Recently we had the opportunity to speak with one of motorsport’s best mentors, Ed Justice Jr. During the conversation, Ed happened to mention that he was part of the Road Racing Driving Club, a very prestigious organization, and they had a series of videos online that could help racers of every genre of motorsports. We were pleased to find several videos that could be applied to racers, even the grassroots dirt track racers, with solid messages and helpful information. We’re happy to present on of these videos that can help younger drivers with their marketing and media skills.

Don’t be fooled into thinking these videos are too serious for your local race team. There is something to be learned by racers at every level in these videos.

Sooner or later, a high-powered pit reporter like Ben Shelton will track you down and put a mic in your face. Know what you are going to say before that time.

As the video explains, it pays for young drivers to work with whatever media they are in contact with. Even if it is only the local track announcer, or infield reporter. Working with these media representatives will help you grow your racing program and earn you more fans.

Some of the highlights of the film include tidbits like: how to feed information to the media. Simple things like making an introduction and letting the media know who you are, where you are from, and what your background is.  The easier you can make it for the media to get information on you, the more likely they are to talk about you.

Keys to success: Make it easy for the media but don’t be a problem and don’t be a pest.

Make it easy for the press to talk about you. Feed them information.

Another point made in the video relates to human nature. Journalists are humans, and everyone has their favorites – even journalists. It is far easier for journalists to talk about people they like. A driver should make the effort to get to know the media. Know the track announcer and ask them about their lives. Try to build a bond with the media.

If you are using social media, make sure it is positive, up-to-date, and accurate. Let people know where you are racing. Make it easy for these journalists to know about you and find additional information about you and your team.

We plan on bringing you more of these videos so keep watching for more career development videos from Safe Is Fast.