political underworld of becoming a professional racing driver is quite similar to professional racing. Undertaker’s story alone is amazing and inspirational. He was big and a great wrestler but no one would give him the time of day. He sold everything and got scammed, then he showed up every day at the Von Erich professional wrestling gym every week for months for a chance to get booked. But when he became the Undertaker, he became of the greatest contributor of content the WWF ever had. He even got bigger than Hulkamania. It’s sad that real racers get priced out Motorsport. Racing fans and sponsors will never know how many Undertakers they missed out on as a result.

[@amerchioles1113]

I know I’m not the only one who would appreciate this, but a chronological sort of “my life story” from you would be very insightful, seeing your background and how you got to where you are now. You seem to be a wealth of knowledge and experience thank you for these videos.

[@evcass69]

There's a fella named Gerardo Bonilla who regularly autiorossed with us before going to Skip Barber and into pro racing for a few years. I remember bending his ear and he was quite frank that there is a lot of time and investment by the actual driver. He crushed one of my dreams, but I'm so glad he told me early on.

[@bottomfr4gye3t8]

It’s a sad truth. However engineering is definitely a path that could fulfill a racing dream even if being a driver isn’t possible. Whatever it may be, working towards what you love will almost always be a rewarding path.

[@GordonFreeman69]

You can learn a lifetime of "racing experience" in engineering. It's all related, math, physics, electrical, thermo. If you can make it through thermo, you can make it through anything!

[@hawkgeoff]

Really great perspective and info for the younger generation. I've seen and raced against some crazy talented drivers. I've seen them do amazing things on the track and I guarantee some are better than a good chunk of any top tier lineup, but they're at a local track and nobody knows their names except of the local fans. Do it for fun and because you love it. Recognize that you may be the best driver in the world and not get your shot... but then again... maybe you will(if you can bring more than your driving). Be happy striving for that perfect lap. You know inside what that feels like, nobody else's opinion matters. Keep the shiny side up boys(and girls)

[@rickklein7792]

You have to have a strong mind. As a young driver in the early 70s I had no responsibilities other than driving a car. No family, no real job, no liabilities. Then something happened. I got married, bought a house, got a real job. In my mind I was telling myself to be more careful, what if I crash and get hurt and so on. Your mind has to be completely clear. Now in my 60s I am fortunate enough to drive a vintage car and a few track days and relive the excitement but at a reduced pace. Good luck to all.

[@GordonFreeman69]

This is somewhat dangerously spot on. Perhaps for the better, when you have other people dependent on you, you can't be on the edge that you need to be on.

[@jacquesjrroy785]

This is the most honest advice about racing that I came accross. I came to the same conclusion after 4 years of rallying. I was beating everybody. But it was just costing more and more and the next steps was even more expensive. In a never ending staircase were winning did'nt change squat.

[@ScottOmatic]

Indycar's lack of traction on social media is just proof that it is a dieing sport being propped up by Booomers and some Gen X'ers. It desperately needs an influx of young viewers. This day in age that can probably only happen through young people gravitating towards a popular personality with social media persence, hopefully getting young fans to start watching races by following and rooting for that particular driver and then hopefully eventually becoming a fan of the series itself.

[@aserta]

The question you don't ask is...is it worth saving the Indycar scene? Because i'll come up and say no. It's not. It's a fad of the past, it's a system that desperately needs to be abolished, and it's a representation of rich people, playing with rich people toys. How in the world would you get a kid hooked up, AND in good conscience hooked up to something like that, when most of them will never have a chance to get there, will have their dreams crushed, horribly crushed, when opportunities for other formats could exist or exist, that are much better, and much more FAIR. With no backdoor politics, threats, money swindling, and generally something a lot of young people hate, absurdly rich people, breathing down their necks. In the words of the lady who has become the face of the millennial struggle, "ain't nobody got time for that". So let F1 (which has become a joke), Indycar, and other car motorsports that follow the same doctrine of pay-to-win systems DIE. I for one couldn't give a rat's ass about those. Sure, i watch some old stuff, i fondly remember Ayrton Senna, but other than that, i just look at them and see nothing but rats trapped in a box of their own making, and get no interest in it. And this is a sentiment i see others share, from their own perspective and life formation. Give me kids who get accepted based on their skills, in a car scene that's sponsored, with equal opportunity for all, and then, i'll get excited. Because i'll get to see what makes them great. Wanna know the best racing scene of the moment? Kids in Carrera Coches de Madera PIFO 2020 - Categoría Llanta Inflada (look it up) and Isle de Man TT. And that's it. Because they are regular people, who at the end of the day, go back to their regular lives, being truck mechanics, pickers, plumbers, or what have you. I couldn't give a rat's bottom about a guy who the next day after the race relaxes in a mansion built by a halfassed architect, and that costed more than it was worth building (look up Doug Demuro's house review, which features an atrocious house, built by someone who has no clue how to build a house, and is slowly sinking in to the sea, yet costs a ridiculous sum off money).

