Should I give up the pursuit of my dream career?

[Smoke_U_24/7]

I've been thinking about submitting this thread for a long time, and now I'm ready. My question is basically this: Should I give up pursuing a dream that everybody else thinks I cannot accommplish? I'm an african-american 19 year-old male who has dropped out of high school (In the 10th grade) and way overdue to earn my GED and Diploma When I was in school, I've had friends that supported me through my ups and downs, and Vice-Versa for them. But afterwards, I'll never see or hear from them again like they never existed.
However, when I would Introduce myself to other classmates and say that I want to be a pro race car driver, they just laugh.
IMO they have a good reason to laugh, anyway: 1. I'm black 2. I was born into a middle/working class family that basically 75% southern 3. I grew up not knowing my father.
Looks like the odds are against me, huh? But I refuse to care what opinions my peers have, and I refuse to care what my family thinks about my career choice. And the reason being is that I want to listen to people who's actually either been or is currently a Race Car driver. I want to listen to someone who can recognize passion and say, "Pursue your dream with all of your heart", and that's why I came here for some advice and some opinions.

 

[Duke]

Pursue it, despite the handicaps or hurdles. There are a number of things to keep in mind, however, in order to keep reality in the picture:

• It's not going to support you for a long, long time, if ever. It's going to have to be a part-time dream. I don't know your financial or skill situation, but look for a job around cars. Find a mechanic/garage that runs a race car of their own, volunteer to help out or try to get a job there if you have some skill.
  
  
• Even if you can't afford to run yourself, hang out in the pits at the local oval on Saturday evenings. 'Local' may mean an hour or two away. Again, volunteer to help a friendly team. You don't have money to invest, but time is free, and if you're serious, it's the best thing you can invest.
  
  
• Getting your GED would be a good idea, too. But you know that.
  

You know you're staring from a disadvantage. But if you really mean it, keep at it. It may well mean you have to give up a number of other things, like much of a social life or a lot of fancy toys. But it really is doable.

 

[Max_DC]

That's the dream of many of us... well I suppose you are a good driver then?
I mean driving fast, very fast through narrow streets, drifting, countersteering etc ... you call yourself a natural talent in these subjects? I hope you do, because otherwise you are likely to fail... honestly, motorsport is expensive... really expensive... I would say it is almost the most expensive sport ...apart form maybe speed boating ... if you think you are really good, you can try: I don't know which possibilities are availibe for you, but without a lot of money... I would suggest you enter some school again and get qualified for a well payed job, and when you are 40 or so, you can rethink your dream and maybe make some motorsport with the money you will have earned....

 

[Smoke_U_24/7]

That's the dream of many of us... well I suppose you are a good driver then?
I mean driving fast, very fast through narrow streets, drifting, countersteering etc ... you call yourself a natural talent in these subjects? I hope you do, because otherwise you are likely to fail... honestly, motorsport is expensive... really expensive... I would say it is almost the most expensive sport ...apart form maybe speed boating ... if you think you are really good, you can try: I don't know which possibilities are availibe for you, but without a lot of money... I would suggest you enter some school again and get qualified for a well payed job, and when you are 40 or so, you can rethink your dream and maybe make some motorsport with the money you will have earned....

Have you driven a race car before? I'd like to think i'm a natural talent at driving at high speeds. I have a friend that's 17 years old and he's an excellent driver, and he got all of his skills from playing GT3. At the speeds he drives, he tends to scare his parents sometimes. But the scary thing is that he doesn't even have his drivers license yet. Unfortunately, I have never even gotten behind the wheel of a car before. It's embarrassing but true. I guess my Mother doesn't even care about whether I should get my drivers license, but I do. I'm currently looking for Work so I can get into a good driving school, more specifically Skip Barber, but I guess any school will do for now.

EDIT: I'm going to have to go offline for a while, I'll BRB, though.

