May 2023 Motorsports Guides – How to Start Racing at 19 and Build an IndyCar Team

Welcome to the May 2023 archive of Fenn Motorsports Hub. In this roundup we break down two fresh how‑to guides that many fans asked for: getting into motorsport as a 19‑year‑old and the basics of forming an IndyCar team. Both pieces give you straight‑forward steps you can start using right now.

Starting Your Racing Career at 19

If you’re 19 and dreaming of a racing seat, the first thing to sort is a competition licence. In the UK that means a National B Licence from the MSA – you’ll need a medical check, a short theory test, and a few hours of track time with an approved instructor. Grab a seat at a local racing school or club; many offer beginner packages that cover the licence cost and a few practice runs.

Next, think gear. A solid helmet, fire‑proof suit, gloves, and boots are non‑negotiable. You don’t have to buy a race car right away – most schools let you rent a go‑kart or a junior formula car for training. Use that time to learn car control, braking points, and race lines. The more laps you log, the quicker you’ll feel comfortable.

Networking is a hidden powerhouse. Attend local race weekends, talk to other drivers, and join online forums. You’ll hear about seat openings, sponsor leads, and maybe a mentor who’ll give you a lift on the track. Speaking of sponsors, start a simple social media page that showcases your progress. Brands love fresh faces, especially if you can promise exposure at events.

Finally, set a realistic budget. Licence fees, safety gear, track days, and travel add up fast. A modest yearly plan of £3,000‑£5,000 can get you through the first season in a junior series. Keep track of every expense and adjust as you learn what you need most.

Launching Your Own IndyCar Team

Dreaming of an IndyCar team? The road is longer but doable if you break it into bite‑size chunks. First, write a business plan. List all costs: chassis purchase, engine lease, crew salaries, travel, and race entry fees. A single‑car operation can easily top £2 million per season, so knowing your cash flow is crucial before you chase sponsors.

Secure sponsorship early. Companies want visibility, so package your team’s story, target audience, and media plan into a professional pitch deck. Highlight any unique angles – maybe you’re a youth‑focused team or you have a strong community backing.

Build your crew. You’ll need a team manager, engineers, mechanics, and a driver. Look for people who already have IndyCar or lower‑formula experience. A seasoned engineer can shave seconds off lap times and prevent costly mistakes.

Once the crew and budget are in place, register with IndyCar. The series has a rigorous entry process: you must meet technical regulations, provide proof of insurance, and pass a series of inspections. Don’t skip the paperwork – a missed deadline can stall the whole project.

Finally, test, test, test. Before the first race, run extensive shakedowns at a partner facility. Use the data to fine‑tune set‑up, practice pit stops, and build team chemistry. The more you rehearse, the smoother the race weekend will be.

Both guides share a common theme: start small, plan everything, and keep learning. Whether you’re behind the wheel at 19 or behind the pit wall as a team owner, the steps above give you a clear path forward. Got questions? Drop a comment and the Fenn Motorsports Hub community will help you out.