[@ScottOmatic]

​@@aserta Indycar has always been pretty expensive since I have been alive, mostly due to the technology and research and associated cost brought in by large manufactures. I am sure the barrier to entry was much lower in the 60's and to some extent, the 70's. Where a driver/owner could build his own engine and chassis aerodynamics were more of a guessing game and not done by spending hundreds of hours in the wind tunnel. I still enjoy Indycar for the technical marvel that it (still somewhat) is, and overall, the incredibly close and competitive racing. I don't think the barrier lies that much within Indycar itself, as it does the feeder series. There are still some real sponsors in Indycar that are willing to pay a team and driver. iI you look to the thin Indylights field and other feeder series where many Indycar drivers come from, they are pretty much all pay drives where you don't join a team and it's pre-existing sponsors, you bring your sponsors with you to the team. I think there was an article with a quote from Spencer Pigot's Dad saying it took over 2 Million dollars just to get him into Indycars from the ground up, with that cost associated to everything below and not an actual Indycar drive. Most of these series being spec formula with the goal of improving driver skills and help them learn, they should be way less expensive than they currently are. Unless the ladder series becomes much cheaper and much more accessible, it will continue to have a barrier and be un-relatable to most of the general population.

[@jimbojimson]

I wish racing were one big tiered system. You get in at a low cost entry level, and if you're among the top performing drivers at the end of the season you move up to the next tier, if you're among the lowest performing you move down a tier. Kinda like the European football pyramid but applied to motorsports.

[@ScottJ175]

Good stuff. I believed in the myth in my early 20s. Thankfully I figured out the truth you laid out before I blew a bunch of money chasing something that didn't exist. From a hobby perspective I decided competitive shooting is far cheaper than any sort of motorsport.

[@deanoallen5096]

I really hate that for you, I've been in situations where I was sold a bill of goods. Promises of certain jobs when I went and interviewed only to receive an email thanking me for my time blah, blah. That's why I respect you, down to earth and super honest. Keep your chin up, loving the Lykan build great group of guys.

[@donsantana07]

Always wanted to become a professional racer, thanks for opening my eyes

[@xephael3485]

Great video, they need to teach about business and red flags like this in high school. :-)

[@gregmcnamara2563]

Thank the lord there’s someone out there saying it! The problem with race driving schools is that they’re content should be 80% marketing and finance/business, 20% racecraft. The rest of the racecraft comes with seat time, which requires the first part - and lots of it!

[@bluntdiamond498]

I wasn't aware that it looks like this. Thank you for sharing

[@kzukiodenthechad7205]

Yooo it's crazy how smart KZbin's Algorithm can be... I've been wanting to learn how to drive stick cause I'm thinking of buying a Mid Engine Sports Car (Not anything insanely expensive like a Ferrari - One that definitely Resembles one though)... and the one Vid in your Viper popped up... clicked on that... and as you were going through the steps and the different ways to do things you kept saying something like "The Racing Way" or something along those lines which got me to thinking how I've once thought it would be dope as hell to be able to race cars... so I click on your channel and skim read your vids... Noticed that you posted this vid 4 days ago... clicked on it... cause it looked like it was gonna answer my questions which it definitely did... Now although my dream was more focused on the racing that goes on in Europe Your story with that Eye Opening Reality Check was to bring light to the Truth of the NASCAR/INDI Racing Life which I'm sure the same logic in the sense that it's a business can be applied to all and any type of Racing even those Complex Track Races they have in Europe... So I just wanted to say I fully appreciate the thorough explanation that you were willing to give cause it really woke me up and made me more aware of the intricacies of that Lifestyle

[@sakaraist]

Racing is a prime example of a business that still doesn't understand social media or long term partnerships. You can't operate the same way you did 30 years ago, They never learned to adapt and it's clear that indiecar isn't going to last much longer.

