In the world of racing, the adrenaline rush of competition often overshadows the moments spent away from the track. However, what you do when you are not racing can be just as crucial to your development as a driver. I also have details on taking the ARDS test in the UK, how women drivers are pushing boundaries in NHRA drag racing and much more in this week’s Driver Development Roundup.
Becoming a Professional Race Driver
In the video above, Enzo Mucci explains how to wisely use your time if you can’t race.
Car Magazine in the UK has a great article on taking the Association of Racing Driver Schools (ARDS) test. “It’s unwise to turn up to an ARDS test if you’ve never driven on track before. It’s a completely different kettle of fish to even fast road driving. There’s a right way to do it and a wrong way and the track is very unforgiving of the wrong way. And yet people do turn up cold and fail the practical test.”
US Open Wheel Nation looks at how Indy NXT’s rising costs put scholarships and the racing development ladder to the test. “With the cost of a full-season Indy NXT seat sitting around $1.2 million and expected to rise to $1.5 million in the near future, the question must be asked: Is the talent gap worth the price tag?”
Jack Doohan was benched by Alpine after seven grands prix, while Liam Lawson was cast out of Red Bull after just two. Is young talent so easily burned out in modern F1? Read what Stuart Codling of Autosport has to say about this here.
Racing Women has launched their new website. What is Racing Women? “A community and driver development programme built by Graeme Glew to support and encourage women’s involvement in motorsport by providing training, racing, and networking opportunities globally.” Visit their website here.
In 2018, a horrific crash at Pocono nearly ended Robert Wickens’ life—and seemingly ended his racing career. He suffered a double spinal cord fracture, multiple broken bones, and a severe pulmonary contusion. By the end of that year, Robert revealed he was a paraplegic.
But Robert Wickens is not like most people.
This is the story of a man who refused to be defined by the crash that changed everything. Through unwavering determination, incredible resilience, and the cutting-edge technology of Bosch Motorsport, Robert set his sights on an unthinkable goal: to race again at the highest level.
This isn’t just a story about recovery—it’s about rediscovery. About holding onto your identity, chasing your dreams, and proving that hope can overcome even the most impossible odds.
ESPN looks at how women drivers are pushing boundaries in NHRA drag racing. ““The cars don’t care who’s driving it,” said professional drag racer Jasmine Salinas, echoing a common saying within the sport that has helped make drag racing one of the most level playing fields in motorsports.”
Jamie Chadwick’s latest European Le Mans Series victory had an extra layer of historical magnitude. But the bigger picture for the Briton’s career matters more as James Newbold of Autosport explains.
Olympic cycling coach Scott Gardner, joins Samir Abid on the Your Data Driven podcast. This show is all about performance. Ex-Team GB Scott Gardner has coached multiple Gold medal winners such as Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton Learn how professional coaches performance plan to develop Olympic athletes to win. Then understand how you can apply that learning to improve your own racing. Packed full of great advice. You will be thinking different after this one! You can listen here.
Driver Development Program News & Resources
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the world of single-seater racing? The F4 Training Camp by Winfield, an intensive 3-day program, is your gateway to the thrilling world of Formula 4. Designed for sim and karting young racers, this experience covers everything you need to know about becoming a racing driver, both on and off the track. This program offers unmatched preparation for F4 Championships worldwide, providing 360-degree training that enhances your driving skills while fostering personal growth.
There are two camps you can choose from:
Motorsport UK Academy’s graduates are top of the class around the world – discover the evolving methods behind the success stories in the article Building Talent From Grassroots to the Academy in the May edition of Motorsport UK’s Revolution magazine.
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Team Redline is celebrating 25 years of existence and in last week’s edition of the Sim Racing Roundup you will learn how they got there and what kind of influence Max Verstappen has had on the team. I also have sim racing advice from Daniel Morad, the latest tech reviews and more!
Driver Development Pathways
Jillian and Jason Fichter are siblings racing with (and against) each other in the SCCA. They don’t compete in any old class, either; their cars of choice are in the ultra-competitive Spec Miata and Spec MX-5 classes. From in-car video to data acquisition and more, this brother-sister team works together to go faster, pushing each other to get to the front of the pack. With their parents at their side in the paddock, Jillian and Jason are proof that SCCA Road Racing is a family sport.
Enzo Geraci has described his dual program in Lamborghini Super Trofeo, competing in both the North American and European series, as “really important” to gain experience and work towards his goal of becoming a factory driver. Sportscar365 details his program and approach here.
“I was just excited that it could even become reality” – Japanese-American Hana Burton talks Racers Behind the Helmet through her career from track days to Kyojo Cup as she prepared for last weekend’s season opener of the all-female series at Fuji Speedway.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
