Story shared by Jason Pettit. For more info on Jason, visit: http://jasonpettit46.com/ (Jason is currently 2nd in points in the FS Championship)My Introduction to Racing
Ever since I was first introduced to racing, I always had the end goal of becoming a professional race car driver and making a living off of the hobby that I love so much. However, when I was younger, I had no idea how much work outside of just driving, being a race car driver can be. At the time I believed that if I just kept racing and won, that soon enough I would sign to a professional formula one team and it would be smooth sailing from there. Unfortunately, I later figured out that isn’t how racing always works and this may just stay as a hobby until I start college and eventually get a day job. After 13 years of karting I have learned and achieved so much thanks to all of the people around me, but have come to a realization that if I ever do want to make it as a professional driver, I need to somehow make the transition to car racing now.
This is a tough situation many of us kart racers come to, and many of us have no clue what to do. Luckily, right around this same time, my dad discovered an article on FaceBook about the 2018 VMB Driver Development shootout, which helps to sponsor young racers trying to race cars, and he told me right away to submit an application. I was then accepted into the shootout, and got my first ever laps in a racecar, but unfortunately wasn’t selected.
Knowing how great of an opportunity this was, I was definitely a little bummed, but my parents told me I should submit another application for next year and try again. So I took their advice and submitted another application, and to my surprise, all of the team members and sponsors were excited to have me back. Going into this a second time, I was much more confident and felt more comfortable in the car, receiving coaching, and being interviewed. After a few days I was back in my dorm room and received the good news of being selected as the winner, and with it came some hope that this dream could eventually become a reality.
Fast Forward to Now
My first race in the FormulaSPEED car at Laguna Seca started approaching quickly. After a test day in the car at Sonoma Raceway working with some of the guys at World Speed, I began to feel a lot more comfortable. I knew I was well prepared for the race coming up, but still couldn’t help but feel some of the nerves. Once I was out on track for practice I immediately fell in love with the beautiful circuit and became more confident in myself as the day went on. Throughout the weekend I continued improving and started to learn more about the balance of the car. The feeling of driving this car is definitely different than what I am used to in the kart! I eventually finished second both days, which usually would be slightly disappointing for me, but it wasn’t this weekend. I learned so much and wouldn’t have wanted the weekend to play out any other way. This season is all about learning for me, from inside the car to all of the work needed off track for support. A few years ago I didn’t know if being behind the wheel of a race car would ever happen, now I am just doing my best to continue this dream! If you would like to partner with me and help me establish a professional racing career you can email me at jtpkart46@gmail.com or 925-588-3464.
You can learn more about Jason, and the VMB Scholarship here…