How To Get Into A BMW Touring Car Championship

By: Dustin Thornton

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Wondering how to get into a BMW touring car championship? Touring car racing is a sport in which drivers race heavily modified street cars on a track. Unlike GT racing, which features high powered sports cars and super cars (like Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini), touring cars are usually vehicles that you see everyday modified to become fierce racing machines--such as a BMW. Getting into a touring car championship is tough, but not impossible if you keep yourself motivated and follow these tips.

To get into a BMW touring car championship, you will need:

Money
Experience
BMW

Save your money. Just like any business, touring car racing is a financial endeavor. You can't race if you don't have the money to fund your vehicle, team and your own living expenses. Rely on your brain instead of on your luck.
Join the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) or related national car club. You can meet valuable people in these clubs who can help you. You also get to attend SCCA events and can work your way into taking part in the events.
Buy a separate BMW specifically for a touring racer. Don't expect to drive your touring car on the street back and forth to work. Most of the time your touring vehicle is in the shop while installing parts and upgrading features.
Attend local races with your car and practice. The more you practice the better you become. Start winning and you have the opportunity to compete in more advanced races and catch the eye of sponsors.
Apply for sponsors. Send letters to potential sponsors who will help fund your BMW touring championship pursuit. Any bit of help from a sponsor is valuable.