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Answers to Common RSWC Development Program Questions

We have been doing this for a few years, so when we here similar questions repeated, we put the question and our answer on this page.  We find it helps everyone get more clarity.

How many drivers will be selected for the Shoot-Out?
That's a common question.  But we do not have a set number. It is different each year. Here are the numbers of years past:

2004: 460 Applied / 98 Interviewed / 23 Selected to Test in Shoot-Out
2005: 472 Applied / 97 Interviewed / 23 Selected to Test in Shoot-Out
2006: 522 Applied / 120 Interviewed / 23 Selected to Test in Shoot-Out
2007: 645 Applied / 125 Interviewed / 28 Selected to Test in Shoot-Out
2008: 751 Applied / 130 Interviewed / 44 Selected to Test in Shoot-Out
2009: 715 Applied / 108 Interviewed / 38 Selected to Test in Shoot-Out
2010: 933 Applied / 163 Interviewed / 40 Selected to Test in Shoot-Out

Again, 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 Driver Development Program?
Same here ... we do not have a target number we're shooting for, nor do we have a limit.  The deciding factor always comes down to talent.  If we are impressed enough by a young driver to believe they have a real shot of being developed to a professional racing career ... then we select them to be in our program. The final number selected has varied each year. It has ranged from 5 to 14. 

What are the determining factors to being selected for Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle Driver Development Program?
The first thing we tell everyone it is NOT money ... which surprises most folks.  If you asked the racers and families already in our program ... you would learn that for many of them ... their lack of money when they first came into the program was their biggest issue.  We're looking for talent and potential. The key list of 12 criteria we look for in drivers is listed on page 1.  If you did not start at the beginning of the tour ... please do so by clicking HERE

If the driver has the talent and potential, we can teach the family how to raise funding to race ... but only if at least one family member is committed to learning & implementing the strategies on an ongoing basis.

How much does it cost to apply?  What is the fee for the Shoot-Out if I am selected?
There are no costs for a driver to apply. If selected for the Shoot-Out, there will be an $2200 fee for the driver to participate in the Shoot-Out classes, tests and on-track driving in the race cars, plus a refundable crash deposit of $2500. 

Will there be Free Spots awarded for the 2011 Shoot-Out?
No, not anymore. Frankly it created more problems than it was worth for the sponsors and for RSWC.  We made 6 people happy and 900+ unhappy.  The other challenge was many drivers and families would accept only because it was free, which is not the goal. We decided to use the money to lower the Shoot-Out test fee from $2500 as it has been for a few years ... to $2200 this year for drivers we select to participate in the Shoot-Out. So everybody benefits.

Will there be Sponsorships available to RSWC drivers for 2012? 
Yes! With help from team sponsors and vendors, our sister company Star Racing Supply is now making a total of $320,000 in sponsorship money available to all driver selected for the RSWC development program, racing in RSWC cars. Sponsorships range from $8,000 to $20,000 for each driver.  Additional terms & conditions can be obtained after application.

Who can apply?
RSWC encourages all young drivers ages 11 to 20, with a winning background, to apply, although we look at things differently based on the drivers age. Here are some key things to know:

a. RSWC is not a place for young drivers to "get started" in racing. We are a stepping stone to a stock car career for proven talented young drivers.

b. Drivers can be as young as 11, but need to turn 12 by April 1st of the coming year to be eligible.

c. Being 12-15 is the optimum age to come into the RSWC program.  At this age, there is less pressure to hurry up and more time to develop.

d. Drivers ages 16-18 should have resumes with strong finishes in car racing or winning resumes from youth racing such as Karts, Legends, Quarter Midgets, Micro Sprints, etc. Car racing experience in this age range is a plus.

e. Drivers age 19-20 need to have VERY strong resumes with successful full size race car results to be considered.

What type of race cars do drivers test in?
We test drivers in one of three levels of race car ... not all 3 ... including: USAC Young Guns Midgets (125 hp), USAC Ford Focus Midgets (185 hp) or NASCAR Grand American Modifieds (550 hp). We decide which type of car based 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 ... rather 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?
Unfortunately no. RSWC only takes drivers once a year, and only through the Shoot-Out process.

Is this a typical rent-a-ride anyone can get into?
Absolutely NOT.  RSWC does not rent race cars.  RSWC is not a typical school, class or rent-a-ride program. As a top driver career development program, our focus is developing star level talented Drivers to professional Stock Car careers. 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” only 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 a few 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 to professional racing careers. This is what we do best, so we stick to that.