[@FjordWindstar]

In a world predicated on creating a veneer of success via social media, this is: Real. Good. Advice.

[@kimotorsports6174]

Great video again Casey, lots of insider info that I always kinda assumed was true but didn't want to believe. I wish there was a karting scene around me, I need to move out of Michigan

[@johnnylightning1491]

You actually make a certain amount of sense. Having been around ARCA for a little over 20 years it's amazing how many people come to the sport after buying an over priced car with no concept that in order to be even slightly competitive they will spend as much as they spent on the car in the first 3 or 4 races. It's sad and the funny thing is if they would just call the ARCA office they will put them in touch with folks that can field reasonably competitive equipment for what they would spend owning their own car. Funny how some people get blinded by their dreams. Not that you shouldn't have dreams but you need to keep your feet on the ground at the same time.

[@elijahrobinson285]

And this is why I subscribed. I love the honest., Thank You Casey.

[@bradklingensmith]

Unless it was Venturini or a second Gibbs car in ARCA there is no reason to be there. Decker and Deagan have huge social followings and they have to get a stock car background, but they're also being used by their teams.

[@thiswillprobhrt]

This is an important message for parents. Racing is not a meritocracy, if you want to race learn to raise funds. Racing teams can't run on hopes and dreams and practically every "professional" driver in existence brought their own cash to a greater or lesser extent. ps I had a similar experience with an ARCA team around 2006... wonder if it's the same team :D

[@hikmahuddinhasbullah3928]

an american guy called my friend lazy for not chasing his dreams to become a racing driver in instagram…dude we’re from south east asia and we also doesnt came from an ultra mega rich family plus our currency is almost 5 times smaller than USD…ignorance is bliss😂😂😂

[@TheEtherea]

Oh yeah, I do know this very well. I wasn't insane on believing in crap like you can be good and get a shot (becoming an F1 driver, hah, yeah sure). But I had an idea that by been able to build my own car and promoting myself (and a team eventually) to bring in any sponsors to reduce some costs would allow me to use that "fame" into making money back in return (by other means not related to racing) to fund it in the future. I was smart enough to realize after doing math that any sort of road racing series even very basic ones were simply too expensive as you will always need a team for pits and then there is logistics and a crap ton of maintenance to do on regular basis. Plus you don't want to just finish mid pack, there is no reason to get into it if not for winning. Amateur rally was one eye opener, professional drifting was the other (back when it was still affordable enough and I simply fell off the curve in the process of expanding budgets and increasing power where you literally need to be able to have 2 engines prepped if things go wrong as you tune them hard, also insane amounts of tires where most even tire sponsors won't really cover up practice and costs). Basically it's somewhat 6-7 years down the drain. I was lucky enough to get out of it without losses I couldn't recover from, but still. So in the end of the day it's correct. Kart is the way to go, cheaper, easier to get into, easier to work on etc etc. Unless you have a special kind of spoon, forget it. One might get lucky, but getting burned out is a really shitty thing to feel believe me. And you can do whatever else, but keeping it as a fun hobby on weekends. I don't even do much with cars these days, I guess until I recover completely to be able to feel fun out of it.

[@Zerof__cks]

This guys honesty is hurtful but true lol. But at the same time it feels like he’s just upset about giving up on his dreams. Idk I watch his channel a lot and appreciate his honesty.

[@brennanrogers7947]

Had a similar issue with this. I got a job doing driving instruction as a resume booster and they tried to push the costs onto me when the car broke. Didn't pay and they gave up after I pushed legal action however it was a decent amount of money out of pocket that could have been avoided had I been more selective on who I worked with.

[@FelixIsMyName]

Do you think the ban on Tobacco sponsorships, it's been harder for new drivers to get their chance/ for teams to survive?

