So you want to be a race car driver?

So you want to be a race car driver?
by Tami Eggleston - DrivingSecrets.com

Who doesn't watch Jeff Gordon or John Force and say, "Wow, cool, I want to do that!"?

A lot of people probably want to be a race car driver or they currently are driving a race car and want to be a better a race car driver. As a psychologist who has been involved with racing my entire life, I have a few ideas on how to be a better race car driver, but in my first post, I want to start with Commitment!

Currently my husband, Mike, drives the Tuff Paw Aluminum dragster in IHRA QR/NHRA SC and a variety of bracket races. I am the crew chief (and sport psychologist). I think the most important characteristic of a successful race car driver is Commitment. To be the best at anything that you do, you have to make a complete commitment to the activity. I don't think it really matters if you are talking about NASCAR, drag racing, golf, education, marriage, etc., if you want to be successful you better be ready to show up and try your best and that means all of the time! Racing may look like a lot of fun (and it is) but it is equal parts hard word and sacrifice. Racing takes 100% commitment in terms of time, money, and effort. If you are thinking about being a race car driver ask yourself if you are willing to commit completely. Are you willing to give up most of your free time to spend working on making the car and yourself better? Are you willing to work hard when other people are taking it easy? Are you willing to sacrifice other material things for the racing? If you are a race car driver, are you ready to make the commitment to yourself and to your racing to be the best racer that you can be?
If so, check back on this Blog weekly to learn more about what it takes to be a successful driver.