Back to the track

BennyBoy1978 · 15 Aug 2002, 12:13 (Ref:358282)

Just a curious question really, seeing as a few of the people on this site make a career of racing I'm just wondering if you get the just another day at the office feeling?

At the moment I only race once a month twice at the max, but when ever I get to the circuit after a long break its like first day back at school meeting up with the old faces etc! Is it the same feeling further up the ladder?

**Adam43** · 15 Aug 2002, 20:27 (Ref:358630)

I am the same as you, but then I've only done a dozen or so races. And I am not trying to make a living out of it.

**Peter Mallett** · 15 Aug 2002, 20:58 (Ref:358680)

Got to say that when I had sponsors it was great from a money point of view but a complete slog to keep them happy. Tended to spoil the race days. Nowadays, because I can't afford to race as much as I'd like, every meeting is special. Trouble is, I can't afford to develop the car properly either. Two edged sword eh?

Andrew Kitson · 15 Aug 2002, 22:05 (Ref:358736)

I make a living from motor racing with my paintings and 90% of my customers are involved as drivers, teams, sponsors etc,. I've been going racing all my life ( over 40 years now) and regularly go to all sorts of events to take photos, deliver my works or haggle on new ones! I still get a great buzz turning into the circuit gates and seeing all the transporters lined up
be it F1, BTCC or F3 or small clubbies even mid week tests.
Occassionally I think I can't be doing with this but it doesn't last long and fortunately I never get that Monday morning feeling as there is so much to catch up on from the weekend's racing! Many people have said to me I am lucky to work within something I love but this has been by choice. It was very difficult when I started out but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. I'm a great believer that if you want something badly enough and are prepared to work for it, you will get there (or very close anyway!)

BennyBoy1978 · 16 Aug 2002, 08:51 (Ref:358901)

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
Got to say that when I had sponsors it was great from a money point of view but a complete slog to keep them happy. Tended to spoil the race days. Nowadays, because I can't afford to race as much as I'd like, every meeting is special. Trouble is, I can't afford to develop the car properly either. Two edged sword eh?

Yeah I can imagine keeping everyone happy must be a real pain in the arse, I don't think I'd have the patients for all that so may be I'm better of stick to odd race here and there

RMR · 16 Aug 2002, 12:26 (Ref:359054)

Yeap im the same sitting at work wishing I was out on the track. Today im not being very productive, just thinking about Brands tomorrow.........

BennyBoy1978 · 16 Aug 2002, 12:36 (Ref:359067)

lucky for some I've got to wait till september

BennyBoy1978 · 16 Aug 2002, 12:37 (Ref:359070)

but totally agree with the unproductive day at work

RMR · 16 Aug 2002, 12:41 (Ref:359076)

Long time to wait, its all about the money though isnt it. I usually have 1 race, 2 at a squeeze per month and like you say when they do come round you tend to look forward to it like a 8 year old at xmas.....or is it just me?

BennyBoy1978 · 16 Aug 2002, 12:53 (Ref:359095)

Nah its more like an 18 year old thats just been invited to the playboy mansion and told by the heff he can have what ever he like

RMR · 19 Aug 2002, 13:33 (Ref:361233)

Bennyboy, all that waiting is well worth it. Had so much fun at Brands in superb weather its just a shame I now too like you have to wait till september for the next outing. Ah well......back to work...

BennyBoy1978 · 19 Aug 2002, 13:44 (Ref:361244)

what did you race at Brands?

Yeah wasn't the weather fantasic hope it stays like this for a while

RMR · 19 Aug 2002, 13:56 (Ref:361255)

Race in the Southern FF champ on saturday. Had a great day, what made it more interesting for me is that i've never driven round Brands before!! Qualified 0.5 sec behind Champ leader which really made me happy. Cant see the weather staying though. What do you Race?

BennyBoy1978 · 19 Aug 2002, 14:44 (Ref:361293)

Karts at the moment although am looking at possible moving on to do the Southern FF Championship funnily

RMR · 19 Aug 2002, 14:56 (Ref:361301)

First Race in the SFFC, normally in the Combe FF1600. Combe is much more competitive and has more cars, but you probably seen looking at some of the threads that its very political and there are alot of racers/teams that take it far too seriously, hence why i'v opted out and joined SFFC to which seems much friendly and enjoyable. Def a good champ to be in.

BennyBoy1978 · 19 Aug 2002, 15:10 (Ref:361317)

Yeah I hear its quite good I think I might have to go down and take a look at the next race.

Do you happen to know when it is?

RMR · 19 Aug 2002, 15:18 (Ref:361321)

Next SFFC is 22ndish Sept at Snett. Next Combe FF is this weekend. If not When the Festival is on at brands in october there is a 'king of the kents?' tournament on that will be worth watching.

BennyBoy1978 · 19 Aug 2002, 15:26 (Ref:361328)

I was gonna go to Donni that weekend see the final round of the F3

But I be at the festival for sure this year!

DAVID PATERSON · 26 Aug 2002, 11:13 (Ref:365905)

I'm a club racer, I've never been sponsored and i've never actually sought sponsorship. My job is very demanding and I don't enjoy being part of the corporate world at all. I agree with Mr Mallett, that to get and keep sponsors, you have to set up and run your race team like a business. Now, why would I change the one thing that i really enjoy, to make it just like what i'm trying to get awy from?

Back to the original question, I race 7 to 8 times a year and i count the days, i can't sleep the night before, I'm just too excited. The 8 year old at Christmas analogy is spot on.

Buckshot · 27 Aug 2002, 00:17 (Ref:366331)

I hope you guys all realise how lucky you are to beable to race. Unfortunately I lack the funds and probably the ability to do so !

Best of luck to all of you in your future races !

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