I didn't touch a race car until I was 32 years old. Here's exactly how I went from total beginner to full-season national series racer—and what each step actually costs.
Absolutely. I didn't touch a race car until I was 32 years old (3 years ago). A friend invited me to co-drive his $500 endurance car, and that one weekend changed my life. Today, I race in a national spec series and sponsor my own car and team through my business.
If you've been dreaming of getting on track but don't know where to start, here's exactly how I did it—from first-timer to full-season racer.
Best for: Total beginners who want hands-on racing experience
Cost estimate: ~$4,000 (including gear, car rental, and entry fees)
I started by co-driving in a 15-hour endurance race with a $500 car. This kind of grassroots racing is inexpensive, high adrenaline, and a great first step.
Check out: 24 Hours of Lemons · Champ Car
Big takeaway: I walked away feeling mentally clear and energized—racing took up 100% of my mental bandwidth, in the best way. Go to a local track and hang out and try to make a friend that will let you rent a seat in their car.
Best for: Drivers who want a taste of track life
Cost estimate: $200–$500
I called up Harris Hill Raceway in Austin, TX and paid $200 for a track day. They even included a complimentary lesson. I used my daily driver, and it opened my eyes to what my car (and I) were capable of.
Pro tip: Some tracks offer guest passes or trial memberships. Just ask.
Best for: Building track skills in a safe, structured way
Cost estimate: $1,000–$1,500/weekend
I joined Edge Addicts at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) with my street car several times in 2023. HPDEs include classroom time, on-track sessions, and in-car instruction. You start with a coach and eventually graduate to solo driving.
Also check out: Chin Track Days which run HPDEs across the United States.
Bonus: HPDEs use point-by passing, so you control when others pass—great for safety and learning.
Best for: Fast-tracking your race craft
Cost estimate: ~$5,000 for a 3-day program
I did the 3-day Skip Barber Racing School in a Formula 4 car. After sim-driving the track at home, doing it in real life was surreal—and incredibly valuable.
Best for: Amateur racers looking to compete
Cost estimate: $20,000–$40,000 per season
I joined NASA and raced my Ginetta G56 GTA in full competition. Costs vary depending on tire usage—some stretch one set for five events, while I use two per weekend for peak performance.
Heads-up: After a 40-minute race, it's exhausting—my car was 140°F inside. Hydration is key.
Best for: Driver-focused competition in identical cars
Cost estimate: $86,000–$150,000 per season
The Ginetta Challenge is where I currently race. Every driver uses the same car, so performance is all about skill. We visit legendary tracks like Watkins Glen, VIR, and Road Atlanta.
Fun fact: This was my first time on slick tires. They're stickier, faster, and surprisingly intuitive once you adapt.
If you're looking for the absolute best bang for your racing dollar, it's hard to beat the Ginetta Challenge. For around $86,000–$150,000 per season, you get to race a legit purpose-built race car (the Ginetta G56 GTA) at bucket list tracks like Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta, VIR, Barber, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The cars are identical, so it's all about driver skill—not who can spend the most on car mods or engineering.
You get real wheel-to-wheel racing without the seven-figure price tag. I've done endurance racing, HPDEs, club racing, even pro racing school—and the Ginetta series has been the most exciting, competitive, and rewarding racing I've ever done.
Best for: Kids
Cost estimate: ~$100,000+ per season
After Skip Barber, I considered racing in Formula 4—but my coach pointed out it's mainly for 13–17-year-olds. While adults can race, it may not be the most practical path unless you're aiming for a full career switch.
Alternate route: Sports car racing like Ginetta is a better fit for most adults.
Best for: Advanced drivers who want to drive a world class car for a fraction of the IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup cost
Cost estimate: $500k
Best for: Advanced drivers with serious goals
Cost estimate: ~$700,000 (full season)
I had a competitor in the Ginetta series last year who made the jump to Lamborghini Super Trofeo this season. A full season runs about $700,000, but there's an option to share the car with another driver—which could cut that number nearly in half. The series runs with IMSA, and it's considered one of the premier one-make GT racing series in the world.
Best for: Advanced drivers with serious goals
Cost estimate: $1M–$1.5M (full season)
This series is incredibly competitive and professionally run, with some of the best teams and drivers in the country. A full season in Carrera Cup can cost between $1 million and $1.5 million—that wide range is mostly due to tire usage and testing.
I've been racing for just 3 years. I'm 35 now. I didn't have a racing background or family money. What I did have was a business.
I built a real estate empire and also DealMachine—a top tool for real estate investors—in order to eventually sponsor my own racing.
If you want to race, build a business that funds your dream.
If this helped or inspired you, follow along—I'll be sharing more insights on racing, business, and building a life you don't need a vacation from.
See you at the track.