[@fastinradfordable]

If you need tobacco sponsorship.... I don’t even need to say it

[@mauricelevy9027]

The most satisfying way of becoming a "race car driver" is ,in my opinion to have at least one senior family member who enjoyed many years of even just spectating and then passed the interest on to His-or Her youngsters . One of My sons used to come with Me to Motorcycle race meeting when He was a kid ,then in turn ended up riding 250gp at British National level . The youngest Son ,had no interest in bikes but took to model car racing (So expensive) but eventual moved on to Classic FF1600 ,then Historic FF1600 with an old ex-Bill Scott Rp2 Royale ,progressed to Classic F3 with a March and for the last 16 years a ff2.0 litre Van diemen rf83 . No karting etc. just interest and passion for His car preparation and the racing . No regular holidays ,no becoming a brain surgeon ,just a bloody good welder and fabricator ,some of which learnt from Yours Truly and He's still at it now ,hoping to acquire a Dallara F3 once the old Van Diemen gets sold .. So there ,not a boastful parent posting ,just a matter of fact way that one kid got into racing at a level that is every bit as enjoyable as "the big stuff" and maybe even more competitive . NO sponsorship ,a little product help with lubricants and brake pads .NO help with the dreaded tyres at £800 a set , So ,it can and has been done ,even in our impoverished UK by many people and We possibly have some of the best Club racing available in the world over here at superb circuits -but- at a cost .I don't mean the physical one but financial .It just requires the vision that racing is SO important to Us that holidays .luxury cars Mean absolutely nothing to Us as long as we can keep Him out there .

[@Frd.ricooo]

My first toy was a White blue stripes Viper. My dream car

[@88ights]

I slowly realized there’s no straight path to racing, so I’ve decided to just to go to trade school to become a mechanic, maybe work on my own project cars, and do mostly sim racing. You’re right about the sponsorships and how professionals drivers are good in Business (IE David Perel) had my own little experience in esports to make me realize how important sponsors are in sports. I hope other young dreamers can be more realistic like you said and try to find a career.

[@fastinradfordable]

But if you ever throw your hands up because life isn’t fair... Being a mechanic will have your back. Always have work. Have skills for your own projects. Mental aspects can grind your soul into nothing. But souls can grow back. Might lost a finger. Fingers do not grow back. Still better off than racing where one slight movement and you kill 50 people and destroy $10,000,000

[@sebastiankvyat3915]

Ive given up on being a racing driver as my main job, however considering that I'm a welder Id really like to build a completely accurate replica of a historic race car or possibly buy one to restore and just drive at track days and just go for improving my own lap times.

[@fastinradfordable]

Why build a replica when you can make your own.

[@GordonFreeman69]

Welding skill is almost invaluable in creating a vehicle.

[@gizmothirteen3398]

I loved this video, it is very informative. I have to say this is a huge reason I'm really into sim / simcade racing! It really is the great equalizer & finds talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Gran Turismo (Sony) even puts their winners in real racing series, real race cars. I wonder if social media & sim racing will combine to put talent on the grids!!!

[@MrSaemichlaus]

If I was working in the background alone while you're filming, I'd listen to you 90% and on the side look at the same bolt 200 times to see what size it is.

[@michaelray1590]

Everyone listen to what he said is true. Good drivers don't get to the top. People with big money get ahead and if you get hurt. Big business moves on to the next person.

[@jacklougheed4561]

It hurts to hear this even though I know it’s true.

[@fullmetalf4i]

Racing is all about who you know and what you can do off the race track for the people you want to drive for. And thats every level. My knowledge is from the two wheel world, but as the saying goes, racing only gets more expensive the more wheels you add.... If you want sponsorship, you need a presentation of what you bring to the table beyond "im fast." You need to network, and sometimes thats as easy as buying stuff from at track vendors constantly. Yes you're paying a higher price, but when they see you're a regular and you can get results, THATS when they might offer a discount/sponsorship. If you want to race for a team, you need to attend their events and network as much as you can with them. Make yourself known to multiple levels so that when they're looking for another rider/driver and your resume comes up, you'll have a 2nd or a 3rd chime in with a "Yeah I know them. They're (insert X compliment here). Most importantly, show them that you'll do a good job representing them. Even something as simple as a social media post after a weekend of practice or racing, brag on the products you are using and the people who are helping you (and sometimes people who aren't helping you but you want to represent). Show these people that you will take care of them in public even before they offer to help you. MOST MOST IMPORTANTLY, dont burn bridges without fully being accepting of the consequences. You want to change tire manufacturers? Thats fine, just tell your current one, "Hey, I want to give these guys a shot, they're offering X" Even if X is just a perceived performance advantage, just be polite and give your guys a heads up and maybe they can offer something different to keep you. You never know when things may circle back around or maybe when the next opportunity presents itself who you're talking to goes back to your old vendors/sponsors and asks about their relationship with you. Dont give people ammunition to use against you. Finally, be realistic and know the hierarchy. For 99.9% of us, racing will never be anything more than a very expensive hobby. (how do you make a small fortune racing? Start with a large one...). Getting help along the way is one thing, becoming a professional is something completely different though you need to go about it the same way. There is being the fast one of your friends, being the fast one at your local track, being the fast one in the lower race classes in your region, being the fast one in the higher race classes in your region, being the slow one in your region professionally, being the mid tier one in your region professionally, being the slow one professionally on a national level, mid tier professionally on a national level, and finally top tier professionally on a national level. You can Get all the way there before getting a seat on a pro racing team. I know riders at all these tiers and it can be demoralizing realizing where you are and where your talent can get you and where your connections can get you and still see you're coming up short sucks. So make sure you're having fun.

