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Written by:
James Hunt
05/13/2008 - 12:25 PM
Simi Valley, CA
KONI driver James Hunt is learning to deal with the ups and downs that mark the life of a young racecar driver. ยป More Photos
I've been told my entire life that I couldn’t make it as a professional driver because it costs too much (no “trust-fund baby” here); I didn’t start early enough; you can’t make a career out of driving; and, lets not forget the ever popular: it’s too dangerous (that’s for you Mom). No one ever said it would be easy; but so far making it as a professional driver has proven to be downright arduous! Every day in the life of a young driver trying to make his way into the industry is filled with MASSIVE ups and downs.
Previously, I had written about how crucial Momentum is to a driver’s career both on and off track. I’m learning that maintaining good momentum off track on the mental, emotional and physical side can be just as challenging as maintaining momentum behind the wheel. The key, I have found, is learning how to weather the storm by staying positive at all costs and constantly trying to temper my excitement!
Ever since I was a kid, I have always been an extremely enthusiastic person and constantly optimistic. I am definitely one that sees the glass half-full, so if I’m not smiling you know something is seriously wrong.
This past week I have learned that my overt optimism comes at a price. My most recently downfall has been taking potential opportunities/ good news and run with it as if it were a guarantee. Unfortunately, I get myself so worked up that when something falls through I get really bummed out. Take last week for example. One day the news is good; the next it’s bad. Sometimes the bad overshadow the good within the hour!
In racing, talent guarantees you nothing. Racing is a business, and needs to be treated as such, especially from the driver’s side. No longer does being a “hot shoe” guarantee you a career in professional motorsports. A driver needs to be blindingly fast out of the box, articulate, clean-cut and a solid brand/ team representative on and off the track. Basically, a driver has to be the “full package” and he still might not make it! As such, I have started applying the lessons I have learned from working in Corporate America and applying them directly to my company, James Hunt Racing, LLC, as well as what I’m trying to do as a driver.
As a result, I have come to find that deals in the racing world are similar to those of the corporate world: last minute! I addition, a substantial amount of groundwork and luck have to come together simultaneously for a deal to be signed or a mutually beneficial partnership to be formed. Finding a team that can provide such an opportunity so as to help a driver’s long-term career development has been extremely difficult. Teams will promise you the world, only to pull the rug out from under you when the situation changes. You could be seconds per lap faster than another driver, but if he can stroke a check for $100,000+ without batting an eye, you lost your seat!
The ride doesn’t stop there. Grand Am being an endurance series requires
In keeping with my previously mentioned enthusiasm and optimism, however, there were some unquestionable highlights this week (plus, I don’t want to leave you on a sour note because at the end of the day I’m pursuing my life long dream which is, in a word, AWESOME!). Along those lines, the final episode of “Setup,” the racing reality TV show that I participated in a few months back, aired the final episode on SPEED. I can safely say that the final race was as incredible to watch as it was to drive! I was on the edge of my seat (despite knowing the outcome).
For those of you that missed the show, earlier that day I was placed in a shoot-out against another driver to see who would move onto the final race. The shoot-out format was 4 warm-up laps with 2 timed laps; fastest time keeps the car and earns the chance to race in the final 50 lapper. Following my run, the other driver was kind enough to crash my car on his 3rd warm-up lap and walk away with no remorse! It wasn’t even a timed lap! After he crashed, my #58 KONI car was never the same. I’d say we were able to get it back to about 85% of what it was when I drove it first thing in the morning. With all that chaos occurring mere hours before the final race, I am very pleased and proud of my 2nd place finish overall.
Also on the positive side of things, discussion with APR Motorsport and other teams continues. APR Motorsport in particular has been incredibly professional and a true joy to work with. I have also started to work with a design company on T-shirts and Hats to help promote James Hunt Racing, LLC and my burgeoning career as a professional driver.
In closing, everyone is NOT a race car driver because it is damn near impossible to make it without the Fort Knox behind you. I’m learning at an exponential rate and have developed a thick skin towards setbacks. I have always enjoyed a good challenge and this is by far the biggest one I have encountered in my entire life!
So, surprisingly, I'm still standing, breathing and accelerating, so let’s race!
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