In Chapter 2 of our six-part series with Skip Barber Racing School, we’re delving into the important transition from karting to cars, a crucial milestone in a racing driver’s journey to success. This chapter will highlight the transformative experiences and processes that mold aspiring drivers into future champions.
We spoke with Alex Garcia, who competes with the No. 14 Skip Barber Racing Honda Civic Si FE1 in the TCA Class of the TC America Powered by Skip Barber Racing School championship, to hear a first-hand story of the experiences of a racing driver who has risen through the ranks.
When asked about how he first became involved in racing, Gargia explained that “my family has always been interested in cars. As we got older, my brother was the one who introduced me to racing when he first started go-karting, which I then took on as well with him.”
Garcia was embedded in the world of karting for two years before trying his hand at track events. From there, his love for the sport only continued to grow, along with his skills.
“The biggest aspects that transferred over from karting to racing would be the patience and the skill set that karting helps you build,” Garcia explained. “Karting helps you learn the fundamentals of racing that you will continue to need in any racing series. It all goes hand-in-hand with each other.”
Karting not only provides drivers with the foundation and background knowledge to carry drivers into their next venture, it also enables them to continue to hone their skills, even after they have progressed onto more advanced machinery.
“I still go karting every now and then on the weekends just to keep myself up to date,” said Garcia. “It helps me focus on my skills, look over some data, and continue to gain experience as I try to perfect my craft.”
There are elements in karting that drivers will use throughout each and every lap, no matter what they are driving. As taught in Skip Barber Racing School track sessions, aspiring racers must learn how to carry momentum through corners in order to ensure good exit speed. As Garcia came to the realization that he wanted to progress to the next level, he enrolled in SBRS’s three-day racing school program.
“I learned the basics through karting, but transitioning over to a car was very different,” he added. “When I decided that I wanted to do professional racing, I joined the Skip Barber Racing School to get my competition license, and they really taught me all the fundamentals of circuit racing, how the suspension affects the car, as well as tire wear and brake management.”
“This is a great opportunity for young drivers, like me, who started in karting and want to transition over to actual professional racing,” he continued. “Skip Barber Racing School has a great team and fantastic program. You are provided with all the tools you need, from coaches, to engineers, they will have everything for you. I completed their racing school program about four years ago, and to be under their umbrella racing for them all these years later is more than I could have ever asked for.”
Stay tuned for Chapter 3, which will focus on the intricacies of racecraft and its overall importance and direct impact on performance.