After testing, the chosen few drivers, that we believe have what it takes to go all the way to a pro 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 18-23+/-.  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.

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.

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 12-15)
3. SCCA Formula Fords or F2000 (Ages 13-16)
4. USAC Ford Focus Midgets (Ages 14-18)
5. USAC Midgets (Ages 16-20)
6. NASCAR 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 17-22)
10. NASCAR K&N Pro Series Stock Cars Ages (17-22)

Are there open spots on all of the RSWC race teams?
Usually, but 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.  Most will move up a series. Existing RSWC Drivers have priority.

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 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!  Racing is the most expensive sport in the world. 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. 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 our drivers' racing and does not handle the finances between families and race teams. All race costs are paid directly to the race teams.  The least expensive race program including practice, test days and racing begins around $30,000 a year and the most expensive is about $100,000. There are many levels in between.  With the sponsorships available next year ranging from $6,000 to $18,000 ... there are full season race programs starting under $50k and half season programs under $25k.

This is key ... RSWC is NOT a "full season or nothing" situation. We race our drivers on whatever budget they achieve through fund raising efforts. About 1/3 of our "first year" drivers do not run full seasons.  As they learn our fund raising strategies and successfully raise money, we plug them into races.  Most of these RSWC families are successful at raising the funds the first year ... to run a full season the 2nd year ... and from there on out.

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.

What is included in the annual driver develop program that costs $10,500?
If selected from the Shoot-Out for development to a career, we plug all of our drivers into our 7-Part Development Program.

1. Ron Sutton personally outlines each driver’s racing Career Path & creates a tailored in-depth, detailed Development Plan each year.

2. Ron coordinates all racing activities for each driver’s year including, series, team, budgets, contracts, schedule, practices, pre-season testing & on-track-training.

3. The RSWC comprehensive Classroom Training program has been called “Race Career University” by the drivers and families.  The topics are wide and comprehensive … the trainers are highly respected experts … and the training is real world. Ron tailors each driver’s annual training program for their needs that year.  Each year, as the driver develops and progresses, so does their classroom training.

4. One of the biggest areas for Ron and most critical for RSWC drivers & families is the racing career guidance, consulting and advice Ron provides.  On an ongoing basis, Ron and the families are talking, planning & deciding.  Ron consults, guides and advises the driver and family on all decisions and choices that affect the driver’s career, development & racing activities. Ron provides coaching, experience and objectivity to assist drivers and families make smart decisions when evaluating opportunities & solving problems that pop up.

5. Ron coordinates all extracurricular racing activities for each driver … putting them in different types of racing, race cars and training situations to expand their skills, experience and resume.

6. At each step of the way … as long as the driver is progressing and achieving results … Ron is connecting RSWC drivers to top teams to race with, experienced drivers coaches to develop their skills, veterans to that help them break through barriers and key people that can help their career.  Again, as long as the driver progresses and achieves impressive results at each level, Ron will coordinate the Driver getting their career opportunity meeting, interview & track test with top Cup Teams.

These six components are the basis of the RSWC Program and what the $10,500 annually (broken into monthly payments over the year) covers.

Since 2009, RSWC utilizes a talented marketing firm to provide the drivers and families with professional, impactful and effective marketing tools … at no additional charge to the families.  Now these tools are part of the RSWC development program at the same cost as before.

7. The marketing program includes:

• Full Service Marketing & Public Relations Services.
• Press Release Writing.
  
• Press Release National Distribution.
  
• Driver Web-site Design, Layout & Launch.
  
• Driver Web-site Domain & Hosting.
  
• Driver Web-site Updates & Changes.
  
• Press Release Web-Site Postings.
  
• Driver Hero Card Design.
  
• Driver Hero Card PDF.
  
• Driver Hero Card Web-site Link.
  
• Driver Business Card Creation.
  
• Printing of Driver Hero Cards & Business Cards.
  
• Professional Driver Resume.
  
• Lastly and most important … powerful, professional & effective Sponsor Marketing Presentations
  

This complete, professional, marketing program is created individually for each RSWC driver and tailored to the stage of racing they are at.  This marketing program has been instrumental in out families being effective at raising $25,000 to $70,000 a year to race on.

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 ... which covers most full season racing programs.. In the bad economy of 2010, 12 RSWC families raised a total of $489,000 (avg $40,750).

