By Chris Tropea
Jun 28, 2023
Tired of just watching race cars zoom by on your TV screen? Want to be a part of the action on or off the track? Good news: it’s now easier than ever to get involved in motorsports.
We talk with IMSA President John Doonan to learn what options are available for enthusiasts–whether you have a race car or not.
Presented by CRC Industries.
6/17/22 1:45 p.m.
John definitely knows what it's like to shag cones, wave flags or get a car through impound. Good info.
6/17/22 3:41 p.m.
The "how many crew chiefs started sweeping floors" question reminded me of Caterham F1 team's executive director coming directly from sweeping floors because he was formerly a famous futbol-er, and some higher-up saw him and decided he needed a high-ranking job on the spot:
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/motor-sport/paddock-chat-meet-the-man-who-went-from-janitor-to-top-dog-at-caterham/news-story/d90e900c7f10c8053274ceb1e047e9ea
6/17/22 5:27 p.m.
FWIW, I started here as the E36 M3 kid. (I might still have that title, come to think of it.)
6/17/22 6:41 p.m.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
Are you saying you couldn't make it as a punker??
(Vandals reference for those of you who don't know)
6/17/22 7:26 p.m.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
On a serious note I used to drag the formula 500 to a careers on wheels days at one of our local schools: I'd give them a whole list of careers other than "race car driver" in an effort to expand their definition on what a career in motorsports means.
6/17/22 8:49 p.m.
In reply to Tom1200 :
Mazda's racing program, under Doonan, used to visit high school STEM programs when in town. I joined them when they were here at Daytona. They talked about driving–the fitness/nutrition side–but also aero, fuel, etc. I knew one of the science teachers. She said it was so helpful.
6/17/22 10:39 p.m.
The last school I coached at had two HAAS CNC machines for their STEM program. If I hadn't sold off my Spec Miata and moved to crapcan racing by then...
6/17/22 10:55 p.m.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I would bring various parts my machinist fabracator friend made up and gave then a brief expala tion of what they were. We had just enough time to an overview of the type of ways one could make a living. I always wore my PCA instructor shirt as that seemed to give me street cred.
6/17/22 10:59 p.m.
In reply to Tom1200 :
No, I wasn't that cool back then. Still aren't that cool. (Although, FWIW, I am wearing an Adolescents T-shirt right now.)
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