[@anindanahiyan8818]

I've always dreamed of being involved in motorsport, be it engineering or being a racing driver, but honestly, growing up and looking deeper into the politics, shady business tactics and systematic discrimination in the industry, I find it very discouraging to pursue that career path now. For me, auto racing in any form is one of the pinnacles of human engineering as well as performance; and in a way a celebration of what smart passionate people working together are capable of. I really hope that the racing industry can become more inclusive and transparent down the line because I badly want to get involved.

[@thatguy6054]

Sorry, I can't think of any way of saying this nicely, so I'll just tell you straight up. You exhibit a victim's mindset. With that worldview you'll never feel fulfilled or be successful in a highly competitive environment, least of all motorsports. If you don't think like a winner you'll never find a place on a winning team. Those "smart passionate people working together" are striving for the common goal of victory. They push themselves to make their dream reality. They don't stand around worrying about how things "should be" or hoping the universe will bend itself to meet their desires.

[@anindanahiyan8818]

it's not playing victim, it's called being realistic and understanding the industry. I can make music for myself and have a local band if I want, but with the way the current music industry works, someone without a lot of money to spend on PR can't realistically expect to make a career out of it. similarly a middle class brown kid like me living in a developing country well into his 20s can't expect to realistically make it in the racing industry that's all but exclusively white with it's patrons being largely racist conservatives. investing time and money in the wrong place just because you've got heart and talent just leaves you washed up and broke. of course taking risks is part of success, but they're calculated risks you can realistically expect to be able to survive. just because I don't want to try my luck in the racing industry doesn't mean I'm giving up on racing itself. it just means I won't professionally involve with the big leagues.

[@Craig-wp3pz]

Hang in there, the world is a very rapidly changing place, from the driving perspective, your ability to exit whatever vehicle you are in, will be a Major deciding factor in any competitive motorsport, and with good reason, don't ASSUME you are banned, true, it maybe an almost impossible task, but, with intelligent thought, teamwork training and preparation, things CAN be overcome,or alternatives sought, If you REALLY want this ,your gonna be told "No, NO WAY, not possible,sorry it can't be done," And you're gonna have to push HARD to make ANY headway, but you don't know you can't do it till you've taken the plunge and given it a good "college try" as Americans like to say

[@GordonFreeman69]

@@anindanahiyan8818 Music industry is a nice parallel example. Why do you need to work for a "label" today? Yes, 30 years ago you kind of needed to, but today if you have talent and can tour, you can make it. Not everybody can afford a $1,000,000 a weekend to run F1, heck who am I kidding, try $100,000,000/weekend. A lot of nay-sayers have more given to them than they'd like to admit.

[@autofigure00]

What about the engineering / team side of things? I'm in the Toledo area, went to TTA, was on the FIRST robotics team for electrical, programming, and driving team, had a lot of mechanical design and machining experience, then went to UT for electrical engineering and now work for an OEM machinery manufacturer. So, I work on industrial machines in every aspect (mechanical, electrical, controls/programming, pneumatics, hydraulics, part speccing / selection, etc. all very applicable experience that would translate well to working on cars outside of my own garage) but my DREAM would be to do that for a race team or something similar. I'm 23 and unfortunately went to college during covid mostly so couldn't really partake in the Local Formula SAE team and part of me feels like I missed out on the opportunities due to the circumstances, but now I've got bills to pay, a house to maintain, and things to do :/. Not sure where to start or how to make it happen now, being in a different aspect of engineering on the industrial side means I don't know anyone in motorsports or on the automotive side of things or where to look for teams to join and such (or if joining a team would even pay enough / be worthwile vs a normal engineering job even if I do it on the side). but I guess trying to follow dreams is always a sacrifice of security and comfort to hopefully get to where you want to be, and in this current economy and state of the world definitely makes it harder to sacrifice that security. I do love my current job though, it's a very nice small local business and I love supporting Toledo / helping it to grow and improve (and it's come a long way since I was a kid in the early 2000s), but it's hard to not want MORE or something MORE exciting. I love driving and want to work on cars though (or even work on my cars more lol, but once again money is tight). I don't really think it's in the cards for me and I know I'll be content either way. Maybe down the line ill see about MX-5 Cup racing. seems like the perfect style and "size" competition to work in.

