Having A Financial Racing Plan
This will be a more personal entry than most…some introspection.
In these last few weeks a number of my entries have been about financial issues in racing. Bottom line – even with a strong desire to become a racer, it takes money above and beyond that which you already spend on your monthly household & family obligations. Also, you need negotiation skills. These come in handy and are very essential when you are married. Sharing is important & this is where informed consent comes in. Some say it is easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. I tend to err on the permission side.
My racing plans this year are to continue in blogger mode at most autocross events & others. My ‘Big White Whale‘ (2000 Nissan Maxima SE) is not an appropriate autocrossing vehicle. So, putting more money into it for autocross optimization would not make sense. I need to get it in sellable condition and get something more appropriate. In the meantime, I’m thinking it would be good to get a couple of chances to co-drive in somebody elses Mazda Miata (like I did with Jerry, last year).
I’d also like to get further involved in amateur road racing events. Getting to know Ryan (of Cutting Edge Racing) has been a good start. With this there is an important commitment to a few relatively long weekend roadtrip(s), to assist & crew as needed & learn what it’s all about through osmosis.
In my personal life there are going to be some employment and weekly schedule changes & challenges. In mid-February I will be starting a better paying, new position in the IT (Information Technology) industry, at another company. After a few months I will be on some sort of rotating schedule, as the service provided by my new employer is 24/7/365. This has allowed & necessitated me to quit & no longer need my part-time limousine driving job on Saturdays (hooray!).
So, as you can see, much will be happening in the next 3+ months that will be better for my family & eventually be better for me & my goal:
Go from wannabe racer to successful racing competitor!
Racing Ready supports positive change in the attainment of your life’s goals, whether they be racing related, or otherwise.
Dan
P.S. – Tomorrow, I’ll be at the autocross before the Super Bowl…
