What qualifications are required to participate?
While no specifics (i.e. level or series, etc) are required, our team of instructors will assess the racing background, accomplishments and overall competitive experience provided by each applying candidate to determine suitability for the program. A phone interview may also be required.

Is there an age requirement?
All participants must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Any minors will be required to have a release signed by the parent or legal guardian.

How will the Top Driver be determined?
Richard Petty’s Driver Search will use a multiple module format (see program itinerary), with each module designed to test a specific skill or set of skills. State-of the-art computerized timing/scoring and video/data acquisition technology developed by Trivinci Systems, LLC will be used wherever applicable, allowing the objective scoring of each module. Where not applicable (i.e. “Marketability”), scoring will be determined by our industry experts. The criteria used to assess the performance of the required skill(s) within each module are well defined. The scoring is points based, with a defined number of points awarded at each module, with the emphasis on the driving modules. The participant who achieves the highest overall score for all modules will be named "Top Driver".

What kind of race cars will be used?
A combination of COT-style NASCAR Sprint Cup stock cars, older style NASCAR Sprint-Cup style stock cars, USAC Focus Midgets and High Performance Karts will be used for the various modules at Concord Motorsports Park (½ mile tri-oval and ¼ mile oval), Carolina Motorsports Park (2.3 mile road course) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (1 ½ mile tri-oval, karting road course and ¼ mile oval). All competitors will be provided equally prepared equipment.

What kind of equipment do I need to bring?
You will need to provide your own firesuit, fire-retardant undergarments and gloves and driving shoes, closed-face helmet with radio compatibility and earpiece. A HANS device will be supplied though participants may bring their own.

 

What are the details on the ARCA Series opportunity that will be awarded to the Top Driver?
Petty Holdings will provide and transport primary and back up race cars conforming to ARCA specifications, all race support equipment and a qualified crew for the Top Driver of Richard Petty’s Driver Search to attempt to qualify for, and compete in, an ARCA Series race event.

Who is responsible for participant travel and accommodations?
All arrangements (travel, accommodations, etc.) and expenses outside of the training camp and competition, itself, will be the responsibility of each participant. (Note: participants will be provided a light breakfast and lunch all four days and dinner on the final day.)

Will a drug test or physical be required?
Participants will not have to take a drug test or physical to participate in Richard Petty’s Driver Search. However, all participants will be required to sign documentation that attests to being free of any substances that could affect their ability to drive a race car and to being physically capable of competing in the modules described (see program itinerary). The Top Driver will be required to pass a drug test and physical prior to competing.

What is the cancellation policy?
Petty Holdings reserves the right to cancel Richard Petty’s Drivers Search for any reason, prior to 8/12/11. In the event of cancellation by Petty Holdings, a full refund of any monies collected will be issued to registered participants. Cancellation received by prospective participants will be addressed as follows: prior to 7/12/11 - 100% refund… prior to 8/12/11 - 50% refund… after 8/12/11 - no refund.

Is Richard Petty Motorsports involved in the Driver Search?
Richard Petty Motorsports has provided certain equipment and other support being utilized. However, participating in the Richard Petty’s Driver Search in no way implies an opportunity with Richard Petty Motorsports.