The families that don't commit, for whatever reason, have obviously raised nothing, or close to it. That's a question for you and your family ... are you willing to put in the time and effort to learn and successfully implement the marketing strategies RSWC provides ?

Ron Sutton, and the RSWC staff, can not act on behalf of the 25+ 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 one person in your family 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 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?"
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 NASCAR Modifieds until the RSWC program was launched.  Cup Team development people suggested several specific race car series, including USAC Midgets and NASCAR 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 185 hp and 1100# the Focus Midgets are faster than Late Model Stock Cars at most tracks.  USAC Young Guns Midgets have 125 hp, for drivers age 12 & up.  As part of a "traveling series", the RSWC Team ran 24 races at 9 tracks this year.  That is a good opportunity for getting experience, training and developing a driver.

At 550+ 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 these are not the "main teams" ... the most comprehensive driver development and TLC with new drivers does happen with the RSWC Teams, because of the full engineering staff, data acquisition & continuous driver coaching with Ron 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 Cup teams RSWC is connected to?
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle does NOT have an official alliance with any single Cup team.  RSWC is an independent talent scout & driver development program.  Ron Sutton interacts with four of the top multi-car Cup teams for guidance, promotion of drivers, arranging meetings, tests, combines, etc.  Ron has worked long and diligently to earn the trust of the Driver Development Managers within these Cup Teams.  He does not 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.  Recently, RSWC has:
* Placed a talented female RSWC driver in NASCAR's D4D program, fully funded.
* Coordinated five RSWC Drivers to test in front of top Cup Teams.
* Had one RSWC Driver sign to race ARCA with one of the teams.

Why focus only on Professional Stock Car careers?
NASCAR Sprint Cup is the only series with the majority of 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 are funding young drivers in development.

What if the Driver's focus is not on a career in Stock Cars?
Then you should not apply.  It will be a waste of time for you and us.  This is our niche.  If you are "on the fence" and want to learn more, go ahead and apply.  We'll be happy to educate & advise you.  But, please clearly state in your e-mail letter that you "want to learn more about the reasons to focus on a career in Stock Cars versus other forms of racing."

What kind of families fit best with RSWC?
We put a lot of effort into making sure the Family & RSWC fit well together ... to work well together. If all goes well, we're going to race together and develop the young driver for a few years.  It's like a marriage or partnership.  If the parents are a good fit with RSWC, it works well and creates a "productive partnership." If the parents don't fit well with RSWC, it is a frustrating experience pulling in different directions that is counter productive. So we're looking for talented drivers with families that "fit well" with RSWC.

What defines a "Good Fit" that creates a Productive Partnership between Parents & RSWC?

• Understanding, committed & on-track with RSWC plan & program.
• Low maintenance parents, so RSWC staff can focus on the driver, training, coaching & racing.
• Good emotional control & self discipline to not be "Little League" parents.
• No outbursts, complaining or criticizing at the track.
• Realistic expectations.
• Understanding of the ups & downs of racing & being loyal & supportive of each other through the trying times. (The good times are easy!)
• Open, forthright, transparent, 2-way communication between family & RSWC about issues & solutions during the week.
• Positive, supportive attitude & activity at track, home & behind the scenes.
• Driver & parents that get, embrace & contribute to the family & team atmosphere.
• Not involved in drama, rumors, gossip, gripe groups, behind the scenes manipulation, etc.
• Parents that can "really" let go and let us race with, coach & develop the driver.

What kind of families are not a good fit for RSWC?
Please realize we race with these young developing drivers because we enjoy it.  If certain parents make it un-enjoyable ... we don't want to race with them.  Plus ... and this is KEY ... we are driven to create & maintain a fun, friendly, semi-relaxed environment for our young drivers to best develop in.  For the sake of our young drivers, other families, our crew and ourselves, we won't tolerate parents that are controlling, ego driven, overbearing, out of control and/or trouble makers.  We have found that low pressure environments are best for young drivers to develop in, and we're committed to keeping our environment that way, for the best development of our drivers ... and the most enjoyment of the racing activities for our families, guests, sponsors, crew and ourselves.

What defines a "Bad Fit" that creates a counter productive relationship between Parents & RSWC?