[@FireChicken747]

Good thing that sim racing exists. I’m able to pursue my streams, but also be realistic with Sim racing

[@stefanbozhinovski660]

no point in this comment just felt like doing it . also good job great vids :P

[@toylandreviewochoi5917]

I got plan to get recognition by a few step: Social media By coming from a small Asia country And just losting non stop (basically an influencer) As much as i don't like to admit it, the fire in my heart for rallying is still burning. But i still have a plan for engineering Although i can't give up on my dream, life is a gamble and i am willing to take the risk

[@jadedrac0]

Hope this changes . Vr racing works really well and is cheaper. GT Academy actually proved this concept

[@skinydrink7708]

I know that im late but i want to be rally driver. I dont want to come to wrc cuz im not coming from rich country and rich family, but i can drive on my country level (THERE IS NO MONEY IN THERE) but i want to be in the Motorsport industry. I know that is little almost no possible but i will try. If you have some sort advice tell me i want to know👍.

[@zachmtb8432]

Richard burns rally and Karting are the best methods will be good methods of seat time. If you live in Europe or are planning on moving to Europe, if you keep a look out you can find a simple low hp affordable rally car for around 3,000-8,000 euros.

[@hudsonpectol6227]

High schooler here. Should I go to a tech school to learn to be a mechanic or welder or should I go learn business?

[@KartRacer9516]

My own personal story, I'm 23 and from Israel, cars have always been my biggest interest and racing was my biggest dream, however I've pretty much given up completely dew to cost. Everything car related here is insanely expensive because of the insane taxes( a new corolla starts at 40000usd without options, a litre of gas is 1.5usd), and the prices are just going up. I even did a driving course that cost me over 4 grand at a time i was making next to nothing and found out i actually have some talent, however it took me a year and a half to pay for those 10 sessions and i don't even have a racing license. So for now I'm going to learn some engineering and get into sim racing, and who knows, it might work, but it probably won't. P.s: i wrote hell of a lot more than i expected 😂😅

[@fastinradfordable]

Don’t buy a new car..... $40,000 can buy you a year in another country with a dope car.

[@lohostege]

I want to eventually make my own car company, and the way i plan to advertise it is going to be through motorsports, mostly.

[@smplyizzy]

Sorry, but if the entire story is correct your “talent” was the last thing on their list or maybe not at all. However, you are 100% correct on kart racing,

[@GordonFreeman69]

Speed is just a question of money...how fast do you want to go? That sounds a bit cynical, but it's not, it's realistic. You can buy speed and/or you can gather skills (which is like money) and make yourself go fast. Very inspirational channel, thanks.

[@Craig-wp3pz]

Genius Garage is missing a trick, your followers are enough in number, go all the way, genius garage own championship, an elite home team, the rest of the seats rented to the highest bidder, GO BIG CASEY, do your own event, all proceeds to GG

[@torevenheim9607]

If you get results in karting as a kid you do Formula 3 as a teen, if you get results there you do F2 and so on, its a combination of hard work and talent. If you want to compete as a adult with little racehistory then money is the name of the game as it should be

[@CaseyPutsch]

You forgot the many many hundred of thousands of dollars from family money for those kids.

[@michaelv3340]

Reminds me of the quote about the music industry by Hunter Thompson. TThe music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a down side.

[@augnkn93043]

I’ve had the same problem. F1 teams call me up regularly to offer me a seat. They know I’m a professional driver (taxi, 4 years) and that I’ve done 35mph in a 30mph zone so can handle the speed. But they only offer a car and travel expenses. Given my skills I need at least €600,000 a race as a starting fee plus winning bonuses. It’s a ripoff. The money just doesn’t work for me. I’ll stay with driving the taxi.