 

[grnshwrcrtn]

I've been thinking about submitting this thread for a long time, and now I'm ready. My question is basically this: Should I give up pursuing a dream that everybody else thinks I cannot accommplish? I'm an african-american 19 year-old male who has dropped out of high school (In the 10th grade) and way overdue to earn my GED and Diploma When I was in school, I've had friends that supported me through my ups and downs, and Vice-Versa for them. But afterwards, I'll never see or hear from them again like they never existed.
However, when I would Introduce myself to other classmates and say that I want to be a pro race car driver, they just laugh.
IMO they have a good reason to laugh, anyway: 1. I'm black 2. I was born into a middle/working class family that basically 75% southern 3. I grew up not knowing my father.
Looks like the odds are against me, huh? But I refuse to care what opinions my peers have, and I refuse to care what my family thinks about my career choice. And the reason being is that I want to listen to people who's actually either been or is currently a Race Car driver. I want to listen to someone who can recognize passion and say, "Pursue your dream with all of your heart", and that's why I came here for some advice and some opinions.

being black and not knowing your father is not a reason to laugh at someone elses dream, if you believe have talent and have the determination to see it through then you should give your all

good luck 👍

 

[a6m5]

I think Dukes(is that his name this week? ) post is a great one. If you are serious about becoming an racer, you know there's going to be an extremely hard work, and also know when to give up. The part I didn't think of was, hanging out with an race team on voluteer basis. That is the best thing you can do right now IMO. Not only you can learn a lot about professional racing, but you also get to meet the people in the business. It's very important to have connections in any business. Good luck!

P.S. I just read your other post about the drivers license. Get it!

 

[MrktMkr1986]

My question is basically this: Should I give up pursuing a dream that everybody else thinks I cannot accommplish?

NEVER! ​

However, when I would Introduce myself to other classmates and say that I want to be a pro race car driver, they just laugh.

Idiots...

IMO they have a good reason to laugh, anyway: 1. I'm black 2. I was born into a middle/working class family that basically 75% southern 3. I grew up not knowing my father.
Looks like the odds are against me, huh?

No, they are not. He is an inspriation for me, and I'm sure you'll find this article very interesting.

But I refuse to care what opinions my peers have, and I refuse to care what my family thinks about my career choice.

Only if the only thing they have to say is negative. Sometimes, a reality check is important to keep us grounded. Just like Duke said:

There are a number of things to keep in mind, however, in order to keep reality in the picture:

And the reason being is that I want to listen to people who's actually either been or is currently a Race Car driver. I want to listen to someone who can recognize passion and say, "Pursue your dream with all of your heart", and that's why I came here for some advice and some opinions.

Here is a quote from the ariticle I linked:

In addition to his work on the track, Lester has donated his time to the Urban Youth Racing School, a non-profit organization committed to the education, training and preparation of today's urban youths through exposure to the automotive and motorsports industry.

In 2001, 320 urban boys and girls successfully completed the school's rigorous motorsports orientation and training programs. The school continues to have a waiting list for enrollment.

Good luck!

 

[Max_DC]

Have you driven a race car before? I'd like to think i'm a natural talent at driving at high speeds. I have a friend that's 17 years old and he's an excellent driver, and he got all of his skills from playing GT3. At the speeds he drives, he tends to scare his parents sometimes. But the scary thing is that he doesn't even have his drivers license yet. Unfortunately, I have never even gotten behind the wheel of a car before. It's embarrassing but true. I guess my Mother doesn't even care about whether I should get my drivers license, but I do. I'm currently looking for Work so I can get into a good driving school, more specifically Skip Barber, but I guess any school will do for now.

EDIT: I'm going to have to go offline for a while, I'll BRB, though.

No, not a race car... I drive a Sti and since I have my driver's licence I tend to drive fast, and I'd say that I'm pretty talented... the first week after having had my licence I drove a 350 hp car at its limit as well as huge cars (MB S class ), I have a certain sense for " how fast can I go in the next corner " etc , my reactions are fast and they were never wrong so far...
Oh my god, I sound like a ****ing poser right now... but I guess driving fast is maybe one of my biggest talents... Many people I know also tell me that I'm pretty skilled and that they have no fear when they are in my car because they always have the feeling that I have control over the car...
So maybe your talent is much bigger than mine, but even then again consider the money aspect... Racing is the hobby of the rich, only very few can actually live from what they earn as a pro driver, (sponsors ), because race cars are very expensive ( also consider accidents and that you abuse almost every part of the car when you race, )... honestly, I would not hope too much... the suggestions of other members like working for small teams in your free time is a good idea, but... I'd say do something more solid... perhaps in the car szene, like mechanic or engineer or whatever....

