Answers to Common Questions
How many drivers will be selected for the Shoot-Out?
While we do not have a set number, we expect to select between 30 to 40 talented drivers for this year's Shoot-Out. Last year RSWC picked 38 talented drivers, out of 715 resumes, to participate in the Shoot-Out. The year before it was 44 out of 751. We do not have a set number. We're simply looking for talent. Making it to the Shoot-Out is an accomplishment in itself.
How many Drivers will be selected from the Shoot-Out into the Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle NASCAR Driver Development Program?
Again, we do not a target number we're shooting for, nor do we have a limit. The deciding factor always come downs to talent. If we are impressed enough by a young driver to believe they have a real shot of being developed to a NASCAR career ... then we select them to be in our program. The final number selected has varied each year. It has ranged from five to 11. Last year, we choose 11 out of the 38 to add to our program.
What are the determining factors to being selected for Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle NASCAR Driver Development Program?
The first thing we will tell everyone it is not ... is money. If you asked the racers and families already in our program ... you would learn that for many of them ... their lack of money is their biggest issue. But if we believe in a Driver, we work with them to raise money they need to race and develop. One through 12 of the criteria we look at is listed on the first page of the tour.
How much does it cost to apply? What is the fee for the Shoot-Out?
There are no costs for a driver to apply. If selected for the Shoot-Out, there will be an $2500 fee for the driver to participate in the classes, tests and on-track driving in the race cars.
How many drivers will be awarded free spots in the Shoot-Out?
Six of the 30-40 Drivers will win free spots into the Shoot-Out. Supporting sponsors K&N Filters and Sunoco Racing Fuels are maintaining their participation from last year, and are funding six (6) free spots in the Shoot Out to be awarded to winning young drivers age 11 to 20 from Youth Racing such as Karts, Quarter Midgets, Legends, Dwarf Cars, Micro/Mini Sprints, TQs, Dirt Karts, etc.
How will the free spots be awarded?
This is not a "drawing" or "contest." The spots will be awarded based on talent and merit. The RSWC staff decides who gets the spots based on resume review and interviews prior to the Shoot-Out. Please do not send resumes to the sponsors.
We are often amazed at how many people want to know if they will win before applying and submitting their resume. We think of it like that old racers' saying, "you have to be in it, to win it." There are few guarantees in life, but racer's that don't trouble themselves to apply can be guaranteed they will not win it. There is no cost to apply.
Who can apply?
RSWC encourages all young drivers ages 11 to 20, with a winning background, to apply. (RSWC is not a place for young drivers to "get started" in racing.)
Will there be any cost to the drivers and families awarded the free spots?
The driver and family are expected to pay their own travel, hotel & food costs and will put up a refundable $2500 crash deposit (cash, check or credit card) like all the families do. If there is no crash damage, then there is no cost, other than travel.
What type of race cars do drivers test in?
We test drivers in one of three levels of race car ... including: USAC Young Guns Midgets (125 hp), USAC Ford Focus Midgets (185 hp) or NASCAR Grand American Modifieds (525 hp)... depending on the Driver's age and development level.
How can RSWC compare drivers of vastly different ages and experience levels?
We don't. We do not compare a 11 year old kart racer against a 18 year old stock car driver. That would not make sense. The Shoot Out is more of a controlled set of individual driver try outs ... than a competition amongst each other. We evaluate each driver, on their own merits, based on their age and background. We are looking for coachability and specific performance results for each age & experience level.
How does RSWC look at drivers with dirt backgrounds?
Very favorably, as it aids in throttle and car control skills. Most of the RSWC drivers have dirt racing backgrounds. Those that do not, get dirt track training with RSWC.
Can a driver do a private test with RSWC at another date?
No. RSWC only takes drivers once a year, and only through the Shoot-Out process. No exceptions. If a driver is selected for the 2010 Shoot-Out, they will test on one of two weekends: Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 3rd -OR- Friday, October 22nd through Sunday, October 24th. Just one weekend ... not both.
Is this a typical rent-a-ride anyone can get into?
Absolutely not. RSWC does not rent cars by the day, race or year to anyone. RSWC is not a school, class or rent-a-ride program. Our only focus is developing star level talented Drivers to NASCAR.
RSWC is a Talent Scout and Driver Development Program for NASCAR teams. RSWC performs true “driver development” and “career development” for the drivers we select through our application, interview and try-out process. We “develop” drivers inside the cockpit … and outside the cockpit. We do this through classroom training, individual coaching, on-track training, testing and practice days … and of course racing in competitive car racing series.