• Parent(s) constant questioning of the plan, not committed to the plan or off track with the plan.
• Wanting/expecting to see winning results early in driver's development process.
• High maintenance parent(s), distracting RSWC staff from drivers, training, coaching & racing.
• Lack of emotional control, yelling, expression of anger. In other words ... Little League parents.
• Outbursts, complaining or criticizing at the track. (Wrong time & place.)
• Unrealistic expectations. Expecting things to be good all, or most, of the time. 
• Getting upset and angry when things don't go right.  It's racing, so things are going to happen.
• Counter productive, attacking, disrespectful conversation or activities at track, home or behind the scenes.
• Driver and/or parent(s) seeing/treating other RSWC drivers & families as competitors instead of family & team.
• Involved in drama, rumors, gossip, gripe groups, behind the scenes manipulation, etc.

• Parent(s) that can't/won't let go ... questioning our decisions, coaching, tuning, etc.... and wanting to be involved, have a say or be in control.
• Parent(s) that "really" want to run their own race car, train & develop their own child and race together.
• Secrets, secret agendas, side plans ... are all counter productive to the "partnership".

Which category best describes your family?
We suggest parents have a frank conversation with each other.  If you see the majority of the "Good Fit" traits describe each other, then we will most likely work well together.  On the other hand, if you're being frank with each other, and many of the "Bad Fit" traits describe you, we suggest you seek out a development program that fits you better ... or race & develop your child on your own.

You cut people?
Yes. Usually at the end of each year, we part ways with a small number of drivers that didn't perform well enough ... or the few families that we didn't fit well with.  And occasionally, families part ways with us ... because they want to do things differently.  It's all about fit.  It is VERY rare, but if the situation is bad enough, we have cut drivers & families during the season.  We don't like doing that.  We don't want to do that, because it causes a pain for both sides. 

But we don't want to race with families in the "Bad Fit" group. And our other families don't want to race alongside families in the "Bad Fit" group. We want to be happy human beings, enjoy racing, develop talented young drivers, win races, build their resume and help them towards a career. That's what we're here for.  That is "fun" for us.  When someone acts out, behaves in counter productive ways and/or creates a negative environment ... we take action.

If your family wants to place your young driver in the program that will develop them best, care for their future, race together, win & lose together ... and enjoy the process ... we will be great fit. 

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 pressure on their young drivers, or the team, are shot & buried on sight.  Really.  No … Really.

Are there guidelines for Parents working with RSWC?
Yes, absolutely.  The drivers we choose are usually awesome and rarely a problem.  It is the occasional parents that slip through our filters that we have to set guidelines for, from the start. Parents are welcome as a guest in each of RSWC Race Team's pit area ... just not in the way of the Pit Crew ... much like if you were visiting a Cup team.  If selected, this could be the toughest transition a Parent makes … from active participant, parent, tuner, and coach … to hands-off supporter

Who pays for crashes, parts failure and motors blowing up?
Regardless of fault, Driver's Parents, Sponsors and/or benefactors pay for all repairs. RSWC, and the race teams in the alliance, simply can not pay for people to race, or for repairs of any kind.  Families have to raise the money to race. We will help you, but ultimately, it is each family's responsibility.

How does RSWC stack up against other driver development programs?
We are the only comprehensive program in existence today that has 30 race teams at key development levels of USAC & NASCAR, extensive classroom training, elite trainers, veteran driver coaches, career planning, ongoing career guidance and credible connections to top Cup Teams. There are other programs out there that do parts of what RSWC does ... but we don't know of any other development program that offers all that RSWC offers.

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. Drivers & Parents in our program see RSWC as "Race Career University" because of the comprehensive nature of everything we do.  A parent in our program once used the analogy of comparing RSWC to a top university. He said, "If you want your son or daughter to go to Harvard, you have to go to them, Harvard doesn't come to you."   

We choose not to spread ourselves thin by trying to develop young racers all over the country. You can race anywhere.  But to be in our program, young drivers come train, race and "develop" with us on the West Coast. Once they're ready, we'll take them to Charlotte to meet & test with top teams.

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 from December to March. Topics are tailored to each 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 10-12 trips. If you aren't prepared to travel to California, this program is not for you.

Does the Driver need to move?
No ... not at all. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages. 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.  That is incorrect.  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?
Absolutely ... on a very advanced scale.  We don't teach basic nuts & bolts.  We hope they know that before they come to RSWC.  We will teach about the cars they are racing ... and the cars in the series above them.  We teach our drivers advanced tuning concepts, chassis dynamics, tuning, 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?
The instructions to apply are on the next page of this tour.

To go to the next page ... click on the arrow in the lower right of each page.
If you did not start at the beginning of the tour ... please do so by clicking HERE