 

[sn00pie]

No one should ever ever ever again compare street driving to track driving again, and that's not even counting the hazard-to-society factor.

What sucks about racing, is that it costs a lot of effing money, and you will not ever make money off racing (actual racing - not counting annoying testwork) unless you're Micheal Schumacher (and only after having spent years and years spending ridiculous amounts of Deutschmarks).

If you are serious about this, and I believe you are, at least find out if you have what it takes. Get your hands on some type of high-end go-kart and find out (think 100cc [ICA classed] or 125cc [FA classed] automatic).

 

[a6m5]

No one should ever ever ever again compare street driving to track driving again, and that's not even counting the hazard-to-society factor.

I agree. Completely different type of vehicles, speed and rules. I've never raced on a course, but I'm sure it's like comparing apples and oranges.

 

[Goomba]

No, not a race car... I drive a Sti and since I have my driver's licence I tend to drive fast, and I'd say that I'm pretty talented... the first week after having had my licence I drove a 350 hp car at its limit as well as huge cars (MB S class ), I have a certain sense for " how fast can I go in the next corner " etc , my reactions are fast and they were never wrong so far...
Oh my god, I sound like a ****ing poser right now... but I guess driving fast is maybe one of my biggest talents... Many people I know also tell me that I'm pretty skilled and that they have no fear when they are in my car because they always have the feeling that I have control over the car...
So maybe your talent is much bigger than mine, but even then again consider the money aspect... Racing is the hobby of the rich, only very few can actually live from what they earn as a pro driver, (sponsors ), because race cars are very expensive ( also consider accidents and that you abuse almost every part of the car when you race, )... honestly, I would not hope too much... the suggestions of other members like working for small teams in your free time is a good idea, but... I'd say do something more solid... perhaps in the car szene, like mechanic or engineer or whatever....

Max. Take your skill to an autocross or race track. One, its safer. Two, no offense, but you'll realize how bad you suck. I garuntee that you did not drive that car to its limits right after you had a license, unless you've had real life racing experience before you had a license. Gran Turismo or whatever video game will not duplicate actual racing. You'll probably find yourself being passed by lesser cars, but higher skilled drivers.

For instance, there are several guys in the autocross series at Colorado who can drive fast. Really fast. These range from stock Nissan Maximas to stock Cheverolet Corvettes to lightly modded Honda Preludes to mega-modded CRXs. These guys are blazingly fast and are the only ones who can come close to times set by the carts. It doesn't matter what car you have, or how much street driving, or how comfortable you feel at high speeds. Compared to guys like these, around a course you're bloody slow. How? Because they've been to almost every autocross and track event for the past five years. They've learned their cars, their limits, and have pushed them. Again, no offense, but I highly doubt you're that good.

Smoke, don't give up. Go for it. This is your only shot at life, may as well make the very best of it. You'll have to work hard for it, yes, but don't give up.

 

[Blake]

Keep at it and always pursue your dreams, a few reality pills may be needed though:

• You're 19 and have never driven a car before - most race drivers have been racing karts since they were 12
• Racing is very expensive and most drivers have trouble getting into decent series because of money

That being said, the apparent 'dissadvantages' you were born with are only dissadvantages in your mind, if you have the will to do this and are willing to put in the time to become good then your dream is possible.

Good luck and start doing something about it 👍

Blake

 

[Mecal]

Smoke, im still uncertain to whether you are talking about: nascar style racing, or racing a car that you have on the drag strip and whatnot.
and one more question, do you know alot about cars? not even alot even. If someone told you specs and whatnot of a car would you know what they are talking about? Just wondering.

but yeah, deffinetly go for it.
First step is your get your lisence - i assume you have your permit?

good luck on your decision 👍

 

[PS]

Don't ever let race get in your way. I mean, look at Kartikeyahn (sp?). He's like the first indian driver ever.

But I do suggest that you get your GED, then your license, then a job if you don't have one. After that you'll need to get a place to live. All this should be accomplished when you'r about 21-22. At which point if you have enough money saved up you can take a week's course at Bondurrant racing school, which is where many famous racers (F1) have graduated. They have a ton of different types, but I'm off to persue the F1. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive. It comes to about $4000 for the course, but you're spending all day there for 7 days so I guess it's worth it. Think of it as a reward for getting your GED and driver's license, or something. Even though you have to work for it, the training will instantly put you ahead of most ocmpetition.