Why not call it a school?
We don’t use the term “school” because it confuses what we do with Jim Russell, Skip Barber and other driver schools. They offer 1, 2 and 3-day driving schools. Once a driver is with RSWC we usually work with them for several years.
What does the term “Driver Development” mean?
Well … the problem is Driver Development is the new buzz phrase and most driver coaches, schools and even rent-a-ride programs are using the term … and it has muddied the waters. The term was supposed to reflect a more comprehensive form of training than just attending a 1-3 day driving school. Top race teams use the term to describe the year-long race programs they plug young drivers into to prepare them for the big leagues.
Since our program is a long term system to develop young talented drivers all the way to a career, we have modified our term to … Driver Career Development. But we’re sure someone will come along and attach this term to a 1-day class and muddy the waters further. The real key is understanding how comprehensive a program is. For more clarity on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle Driver Career Development Program … if you did not start at the beginning of the tour ... please do so by clicking here.
Can any driver join the RSWC Driver Career Development Program?
No, the RSWC Driver Development Program is not "open" to everyone. But any young driver, age 11 to 20, can apply. We are looking for young drivers with winning backgrounds and star level talent ... so we can develop them into a professional race driver for NASCAR.
Last year we had 715 Drivers, and/or their Parents, apply by sending in a detailed resume. After resume review and interviews, we narrowed it down to 38 drivers to do full race track testing and try-outs. From the Shoot-Out we choose 11 talented drivers to add to our program.
We do not have a target number. We are looking for talent. After testing, the chosen few drivers, that we believe have what it takes to go all the way to a NASCAR racing career, are invited to join in the Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle Driver Career Development Program.
Why is the age range limited?
The age range we accept resumes from drivers is 11 to 20 years old for key development reasons. RSWC needs to work with a driver for a minimum of three years, for them to be fully developed the RSWC way. Most of the Cup Teams want star level talented drivers "really ready" to sign, race and win in ARCA or Trucks by age 20-24+/-. RSWC didn't decide this. That's just the way it is.
If selected, who decides what series the driver races in?
Ron Sutton decides and works out a career plan for each RSWC Development Driver that he believes will be the right path to a career for that driver. While there are some common proven formulas, Ron tailors each plan to the driver.
After we select a driver to develop, from the Shoot-Out, Ron Sutton personally works out a big picture career path for the driver. It outlines the path of racing he believes the driver needs to progress through over the three or more years the Driver will be in development with RSWC. Ron does this with an understanding of the driver's experience, skills, strengths, weaknesses, motivation and family/sponsor budget. We occasionally run plans by the Cup Teams for input, and either get approval, or change recommendations.
After the final big picture plan is done, Ron creates an annual development plan each year that is detailed with primary race series to focus on, race team to be placed with, race schedule, practice & test schedule, classroom training schedule, driver coaching, extracurricular racing, training & practices in other types of race cars and ongoing career coaching. In summary, Ron decides where RSWC drivers race, with input from the NASCAR Cup teams.
RSWC plugs drivers into one of ten race series, with an RSWC Alliance Race Team in the series listed as follows:
1. Skip Barber Regional or National Series (Ages 12-15)
2. USAC Young Guns Midgets (Ages 12-14)
3. SCCA Formula Fords or F2000 (Ages 15-18)
4. USAC Ford Focus Midgets (Ages 14-18)
5. USAC Midgets (Ages 16-20)
6. NASCAR Grand American Modifieds (Ages 15-20)
7. NASCAR Late Model Stock Cars (Ages 16-22)
8. USAC Sprint Cars (Ages 16-22)
9. Super Late Model Stock Cars (Ages 18-22)
10. NASCAR Grand National Stock Cars Ages (18-22)
Are there open spots on all of the RSWC race teams?
Not always. Unfortunately, after their year end evaluation, some current RSWC drivers will not be asked to continue next year. Those that are asked to continue, will have next year's race series planned out for them. Some will stay in the series they are in for another season. M ost will move up a series. Existing RSWC Drivers have priority.
Plus, one of our current drivers excelled in his RSWC coordinated Driver Test in North Carolina ... and should sign for next year. Both of these factors will determine which race team seats are open for 2011.
Why not let the family make the race series decision?
