You need racing experience, a racing license, and connections to teams—not just raw speed

Becoming a NASCAR driver is not a single step but a progression through smaller racing series, each one requiring you to prove yourself against faster competition and build relationships with team owners and sponsors. Most drivers start in local or regional racing in their teens, move through NASCAR's lower series (Craftsman Truck Series, Xfinity Series) in their twenties, and reach the Cup Series—the top level—in their late twenties or thirties, if at all. The path takes years, costs money even at lower levels, and depends partly on talent and partly on finding people willing to fund your climb.

Key Takeaways

  • Start racing in local or regional series (go-karts, late models, or short-track stock cars) before age 20 to build the experience teams expect.
  • Obtain a NASCAR racing license by completing a safety course and passing a written test, which costs a few hundred dollars and takes one day.
  • Move through NASCAR's lower series—the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series—where you race against future Cup Series drivers and attract sponsor attention.
  • Build relationships with team owners, crew chiefs, and sponsors throughout your racing career, because most Cup Series rides go to drivers with existing connections or funding.
  • Expect to spend tens of thousands of dollars annually on racing fees, equipment, and travel at every level below the Cup Series.

Start with local and regional racing before age 20

Most NASCAR drivers begin in go-kart racing between ages 8 and 12, then move to late-model stock cars or short-track racing by their mid-teens. This is where you learn racecraft—how to handle a car at the edge of grip, how to pass safely, how to read other drivers, and how to stay calm under pressure. Teams and sponsors look for drivers with 5 to 10 years of racing history before they consider them for professional series.

Go-kart racing exists in nearly every state and costs $3,000 to $8,000 per season for entry fees, fuel, maintenance, and travel. Late-model stock car racing at short tracks (typically quarter-mile or half-mile ovals) costs $15,000 to $40,000 per season depending on how many races you run and whether you own or lease the car. Short-track racing is where scouts and team owners watch for talent, so racing frequently and finishing well matters more than racing at a single prestigious track.

If you start racing after age 20, you are behind most of your competition, but not disqualified. Some drivers come from other motorsports—open-wheel racing, road racing, or even motorcycle racing—and transition to stock cars in their twenties. The key is demonstrating that you can win races and handle pressure before you ask a team to invest in you.

Get your NASCAR racing license

A NASCAR racing license is a credential issued by NASCAR that allows you to compete in NASCAR-sanctioned events. It is not the same as a driver's license and does not require one, though most drivers have both. To obtain a NASCAR license, you must complete a one-day safety course (offered at various tracks and racing schools), pass a written test on NASCAR rules and safety procedures, and pay a fee—typically $300 to $500 depending on the course provider.

The safety course covers fire suppression systems in the car, how to exit a burning vehicle, proper helmet and suit use, and what to do if you crash or roll. The written test covers NASCAR rule book basics: what flags mean, how penalties work, and what you can and cannot do on track. Most people pass on the first attempt. After you pass, your license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

You can take the course at a NASCAR-sanctioned racing school or at some race tracks that offer it. The course is a requirement before you can race in any NASCAR series, including the lower regional series. Some racing schools bundle the safety course with driving instruction, which costs more but can be useful if you are new to racing.

Race in NASCAR's lower series to build your resume

NASCAR's professional racing structure has three national series below the Cup Series: the Craftsman Truck Series, the Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Drivers typically start in one of these series in their early twenties and spend 3 to 8 years racing at this level before moving to the Cup Series, if they move at all.

The Craftsman Truck Series races pickup trucks on full-size oval tracks (mostly 1 to 2 miles long) and runs about 23 races per season. The Xfinity Series races modified stock cars and runs about 33 races per season. Both series race at many of the same tracks as the Cup Series, so you get experience on the same surfaces and in front of the same crowds. Racing in these series costs $100,000 to $300,000 per season depending on whether you drive for a well-funded team or a smaller operation. Most drivers do not pay this directly—sponsors and team owners cover it—but you need to attract sponsors to race at all.

Success in the lower series means finishing in the top 10 in points, winning races, and attracting media attention. Teams and sponsors notice drivers who win consistently, who handle pressure in close races, and who communicate well with their crew. A driver who wins 5 to 10 races in a season in the Xfinity Series will get offers to move up to the Cup Series or to better-funded teams.

Find sponsors and build relationships with team owners

Sponsorship is how racing gets funded. A sponsor pays the team to put their logo on the car and to associate their brand with the driver. Sponsors range from large corporations (energy drinks, automotive parts companies, insurance firms) to regional businesses (car dealerships, construction companies, restaurants). At lower levels of racing, you may need to help find sponsors yourself by pitching local businesses on the exposure they will get.

