How much money do I need to start my racing career in India?

Aug, 1 2023

Getting Your Engine Running

Jumping into the fast-paced world of race car driving is not exactly like learning how to ride a bike. It’s thrilling, death-defying, and expensive. Oh boy, is it expensive. I’m talking more than just-been-on-a-spending-spree-at-a-shoes-sale expensive. Like seriously, guys, if you were planning to keep those wallet cobwebs intact, you might need to rethink that. But fear not budding Michael Schumachers of India, this Aussie has got your back to guide you on this rocky road.

The Ins and Outs of Motor Racing School

First things first, we’ve got to get you strapped in and ready to burn rubber in no time. For this, you will need to attend a motor racing school. Now, I'm not talking Hogwarts for speed demons, but a certified institution where you can learn your vroom-vroom ABCs. They’ll teach you how to drift without making that dreaded scrape noise— something my golden retriever, Sandy, absolutely despises every time I have a go in my backyard. Trust me, nothing sends her into a barking frenzy faster than the sound of metal kissing tarmac. These institutions can charge anywhere from INR 150000 to 200000. But hey, don't be disheartened! They do equip you with the necessary skills to handle a speed machine confidently. You'll learn the difference between a throttle and a brake, how to handle a spin-out and why it's crucial to always get the best out of every pit stop. You'll essentially become a master of the racing course.

Driving License and Registration

The next phase in commencing your racing career in India is getting your hands on a driving license and registration. I promise the cost ain't equivalent to a trip to the moon, but it’ll definitely make a noticeable dent in your savings account. Your FMSCI (Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India) Racing License will set you back INR 7000 or so while registration fees can hit around INR 5000. That's about 12000 rupees lighter for your wallet, nearly as painful as when I accidentally set my BBQ grill on fire, rested next to my new Timber deck- experienced a new kind of barbeque, a "Timberque", if you will. Anyway, back to licenses: remember it may take some time to get all the paperwork done, so have patience, my speed-loving friends.

The Ride Requirement

Now that you're set up with your license, it's high-time you got your own ride. I'm not talking aboout a Cinderella-like pimped-up pumpkin, but a racy machine that will make your heart pound just looking at it. Depending on your chosen form of motor racing—stock, sports car, or open-wheel—your new four-wheeled best friend can cost between INR 5 lakhs to 1 crore. Yes folks, you heard me right. But on the bright side, we'll finally have a reason to explain those late-night eBay auction bidding wars on vintage car figurines to our significant others, right? In my case, explaining to Sandy why I spend half my time at the garage is always a fun game. She dives in headfirst into my pile of wrenches, convinced the world's most elusive bone is buried in there somewhere.

Shaking Your Money Maker

The race track isn't only about the speed, the thrill, and the bragging rights—it's also about making some dough. Your initial years in racing will require you to be on the lookout for sponsorship, but don't get too down if corporations don't come calling after your first race. Keep at it. Most successful racers tell stories of years of perseverance before they landed their major sponsor and started to see returns on their investments. Major racing events can pack generous prize money upwards of INR 10 lakhs, which can help soothe that burning hole in your wallet.

Routine Maintenance and Repair

Finally, racing isn't just about getting behind the wheel and letting 'er rip. Maintaining your racing car is equally important, and if you're running on a budget, you need to have a good understanding of how to keep your machine in top nick. The reality is, when you’re speeding along at no-man's land, things will break. I once had a tire blowout while racing in Perth. I wouldn't wish that experience on my worst enemy- and that includes the neighbour's cat, Fluffy. Routine maintenance costs will range between INR 50000 to 100000 per year, depending on how frequently you race and the extent of the wear and tear.

To wrap it up, the costs will be substantial, no doubt about that. But keep in mind, the rewards can be immense too. Racing cars are not just a hobby, but a passion. It is the thrill of speed, the smell of burning rubber, and the roar of engines that draws us in. So to all my speed enthusiast friends in India, start your engines, and let's hit the race track!