We are often asked by Parents, not yet in our program, for them to have control over what series the Driver races in, instead of going with our plan. We recommend to those specific Parents to make a hard, final decision to either trust us, and let us do what we know how to do ... or to develop their drivers themselves. We are concerned when a Parent can't let go of control, because it signals trouble for us down the road.
We are Parents too, so we completely respect other Parents' desire to protect and help their children. But we're pros at this. This is what we do. Our experience is why families come to us. It doesn't make sense to plug into our program, then ignore our guidance.
We take in all the factors, and develop plans that we are confident are the best for the Drivers. Parents can decide to agree and go forward ... or not believe in our plan, leave RSWC and do something else. If we were to compromise ... we would be agreeing to do something that is not in the best interest of the Driver's development. That doesn't make sense and we won't do that.
What does each race series program cost?
That depends on too many factors to have one simple answer. It is kind of like asking what a car costs or what a house costs. There are many variables.
The factors that determine cost will be the race series, team chosen, number of races, amount of travel, amount of practice and track rentals for testing & training. In driver development the cost includes a lot of testing and practice days.
We hate how much racing costs. What is obvious to most people, but not all, is that we do NOT control the cost of racing tires, fuel, race cars, motors, travel, crew expenses, shop overheads, insurance, etc. Racing is the most expensive sport in the world.
Again ... Racing is the most expensive sport in the world.
It is what it is, and the RSWC race teams simply do their best to balance keeping costs down while fielding competitive top notch cars. Unfortunately, racing and driver career development are not cheap.
RSWC does not make a profit from this and does not handle the finances between families and teams. All race costs are paid directly to the race teams. The least expensive full year race program including a large amount of practice, test days and a full series of racing begins around $30,000 a year and the most expensive is around $125,000. Obviously, entry level series for younger drivers cost less and higher level series for more advanced drivers cost more.
What does the RSWC Driver Career Development program cost?
The annual costs to the family is $10,500 for the training classes, development planning, career guidance, representation with teams, coordination of rides, contract negotiation, trouble shooting, etc. This is spread over monthly payments to make it affordable. This helps defray all the overhead, staff, training expenses and operational costs RSWC incurs.
Can RSWC help us raise money?
Yes ! With Ron Sutton's background as a marketing consultant, RSWC has developed an in-depth training class for parents and drivers on how to raise money for rising star drivers from business sponsors, benefactors and conducting fund raising events. RSWC has seen families in the program have varying success rates implementing these strategies. The families that have committed themselves have raised $25,000 to $70,000 a year. The families that don't commit, for whatever reason, have obviously raised zip, or close to it.
Ron Sutton, and the RSWC staff, can not act on behalf of the 20+ drivers and families in the program to raise money. If we did, it would be more than a full time job, and there would be no development. There are sponsorship agencies out there that do this for "big time" racers, but for grassroots racers, the driver and family are the key players. RSWC teaches drivers & families to raise money, but to be successful, they must put in the effort. Before going forward ... ask yourself if your familiy is willing to put in the effort to raise funding? We'll teach you how ... the right way ... but you have to do the work.
How long has RSWC been doing Driver Career Development?
It started very informally in 1997 with one young driver (Bobby Grewohl) in karts. Ron assisted Bobby, and his dad John Grewohl, up until Bobby was signed with Target Chip Ganassi Racing's IRL Team in 2004 … and the coaching relationship continues today. The year 2005 was the official beginning of the Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle Driver Development Program with multiple drivers, multiple race teams, training, coaching, etc.
Are the RSWC USAC Focus Midget Team & RSWC NASCAR Modified Team "the main teams?"
No. There is no "main team." Each race team in the RSWC program plays a key role in driver development. Ron Sutton did not own any Focus Midgets or Modifieds until the RSWC program was launched. NASCAR Teams suggested several specific race car series, including Midgets and Modifieds, as good training series for young racers.
The USAC Ford Focus Midget series is a great series to develop young drivers age 14+. At 180 hp and 1100# the Focus Midgets are faster than Late Model Stock Cars at most tracks. As part of a "traveling series", the RSWC Team ran 20 races at 9 tracks this year. That is a good opportunity for getting experience, training and developing a driver.
At 525+ horsepower, 2550 pounds and Goodyear racing tires, the NASCAR Grand American Modifieds are an excellent training ground before Late Models and Super Late Model Stock Cars.
Ron looked for top teams in each series to form alliances and race RSWC Drivers with. As shown on previous pages, the RSWC Alliances are top teams in their respective series. But Ron did not find the teams needed in the Focus Midget or Modified series ... so he started the teams that exist today exclusively for RSWC Drivers.