 

[maki]

In school, we once watched a video, and there was a segment about race cars. There was one Mexican driver, who is now one of the best, who dropped out of college when he was 19 to race go-carts...I'm not sure exactly what the moral of this story is, but I'm sure there's one in there somewhere.

 

[Max_DC]

Max. Take your skill to an autocross or race track. One, its safer. Two, no offense, but you'll realize how bad you suck. I garuntee that you did not drive that car to its limits right after you had a license, unless you've had real life racing experience before you had a license. Gran Turismo or whatever video game will not duplicate actual racing. You'll probably find yourself being passed by lesser cars, but higher skilled drivers.

For instance, there are several guys in the autocross series at Colorado who can drive fast. Really fast. These range from stock Nissan Maximas to stock Cheverolet Corvettes to lightly modded Honda Preludes to mega-modded CRXs. These guys are blazingly fast and are the only ones who can come close to times set by the carts. It doesn't matter what car you have, or how much street driving, or how comfortable you feel at high speeds. Compared to guys like these, around a course you're bloody slow. How? Because they've been to almost every autocross and track event for the past five years. They've learned their cars, their limits, and have pushed them. Again, no offense, but I highly doubt you're that good.

Smoke, don't give up. Go for it. This is your only shot at life, may as well make the very best of it. You'll have to work hard for it, yes, but don't give up.

Well at first, I can understand your reaction... as I wrote in previous post I sound like a bad case of wannabe racer... So I try to describe it in a better way ... I made my drivers licence in a very short time ( totally different system compared to the US, so I don't want to go any deeper here) and I felt comfortable in any kind of car right within the first weeks, and by chance I drove very powerful cars right in that time... ok it is perhaps better to say that I drove the car very fast, also drifted etc what I wanted to say is that I have a certain talent, not that I could go right into the race szene and win all over the place... Ok you say I suck at driving, and well ok, could be the case, that is the internet, I could also be a 12 year old poser who
has never had a steering wheels in his hands... Well again I can only tell you that
I know how to push cars to its limits, FF,FR and 4WD... believe me or not... but it's true I'm not a pro racer, but I think that my skills are great enough to make it in that business with years of training... that is always necessary of course... I don't think I'm another Schumacher or Solberg or whatever, I just say that I think I'm talented - not more but also not less...

 

[Max_DC]

In school, we once watched a video, and there was a segment about race cars. There was one Mexican driver, who is now one of the best, who dropped out of college when he was 19 to race go-carts...I'm not sure exactly what the moral of this story is, but I'm sure there's one in there somewhere.

Yeah... also Takuma Sato ( Honda F1 ) started racing in the age of 21....

 

[Blake]

He started Kart racing at the age of 21, he'd races Mountain bikes for years before that, lol.

Blake

 

[Smoke_U_24/7]

Smoke, im still uncertain to whether you are talking about: nascar style racing, or racing a car that you have on the drag strip and whatnot.
and one more question, do you know alot about cars? not even alot even. If someone told you specs and whatnot of a car would you know what they are talking about? Just wondering.

but yeah, deffinetly go for it.
First step is your get your lisence - i assume you have your permit?

good luck on your decision 👍

I plan on going to Skip Barber Racing School and earning my racing license there. The Racing orginizations I'm thinking about Participating in is between the IRL and Cart to start off my career.
I do know quite a bit about cars, but my knowledge could get alot more vast.
I'm sure there are loads of web sites on the Inernet that teaches novices like me how to upgrade and repair cars. When cars became my primary hobbie, it was back in 2001 when I purchased GT2. Back then I was very much into arcade racing games, more specifically the Need For Speed video game series. It took me about 2 years to perfect my skills in GT2, and ever since then I obviously understood auto racing alot better.

Don't ever let race get in your way. I mean, look at Kartikeyahn (sp?). He's like the first indian driver ever.

