[msn]

how to be factory driver?
do we pay for it?
or....waited to be scouted?

i really dont understand this process...and how much i would like to understand it.
i do know one or two that pays for a status of a "factory driver" and its not cheap at all.but they have the fund....
but what about those who dont have the same amount of fund as they are?
bite our nails and hoping for a falling star?

[RocK]

how to be factory driver?
win, win and have lots of wins. grab a few titles in/and around your region.

do we pay for it?
mostly from Asia, all are paid drive. unless youre that good.

or....waited to be scouted?
you need to be winning in Europe to have eye balls on you.

[James Leong]

In Europe if one is a good driver with potentials, then some of the factory teams would probably invite the driver to drive for them. Usually, these drivers will be under contract and would be paid for their services. They would usually stay with the factory throughout the contract and when not racing will help out on the factory floor like doing assembly of karts etc.

In Asia, since there are no manufacturer or factory teams, drivers who want to drive under a particular racing team would have to pay for it. There may be circumstances where a racing team (normally those who are crazy in the sport) would give a free ride to a driver but evn then the driver should possess some ability of driving skill.

One good example here in Malaysia is Mikko Nassi where he is given a complete free ride with my team. He has good driving skill and able to perform in any situation. He has driven for me in 2007 and now he is still under contract with me for 2008. I am on the lookout for good drivers and if I think they will be an asset to the team I would offer them the free ride. Again this is limited to what budgets we have.

Sadly, there are very few teams in Malaysia who would give a complete free ride to anyone. This boils down to money. Sponsors are not available and not many are idiots like me who would put out money for someone to drive. I really gets a lot of pleasure seeing someone who can drive well and be able to make a name for themselves.

I am scouting for 2 drivers to test drive the Formula Renault and if they are good would like to offer a one year ride. Big money involved but this will be the progression from karting to single seater.

James Leong

[RocK]

agree on the manufacturer part. In Asia we need the help from local racing teams.

He has driven for me in 2007 and now he is still under contract with me for 2008.

free ride only or with pay too? also does he keep the trophy and cash prizes?

[Mikko Nassi]

Yeah for Factory drives in general you have to pay unless you've really caught the attention of the team and really know how to drive. Many factory teams in Europe might have 1-2 drivers which are paid or fully sponsored - and then a few drivers that pay for the priviledge.

The situation is similar or perhaps a bit better than in single-seater car racing (before GP2 and F1) - hardly any team will give free rides.

One thing to remember as well is that rarely does a team just approach a driver and ask them to drive for them - the driver has to do his part in networking and showing that he is interested in driving for a particular team. If you establish a good relationship with team personnel you will be the driver they think of when a spot opens up.

not many are idiots like me who would put out money for someone to drive.

I for one would say that you are not an idiot.

RocK James takes very good care of my trophies0 .... as for prize money there hasn't been any.

[Jules]

I am on the lookout for good drivers and if I think they will be an asset to the team I would offer them the free ride. James Leong

James,

if you ever need a senior driver ( in age ) to compete in veteran or master class......CALL ME. My Driving skill? - okay, consistent enough, competitive and a never give up attitude!

Mikko knows me well enough and hopefully put in a good word to you! LOL

In addition, I can assure you I am passionate of the sport, like you and very keen to see the sport progress, and the young drivers be guided correctly with progression in mind.

You might not be able to put a face to me yet but we have met before...

cheers.

[James Leong]

Jules, do give me a call and see what we can work out. Maybe we can offer you a drive in other ways. You know how to contact me I assume.

James Leong

[RocK]

as for prize money there hasn't been any.

ah i find that hard to believe..

[James Leong]

All over the world the trend is following no prize money. In the case of the RMC/AMC series, no prize money is given because it is an amateur race. All RMC in the free world follow this rule.

The race in KB which is sponsored by the Kelantan State Government to celebrate the birthday of His Royal Highness, is giving prize money. This is because the government want to do it.

So how many entries can we expect from Brunei???

James Leong

[RocK]

oh i didnt know that. i tho maybe a few hundred or something.

So how many entries can we expect from Brunei???

just realize its the same weekend with Brunei local series. doubtful any will go to KB.

[Tony Lee]

In Europe if one is a good driver with potentials, then some of the factory teams would probably invite the driver to drive for them. Usually, these drivers will be under contract and would be paid for their services. They would usually stay with the factory throughout the contract and when not racing will help out on the factory floor like doing assembly of karts etc.

Yes James over there you have to be very good or lucky. I was lucky as I was already working for a manufacturer (Zip) and definitely no money here, just free use of chassis and tyres for every race meet including engine rebuild. We had a saying then among our fellow racers "we are in it for the glory" (and the girls of course)!!!

[Jules]

Jules, do give me a call and see what we can work out. Maybe we can offer you a drive in other ways. You know how to contact me I assume.

James Leong

Thanks James, for reply and offer for a chat.

Will do when I am bit firm on my commitments this year. Yes, I can get your number from Wai Leong or Mikko for that matter.

Cheers.

[Alex Ritchie]

I don't think money is the most important criterion. There are lots of very good drivers who have the money to pay for a factory drive. The ones that the factories choose have talent, skill and money...

[Alex Ritchie]

In Asia, since there are no manufacturer or factory teams, drivers who want to drive under a particular racing team would have to pay for it. There may be circumstances where a racing team (normally those who are crazy in the sport) would give a free ride to a driver but evn then the driver should possess some ability of driving skill.

James Leong

Mikko qualified 14th in Senior Max at Al Ain and was the fastest Asian.

Then he bent his chassis in Heat 1 and that basically ended any chance of progressing in his World Final adventure.