Team owners decide which drivers get rides, and most of them choose drivers they already know or drivers who bring sponsorship money with them. Building relationships starts early: talking to crew chiefs at races, staying in touch with team owners after you race for them, and being professional and straightforward to work with. Drivers who are known for being difficult, who blame the car for poor finishes, or who do not communicate well with their crew have a harder time finding rides at higher levels.

Sponsorship also depends on your personal brand. Drivers who are active on social media, who do media appearances, and who are personable in interviews attract sponsors more easily. Some drivers hire agents or managers to handle sponsor relationships and team negotiations, which costs a percentage of what they earn but frees them to focus on racing.

Understand the financial reality of climbing the ladder

Racing costs money at every level. Even if a team covers your salary and car costs, you will need money for travel, equipment, and personal expenses. A driver racing in the Xfinity Series might spend $20,000 to $50,000 of their own money per season on top of what the team provides. Drivers in the Truck Series spend somewhat less, but still tens of thousands annually.

Some drivers fund their own racing through family wealth or by working other jobs. Others find sponsors early and rely on sponsorship money to cover costs. A few are so talented that teams invest in them without sponsorship, but this is rare. Most drivers spend their twenties racing in lower series while working part-time jobs, getting sponsors, or relying on family support.

The financial barrier is one reason why many talented drivers never reach the Cup Series. A driver who cannot afford to race 20 to 30 times per season in the Xfinity Series will not get the experience or visibility to attract a Cup Series ride. This is a real limitation of the sport and one reason why many Cup Series drivers come from racing families or wealthy backgrounds.

Know what happens if you reach the Cup Series

The NASCAR Cup Series is the top level of stock car racing, with 36 races per season at tracks across North America. Drivers who reach the Cup Series typically earn salaries from their teams (ranging from $500,000 to several million dollars per year depending on the team), plus bonuses for finishing well and winning races. Top drivers also earn money from personal sponsors, appearance fees, and merchandise.

A Cup Series ride is not may provide to last. Teams evaluate drivers based on performance, sponsorship, and chemistry with the crew. A driver who does not perform well or who loses sponsors may be replaced. Most drivers who reach the Cup Series stay for 5 to 15 years, though some have longer careers and some are out after one or two seasons.

Once you are in the Cup Series, your focus shifts from proving yourself to competing for wins and championships. The cars are faster, the competition is fiercer, and the pressure is higher. Drivers who succeed at this level are not just fast—they are mentally tough, adaptable, and able to work closely with their crew to improve the car throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to start racing as a kid to become a NASCAR driver?

Most successful NASCAR drivers started in go-karts or short-track racing before age 15, but it is not a hard requirement. Some drivers come from other racing series or start late and still reach the Cup Series. Starting young gives you more time to develop skills and build relationships, which is an advantage. Starting late is harder but not impossible if you progress quickly through the lower series.

How much does it cost to become a NASCAR driver?

Costs vary widely by level. Go-kart racing costs $3,000 to $8,000 per season. Short-track racing costs $15,000 to $40,000 per season. Racing in NASCAR's lower series costs $100,000 to $300,000 per season. Most drivers do not pay all of this themselves—sponsors and teams cover much of it—but you need to attract sponsors to race at all. Total cost from starting in go-karts to reaching the Cup Series can be $500,000 to $2 million or more over 10 to 15 years.

What if I am not fast enough to win races?

Not every driver who races in NASCAR's lower series reaches the Cup Series, and that is normal. Many drivers have long, successful careers racing in regional series or in the lower NASCAR series without ever reaching the top level. If you love racing and are competitive, you can have a rewarding career without reaching the Cup Series. Some drivers also transition into other roles in racing—crew chief, team owner, or broadcaster—after their driving career ends.

Can I get a NASCAR ride without sponsorship?

It is very difficult. Most teams need sponsorship money to fund their operations, and drivers who bring sponsors with them have an advantage. Some teams will invest in a driver they believe in without sponsorship, but this is rare and usually only happens if the driver has a strong track record in lower series. Building sponsorship relationships early in your career makes it much easier to move up.

What should I do right now if I want to become a NASCAR driver?

If you are under 15, start in go-kart racing at a local track. If you are 15 to 20, move to late-model stock cars or short-track racing. If you are over 20, look for a short-track racing program or a racing school that can get you up to speed quickly. At any age, focus on winning races, building relationships with other racers and team owners, and finding sponsors. Talk to drivers and crew chiefs at your local track about what it takes to move up.