But I do suggest that you get your GED, then your license, then a job if you don't have one. After that you'll need to get a place to live. All this should be accomplished when you'r about 21-22. At which point if you have enough money saved up you can take a week's course at Bondurrant racing school, which is where many famous racers (F1) have graduated. They have a ton of different types, but I'm off to persue the F1. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive. It comes to about $4000 for the course, but you're spending all day there for 7 days so I guess it's worth it. Think of it as a reward for getting your GED and driver's license, or something. Even though you have to work for it, the training will instantly put you ahead of most ocmpetition.

I have a plan that may get me to the big-times, here it is:
1. Apply for Job Corps and earn my High school GED (I can earn my diploma In less than 4 months! 👍 )
2. Earn my Drivers License
3. Apply for enrolllment at the School for Auto Mechaincs in the Professional Career Development Institute (I've already got free Information and Applications via postal mail, the only thing that's holding me back is money; There's a tuition I have to pay)
4. Use the financial Aid from Job Corps to search for a good racing school, more specifically Skip Barber)
5. Hope for the Best!

Max DC, I guess everyone would like to think that there good at something when they've never tried doing the actual thing, like those Dumb-Dumbs that participate in the Air Guitar Championships
As for the friend i've had that derived his good driving skills from GT3, he didn't just immediately get behind the wheel and start driving his mom's car (yep, i said it!) like a bat out of hell, he found an empty parking lot at a mall late one night, drove around the lot, got used to the characteristics of the car, and when he felt that the time was right, he went on the Freeways and even residential neighborhoods of Detroit and put skills to the test. It tooks weeks of practice, but he kept driving and now he's the most skilled driver that I personally know.

MrktMkr1986, reality is the most important element in this pursuit of my dream career.
As for Bill Lester, congrats for all of his success. I really hope that he
makes the most out of his life and accomplishes everything he needs to on his "things to do before I die" list.

 

[Ten]

I'm sure there are loads of web sites on the Inernet that teaches novices like me how to upgrade and repair cars.

Try tech school.

 

[blargonator]

I think its great you are pursuing your dreams. I am already realizing how much work i have to put in to have anything to do with racing years from now. i did not buy a powerful car to rely on the power of the car to cover the mistakes i make. as many have said, its more fun to drive a slow car fast. a game and reality should not be compared. it is foolish to become proud of one's driving skills because there is almost always someone faster. like most have said, attend a lot of autox events.
p.s. (post script, not the member)~ don't become a statistic, don't drive like a idiot on the streets.

 

[Smoke_U_24/7]

Oh trust me Blargonator, I'm not a street racer by any means, but I would like to modify my own ricer.

 

[franz]

If you have no need taking responsibilities supporting your parent, then I think you should chase your dream. Since you haven't driven any car, you may have to push the consideration later until you're really familiar what the real car is. You can be disappointed how much you talent you have.
My experience is ... I born to love cars, my first word I could speak was "car" (in chinese). When I was like 6 years old, I started to day dreaming driving a F1 car like Senna. Unfortuniately, my parents and all my relatives thought I was stupid and not grounded. All they think about is finishing university and get a high paid job to support them. I thought I was totally wasted my talent because I had no choice with my environment. Later I started to play racing games, from 1st needforspeed until now. I was so good at them, none of my friends could beat me even they claimed themselves as racing freaks. Until I went to driving school, I found out how suck I am. Now I never dare to driving too fast, maybe my mazda is too light for high speed, sometimes bumps scare me to death. I also spinned out on icy road and felt into ditch. Then I just think I am not that talent after all. Now my only dream is getting rich enough to support my family, and buy myself a set of toys to satisfy my racing needs. Maybe Force Dynamics 15 years later? I just have no guts, I have to go virtual reality side.
What I really want to say is, you have to know your limit, just don't blindly chase your dream. Gotta be realistic someday. If you are really talent afterall, then you shouldn't stop doing what you really want

 

[Smoke_U_24/7]

