Getting Started in Motorsport: So, You Wanna Be a Race Car Driver?
Updated September 2025
The most common questions we get at the NMA come from total beginners: young lads and lasses, their parents, and people completely new to motorsport. The dream of becoming a race car driver is a big one; but breaking into the sport can be tough. There are no shortcuts. It takes commitment, resilience, and yes, money.
So, here’s our updated guide to getting started in motorsport, with a focus on racing, and a realistic look at how else you can still build a successful career in motorsport even if the driving dream doesn’t pan out.
So, You Wanna Be a Racecar Driver?
A lot of emails we get are from parents asking how to help their kids become racing drivers. The brutal truth is, very few ever make it to the top. Motorsport is one of the most competitive industries in the world, and driving professionally is even tougher than becoming a Premier League footballer.
We all love the idea of racing around the world, getting paid to do what we love. Whether you dream of Formula 1 or rallycross, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be up against thousands of others chasing the same goal.
Talent Helps, But Money Matters
Being fast isn’t enough. You could be the most talented driver in your region, but without financial support, it’s a difficult climb.
Here are just a few examples of how far families have gone to support a racing dream:
- Lewis Hamilton’s dad worked multiple jobs to keep him karting.
- Casey Stoner’s parents sold their home and moved across the world.
- Esteban Ocon’s family lived in a caravan after selling their house.
- Michael Schumacher’s parents both worked at the kart track to fund his early racing.
These stories are inspiring—but also a reality check. Motorsport is expensive, especially in the early years.
Grassroots Cost Breakdown
Motorsport can be expensive — even at entry levels. Here’s what to expect:
Karting (Cadet → Senior)
A basic kart setup can cost £3,000–£6,000.
- A new cadet kart (chassis + engine) costs around £3,600; junior/senior models about £6,000 | Source: Reddit
- Track fees/race entries typically run £40–60 for practice days and £100–200 for full race weekends | Source: X-Kart.co.uk
- Tyres cost £120–180 per set, plus fuel and maintenance .
Expect to spend around £6,000–7,000 per season if running your own second-hand kart; high-level national karting can go well into six figures | Source: The Sun
Racing in a UK club championship? Expect around £8,000–£15,000 per year once you factor in tyres, fuel, travel, entry fees, and maintenance. Competing at a national or international level can push this to £50,000+ annually.
Moving up the ladder:
Climbing the single-seater ladder ramps up the cost fast.
- Formula 4: Up to £200,000 per season
- Formula 3: £500,000–£750,000
- Formula 2: £1.5–£2 million
These are just ballpark figures, some teams charge more, and prices vary depending on the series and region.
And that’s just to stay on the grid. To progress, you’ll also need to bring consistent results and often secure sponsorships to keep funding your seat. Without one of those two things, family wealth or heavy commercial backing—the journey usually stops short.
Where the Money Comes From
Most drivers who make it to the top have serious financial backing. That usually comes from one of two places; wealthy family support or major sponsorship deals.
- Lando Norris had the support of his father Adam, one of the UK’s richest businessmen.
- Lance Stroll’s dad is a billionaire and part-owner of his F1 team., Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team
- Jamie Chadwick comes from a successful business background.
That doesn’t take away from their talent or work ethic, but money opens doors and speeds up the journey. That’s just the way the sport works.
The Self-Funded Route
Not every driver has a trust fund. Some build their career from the ground up.
9 Time WRC Champion Sébastien Loeb worked as an electrician to fund his early rally career. This kind of story is more common in grassroots motorsport, where costs are (relatively) lower.
For most self-funded drivers, sponsorship is the only viable path. But slapping a logo on your car isn’t enough anymore… brands want return on investment.
Building Your Brand
If you want sponsors, treat yourself like a business:
- Build a recognisable brand around your name and driving.
- Use social media to grow an engaged audience.
- Share regular content – race results, behind-the-scenes videos, progress updates.
- Approach companies that match your vibe and vehicle type.
You don’t need always hundreds of thousands of follower, but you do need to show value. Sponsors want reach, professionalism, and purpose.
Many drivers start by asking local businesses for backing. While this sometimes works, the reality is your local farm shop or hardware supplier probably doesn’t see much benefit in funding a race car. Motorsport sponsorship has changed. Today, it’s about offering value, not just plastering a logo on your kart or car.
To stand out, you need to think like a brand:
Share your journey online. Create a YouTube channel, post race updates on Instagram, or blog about your experiences.
Build a following that aligns with your racing category. If you drive MX-5s, target parts suppliers, garages, and companies in that community.
Present yourself as an expert and a credible partner, not just a driver looking for cash.
Above all, don’t ask for something for nothing. Businesses want return on investment. Show them how their support benefits them; whether that’s exposure, access to a new audience, or association with a rising talent.
