The business of racing.
It takes a lot of people to keep the circus that is racing on the road. From the guys back at the shop to the truck driver getting the rig from event to event the average race team can consist of between 7 and 15 different employees. That doesn’t even count the specialty support from suspension and tire companies and the gear and goggle guys. Bring media and promoters into the mix, and there is a micro-community putting on the show you watch on Saturday night.
How do you get into the business? It must be great; you get to go to all of the races and probably ride all the time. Sign me up!
Hold on a minute; it’s all not fun and games. Here are a couple of misconceptions associated with working in the business of racing.
You get to see all of the races: Certainly, you do get to go to the races but remember it’s work. You won’t get to see all of the racing. You might be back at the truck tearing down the awning or cleaning bikes.
You travel the country: While this is true, you usually get to see its airport to airport and hotel to hotel. A Marriott Courtyard in California looks just like one in New York. Plus those early morning flights are really difficult after a long weekend.
You work with the best athletes in the sport: Yes you do. But just like your job, people don’t always get along. Except you might be stuck in a rent-a-car with that person driving from Utica to Unadilla.
You get to ride all of the time: Nope. For most people in the industry, you’ll actually ride less.
Still want to work in the industry? I can’t blame you. Because aside from the downfalls, and every job has them, working in the business of racing is amazing. You’ll ask how do I get a job in the business. That is where it gets much more difficult and depends on where you fit into the community. Determining where you fit in will determine the path, and over the course of this website we’ll talk with people that have those jobs, ask them how they got there and see if they have any advice for you.
In the meantime keep an eye on websites like Motorcycle Industry Jobs or Malakye and see if there is anything interesting. Take a look at the requirements and see where you fall short and then get those skills. Good Luck and thanks for reading.
As always the ideas expressed above are my own, and I make no claims to the success or failure of implementing them. They are suggestions to make you think. Please vet all ideas against your personal goals before implementing them.
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