While not the "main teams" ... the most comprehensive driver development and TLC with new drivers does happen with the RSWC Teams, because Ron coaches the drivers continuously at those races.
How does the RSWC program differ from the schools with race series like Jim Russell and Skip Barber?
Both Jim Russell and Skip Barber offer excellent driver schools, and their race series are a good driver training ground. These school race series provide a level playing field and an equal opportunity for all drivers racing in their series, so anyone can win. Many great drivers have come out of both of those schools/series.
If a driver is qualified, RSWC could be the next step after doing well in school series for a career bound young driver. Several RSWC drivers have raced in the Skip Barber series.
One key difference is, in the school race series, drivers are not on a team. With RSWC, the driver is part of a team of people, and are racing in various competitive series against other race teams (like in pro racing). The RSWC team of people are focused on giving the RSWC Development Drivers every legal advantage possible … to win races.
To summarize, the two key differences are, the RSWC Development Drivers learn how to work in a team environment, similar to pro race teams … and the driver and team are working together to win races.
Are the guys on the racing crews good role models?
You’re kidding … right? No … they are not role models … they are just guys. On every pro race team I have been behind the scenes with, I have found the guys on the crew to be “Just Guys.” Behind the scenes, in pro race team shops, it is typically a rough, crude guy environment. They tease each other, tell bad jokes, oogle women, cuss … and after a long day of work, they drink beer and let loose. They’re “guys” … that love cars … love racing and love winning. All pro race team crews are that way.
Our race team crews are no different. We thought about going out and recruiting angels … but that wouldn’t reflect what it’s like on pro teams. If you don’t want your young racer to be around that type of environment, racing should not be their career path.
We’re looking for young drivers that have been raised by good, solid parents that have taught their young drivers right from wrong, and to make smart decisions in a rough world.
Who are the NASCAR teams RSWC is connected to?
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is the largest, most comprehensive, most established and best connected NASCAR focused Talent Scout and Driver Career Development Program.
Ron Sutton interacts often with five top multi-car NASCAR Cup teams. Ron has worked long and diligently to earn the trust of Driver Development Managers with NASCAR Cup Teams. He does name drop or make casual introductions of drivers to teams.
Why not? His reputation is at stake. If Ron refers a driver to a team, and they are not really ready … if they are not really the whole package … if the driver does not live up to expectations … Ron will have lost credibility with these teams.
Just in the last year, RSWC has been successful at:
* Placing a talented female RSWC driver in NASCAR's D4D program, fully funded.
* Having five RSWC Drivers test in front of Top NASCAR Cup Teams.
* Two RSWC Drivers securing career building sponsors and signing with top teams for 2011.
To read more about RSWC coordinated Driver Tests with NASCAR Cup Teams Click Here.
Why focus only on NASCAR?
NASCAR is the only series with the top teams funding young drivers up the ladder of racing. Open wheel has been, and currently still in in a tough financial spot, with few, or no, teams funding young drivers in development.
What if the Driver's focus is not on a career in NASCAR?
Then please do not apply. It will be a waste of time for you and us. If you are "on the fence" and want to learn more, go ahead and apply, but please clearly state in your e-mail letter that you "want to learn more about the reasons to focus on a career in NASCAR versus other forms of racing."
Is there pressure on young drivers in driver development programs?
Yes. But not by us. The usual sources of pressure are from the drivers themselves … then from parents and peers. Good drivers put plenty of pressure on themselves to perform. They do not need any additional pressure. The people on the RSWC team work to relieve pressure and let the driver learn and race. This is a "Driver Development Program" … not a "Results Right Now Program."
Parents that apply additional pressure on their young drivers are shot on sight. Really. No … Really.
Are there guidelines for Parents working with RSWC?
Yes, absolutely. This is the source of most of our frustrations. The drivers we choose are usually awesome. It is the parents we have to set guidelines for, from the start. The first thing for parents to embrace fully … is the concept that you are not a customer, and RSWC is not a company selling you services.
If your driver is asked to participate in our program, it is an honor and you become a part of our team.
* It means we think we can help get your driver to a career
* We’re here to help … but we don’t work for you
* It is not a “customer / business” relationship
* RSWC is not a for profit business
* We don’t get to keep any of the money … we just manage it … for free
Parents are welcome as a guest in each of RSWC Race Team's hospitality area … much like if you were visiting a pro team. If a Parent won’t abide by set guidelines we have to ask them to watch from the stands.