If you have no need taking responsibilities supporting your parent, then I think you should chase your dream. Since you haven't driven any car, you may have to push the consideration later until you're really familiar what the real car is. You can be disappointed how much you talent you have.
My experience is ... I born to love cars, my first word I could speak was "car" (in chinese). When I was like 6 years old, I started to day dreaming driving a F1 car like Senna. Unfortuniately, my parents and all my relatives thought I was stupid and not grounded. All they think about is finishing university and get a high paid job to support them. I thought I was totally wasted my talent because I had no choice with my environment. Later I started to play racing games, from 1st needforspeed until now. I was so good at them, none of my friends could beat me even they claimed themselves as racing freaks. Until I went to driving school, I found out how suck I am. Now I never dare to driving too fast, maybe my mazda is too light for high speed, sometimes bumps scare me to death. I also spinned out on icy road and felt into ditch. Then I just think I am not that talent after all. Now my only dream is getting rich enough to support my family, and buy myself a set of toys to satisfy my racing needs. Maybe Force Dynamics 15 years later? I just have no guts, I have to go virtual reality side.
What I really want to say is, you have to know your limit, just don't blindly chase your dream. Gotta be realistic someday. If you are really talent afterall, then you shouldn't stop doing what you really want

Franz, don't be so hard on yourself! Try racing your car on a closed curcuit race track, racing on the streets is way too dangerous.
I can see the challenge in driving on icy or bumpy roads (rally car driver do it professionally), but it's just too dangerous when your in a road car and jeans and gym shoes.
As for your parents, I can totally relate. A radio talk show host by the name of Tom Leykis said one day "Never let your parents stop you from pursuing your dreams. Even though they are your parents, sometimes they still don't want you to be more successful than they are."
It sounds cold-hearted, but it's true. And the same applies to me, also.
I only have a mother to care for me (I don't know who my father is, and I don't even care), so it's gonna be alot harder to achieve this dream.
I'm going to need a lot of luck.

 

[Double_R]

Yeah... also Takuma Sato ( Honda F1 ) started racing in the age of 21....

So theres still hope for me. Im 16 what should I do get a car, a job and then go join a racing league?.

 

[Swift]

Everyone has pretty much said what I would say. I think Duke really nailed it though.

BTW, only a wuss gives up on his dream. I'm going to own a Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Seal/Space Grey, carbon fiber interior and a host of other options. Everyone says I'm nuts or selfish or just plain stupid. But I'm a person and they make that car for people, so that means it's pefectly possible, logical and attainable for me to own a Porsche!

 

[smellysocks12]

Pursue your dreams but GO BACK AND FINISH YOUR SCHOOL WHILE DOING SO!!! You need something to be able to fall back onto if you aren't succesful in pursuing your dreams. You wouldn't want to end up having an incredibly ****ty job for the rest of your life. Racism isn't out of this world yet, in public it mostly is, but in practice many managers, especially the older generation, would prefer to hire a white person with the same skills as you. So unfortunately to have a better chance on the jobs market you definitely need some good papers to show what you're capable of.

 

[s13drifting]

things like that will make your success be more celebrated. like rappers and other entertainers that came from nothing and now have millions of dollars. its a story that everyone can look at and respect that person for.

 

[McLaren]

NEVER GIVE UP!
1 day, when you get that dream, you can look back, and laugh at those who laughed at you, and see them in an office, working at a boring job, while you live the thrill of driving cars at 180Mph!

I use the old Paul Newman as an inspiration when I go to the Strip, or go autocrossing.

Your biggest problems are money and being recognized.
Being 19 is nothing.
You can be 25 and been seen at a race track, and asked to come to a racing sponsor's trial to see how you are in front of them.
But that's a hard possibility.

This summer, I do plan on going to racing school, then heading to college.
Skib Barber is a choice of mine, and I hope to see you there if and when I go.

 

[Smoke_U_24/7]

NEVER GIVE UP!
1 day, when you get that dream, you can look back, and laugh at those who laughed at you, and see them in an office, working at a boring job, while you live the thrill of driving cars at 180Mph!

I use the old Paul Newman as an inspiration when I go to the Strip, or go autocrossing.

Your biggest problems are money and being recognized.
Being 19 is nothing.
You can be 25 and been seen at a race track, and asked to come to a racing sponsor's trial to see how you are in front of them.
But that's a hard possibility.

This summer, I do plan on going to racing school, then heading to college.
Skib Barber is a choice of mine, and I hope to see you there if and when I go.

I'm plannig on going to Skip Barber right after I earn my high school diploma. When I see you there, In the words of Hollywood Hulk Hogan:
"It would be an honor to your ass!"
Thanks for the support.