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June "So now what?"

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BakedTuna:
Car Caterham
Tuning open
565 points
180HP
420 Kilos Sports soft tires
no aids


Following is purely fictional BS. Only thrown out there for the purpose of filling in the "career" part to all this. And to possibly the logic behind what we are driving next month.

So now you are five years into your professional career. Not to mention all the years as an amateur karter. Going to the track has always been your happy place, no matter what track it was, this is where felt you were the most yourself. But here lately that has been changing.  

The business side of things has taken a toll on your fun level in the sport. Frustration is mounting as you have done your time in “junior” series and shown some speed and adaptability but the offers from big time or factory teams are not coming your way. Even though your current season is only about a quarter over, the business demands that you stay one step ahead. So the planning and hunting for next year’s ride is in full swing..

Your agent assures you the interest is there but several seats have went to drivers with big financial backing. He says it is sad that the best driver is not always the one a team ends up with due to fiscal responsibility of the business. This does not help your views on being able to sustain a long term career in the sport. You do not lack confidence in your talents but have neither a rich family nor a golden goose business connection.

So now what?  

BakedTuna:
Following is purely fictional BS. Only thrown out there for the purpose of filling in the "career" part to all this. And to possibly the logic behind what we are driving next month.

One night while out at dinner you run into an old competitor from your karting days. In sitting and talking for a while it comes out about the crossroads you are at in your career. Your friend tells you have been lucky that it has gone this far, he had to let go of those ambitions years ago. Now he is teaching an advanced automotive course at the local college. This year they are entered into a program involved with the SCCA. The students build and maintain a kit car through a season of semi pro racing. He finishes his story and his beer then says he better get home. But as he is leaving he says to stop by and see the class some time and if you know of any young drivers worth looking at, that will be available cheaply or free, to let him know they have not found anyone to pilot their class’s car yet. As you part ways you each offer wishes of good luck to each other, but in your head you think it will likely be another ten years before you bump into each other again.

BakedTuna:
Following is purely fictional BS. Only thrown out there for the purpose of filling in the "career" part to all this. And to possibly the logic behind what we are driving next month.

So your agent calls you in for a meeting wanting to decide which direction you are wanting him to take negotiations. You explain to him that the discipline is not as important Touring Cars, NASCAR, Indy etc. What is important is that he knows you are wanting to hear offers from the bigger or factory teams from the bigger series. “But what about the privateers or some of the smaller teams? If you are not interested in them, are you prepared to take a year off?” he says. When you think about it you decide no small time team for you this year. Besides some time off away from all of this may open your eyes to how much you still love the sport or maybe you will find yourself enjoying something new in life.

You leave the meeting feeling good about yourself, this is the first time as a pro driver that you feel like you can call the shots for your career and not worry about how you will survive to pay your bills. Having a savvy business manager has paid off, you have enough put back to be able to take this stance. Well at least for one season. But let's hope it does not come to this.

EX_stream_tuna:
if the senna kart is significantly different than the ones we already have, I wonder if it would be okay to go backwards a bit and do another kart month?  Just an idea for ya ;)

Or, were you thinking of ending this series after May?  Summers are busy of course, but I would still stop by when I can.

BakedTuna:
Following is purely fictional BS. Only thrown out there for the purpose of filling in the "career" part to all this. And to possibly the logic behind what we are driving next month.

Spoke to your agent he said there had been an offer made by a top team but it may not be what you had in mind. The series is held at tracks across Europe. The offer is from Castrol Team Hahn Racing. Not familiar.


You tell him thanks but no thanks.

So now what?

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