So, you want to be leading the pack as you hit Turn 4 at Daytona, do you? Well, I recommend that you think smaller for now and hone your skills at your local tracks first. Build a name for yourself while building your experience behind the wheel of an actual race car, going wheel-to-wheel with 39 other racers doing more than 200 MPH. In our latest installment of what it takes to obtain a competition driver’s license from the biggest sanctioning bodies in the biggest racing series, RacingJunk is going to look at what it takes to obtain a NASCAR competition driver’s license.
There really is no single “NASCAR racing driver’s license.” Each series/sanctioning body under the NASCAR umbrella requires you to make a separate application to receive a license for the racing series they run, as well as declaring which series you wish to compete in. However, the application process for all of this is similar.
Step 1: Go See Your Doctor
Whether you want to rub fenders with your neighbors at your local dirt track or trade paint with the big boys at Daytona and Talladega, NASCAR wants to make sure you’re physically fit enough to do so without having a coronary while on track. This protects you, the spectators and NASCAR from problems.
Step 2: Fill Out and Submit the License Application
As I mentioned above, each series under the NASCAR umbrella has their own application for competition/participation licenses. I also mentioned that you should start small and local. Here’s the online application for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series that’s held at local tracks around the country. There’s also a link for renewals in all NASCAR-related series
All the information you’d expect to be asked for is asked for on the application. Name, age. Address. Contact info. Then you’re asked which series you want to compete in. You are allowed to compete in multiple series, but to the best of my knowledge you have to choose only one in which to be points eligible.
Then you’ll be asked about your racing experience, if any. What tracks have you raced at before? How well did you do? What type of track is it and how long is it? What series was it called (if any) and what horsepower level was it? You’ll need to provide contact info for a track-responsible party to verify this information (track steward, usually). Finally, for each track, you’ll be asked how you finished.
The application form then asks you about your accomplishments in racing. Did you receive a trophy at your local track? Set a record? If so, this section is where that info goes. Next, since far too many people like to pencil-whip stuff, you’ll have to supply NASCAR with the names and contact info of at least three people who will attest to your racing experience.
Finally, sign the form, print your name and date the form before scanning it and sending it in (email address linked below.) Remember, you’ve got to submit these forms at least two weeks before the event you want to compete in. So get on it now!
Step 2.5: The Minor’s Release
If you’re applying for a license for someone under 18, you’ll need to fill out and submit the Minor’s Release with all the other forms.
Step 3: Pay the Man
Of course, NASCAR makes this easy with an online remittance form to collect your credit card information. But you do have to print it out, since you have to sign it. The good thing is they let you email it.
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