Take Bianca Bustamante as an example. She’s not only a talented driver, but as of September 2025 she has over 1.8 million Instagram followers and 1.5 million TikTok followers. That kind of reach has made her highly attractive to brands, opening doors that talent alone often can’t.
There are plenty of resources out there to help refine your sponsorship approach, but the fundamentals are the same: create a clear business plan, be professional in your pitch, and never stop networking. Sponsorship is tough, but persistence and professionalism can make the difference between “no thanks” and “let’s talk.”
The Harsh Truth: Most Won’t Make It
Let’s be real, most people won’t become professional drivers. That doesn’t mean you can’t work in motorsport. There are other routes in, and the earlier you start building your backup plan, the better.
You could:
- Volunteer with a local team or at events.
- Learn car prep, data analysis, or logistics.
- Study motorsport-specific engineering or business online.
You’ll still be part of the action, and your career in motorsport could last far longer than most drivers’ time behind the wheel.
Take NMA Graduate Martin Plowman, for example. He’s a pro driver who studied with the NMA to future-proof his career. He studied alongside setting up his team Paddock Motorsport. When the time comes to hang up the helmet, he’ll stay in the sport doing something he loves. You can check out his story below.
What Next?
If you’re serious about working in motorsport, even if driving isn’t the final destination, consider building your skills now. The National Motorsport Academy offers flexible, online motorsport engineering and motorsport business degrees. Study from anywhere, part-time, while staying close to the sport.
Whether you end up on the podium or in the pitlane, there’s more than one way to make motorsport your career.
Explore Motorsport Courses at the NMA
Online BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering
course – Flexible Study.
Applications from non-NMA students and mature students welcome.
16 thoughts on “Getting Started in Motorsport: So You Wanna Be a Race Car Driver?”
Wow. And wow again. Thank you so much for writing such an informative article on the very topic I have been discussing with my 11year old racing car enthusiast son. You literally answered just about every basic question I had. Honestly thank you.
I think I have what it takes to be one of the best drivers in the world! 1st and foremost I have the guts to drive as fast as possible in situations where most will not want to even hit the speed limit. I love speed and thrive off the adrenaline of pushing vehicles to their upmost!
Hi,
My fiancé is 34 years old, his dream is to become a racing driver. We are living in Glasgow.
Can you advise where to start ?
Thank you
Aleks
I think your view that a driver to make it to the top level has to be manufactured. It Doesn’t. You have not mentioned talent once , naturally talented drivers are not manufactured. , they don’t have start young, they can be found. It’s all about finances.
Hi I’m looking be Trading to be a racing driver one day can
Where can I get training be new racing driver?
And got a full car licence looking to step up next level
Where do we start for a 16 year old boy in the North West to get into racing? Any recommendations as to who we have to contact first please?
Hi Lisa, is he wanting to become a driver or work in a race team?
Hi my name is Tiago , I am based in Ireland, I love cars and racing , joining them together I will be a cherry on top of the cake . I just need an opportunity to prove my self .
Hi, I’m Nahomie I want to start but 30. Not for competition just to enjoy the passion. Is it possible/ for adult? Any recommendation?
Hi Nahomie, It’s great you want to follow your passion. We have many students here who are taking up a degree purely because they are passionate about motorsport and want to get into the industry. It’s never too late to start a degree and you shouldnt let it stop you just because you’re 30. Let us know if you’d like a call with our admissions team to discuss the degree’s in more detail.
Kind regards,
Sean
My Name is Caleb Courtney. I’m from North West Tennessee, Obion County to be specific. I have hit speeds over 160 mph like it was nothing, have taken cures anywhere from 70- 120 mph. I cleared a whole bridge topped out at 115mph and proceeded to drift a 90 degree left turn right after at 80 mph. I have no fear, I have all guts, and I haven’t been beaten yet.
Hello, it’s a pleasure, my name is Nicolás Leseigneur, I am an automobile mechanical engineer in Chile and a mechanic with 3 years of experience, I have always wanted to be a racing driver and I wanted to ask if there is a team that is hiring novice drivers. , or if you could help me know how I can start as a racing driver, any advice or help I would appreciate, it is a pleasure and have a great day.
Hi, I’m a 13 year old girl that’s gotten into formula 1 last year, and I’ve realised that I want to racing for a living, I don’t know where to start, and I would really appreciate it, if someone would give me some advice. Thank you
(sorry if this is not making sense or is wrong, English isn’t exactly my first language as I have just moved back to England from Portugal 2 years ago)
how to start cheap?
hi I’m yair I’m 11yr old and I’m trying to start racing can I get to pro racing form pro sim racing or no ?
I’m 20 and I’ll really love to be a racing driver its my dream