* If selected, this could be the toughest transition a Parent makes … from active participant, parent, tuner, and coach … to hands-off supporter.
* Parents, if you want to develop your driver yourself … don’t try out with us. It’s all or nothing … and you will need to commit to letting RSWC do what we do … how we do it.
How does Ron Sutton make money?
RSWC is not a business for profit. The fees that are charged, go back into the programs to better support the young racers we work with. Ron Sutton is retired after selling his business consulting company of 15 years, which was the largest of its kind.
It should be understood, that most of the race teams RSWC plugs drivers into, do want to make a profit. RSWC only works with teams that we believe provide competitive race cars at a fair price. We can’t ask them for any more than that.
What does Ron Sutton get out of this, if not money?
Plenty !!! He gets the enjoyment of working with great young kids, racing, having fun … and winning races. The entire RSWC team pride ourselves of developing the next NASCAR stars … seeing our young drivers excel … and “make it” to pro careers. It is very rewarding … just not financially.
Who pays for crashes, parts failure and motors blowing up?
Regardless of fault, Parents and/or the Driver pay for everything. RSWC does not pay for anything. You pay for everything. Yes ... every little thing. We, nor the Owners of the race teams in the RSWC alliance, simply can not pay for people to race.
How does RSWC stack up against other driver development programs?
We are the only comprehensive program in existence today that has 24 race teams at all key levels of USAC & NASCAR, extensive classroom training, elite trainers, veteran driver coaches, career planning, ongoing career guidance and credible connections to top NASCAR Teams. There are other programs out there that do parts of what RSWC does ... but no program that can take a driver from youth racing all the way to testing with NASCAR Teams.
Do you have a Central or East Coast operation?
No ... sorry. We are the only comprehensive program that does all you have read about, and we are West Coast based with a satellite office in Charlotte, NC. We choose not to spread ourselves thin by trying to manage racing all over the country.
How much travel is there?
This varies with a few factors, including where does the driver live and how many on-track training days, tests, practices and races are run. The classes are held in Sacramento, California. The racing is on the West Coast. Each Driver attends 5 weekends of classes in the off season (topics are tailored to driver's development level.)
So at a minimum, the Driver will travel to the West Coast 5 weekends for classes plus the number of weekends scheduled for on-track training days, tests, practices and races. A minimum to expect would be 12 trips. If you aren't prepared to travel, this program is not for you.
Does the Driver need to move?
Not at all. The teams are self sufficient and do not need the driver to be at the shop on a regular basis. Because most of the series tour, the team usually meets the driver at the track, in the city of each race. None of the classroom training, or racing, requires the driver to live here.
Some families initially think it will save money for the driver to move here. Not correct. The driver and family will have the best success fundraising and finding benefactors (with RSWC strategies) in their hometown, regardless of how big or small it is.
Will the driver work on the cars?
If they can spend some time at the race shops, then yes. It is beneficial, but not mandatory. The race teams have the crew to prepare, repair, maintain and set-up the race cars. It is a nice gesture on the Driver's part to offer to help from time to time, but really the teams have it handled. If the driver is able to go to the race shop and help out, it is so the driver can learn about the cars, not because the crew needs them to be there.
If the Driver advances all the way to a career, they will not be working on cars. They will need to know how to work within a team structure. They will need to trust, to communicate and to work well with others. We prepare them for all of that.
Will the driver learn about these cars?
Yes they will learn about the cars they are racing. But more importantly, we teach our drivers advanced tuning concepts, chassis dynamics, race strategies and so on.
How does the Driver Career Development Program’s schedule work with the younger driver’s school schedule?
The driver goes to school like normal with the exception of missing some Fridays for practices.
Most of our racing series have practice on Fridays. The current RSWC drivers have gone to their school Administrators and discussed the Driver's situation up front .. and requested school lessons and homework be given to the student BEFORE the day to be missed. The school and teachers prefer students doing the assignments in advance, as opposed to missing school and asking to make it up.
RSWC Drivers are encouraged to complete their school assignments and turn them in advance. We value the education of our drivers, and are supportive of their school responsibilities. We have had Drivers in high school honors programs, earning college scholarships and some currently going to college ... while racing with RSWC.
How does a driver, or parent of a driver, apply for the Program?
At the end of this tour are the instructions to apply.
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