RACECAR driver Melvin Choo believes that what an aspiring driver needs first is to master the basics.
"Initially you don't need the fastest car," he said. "$50,000 or $60,000 would get you a good car, including some modifications.
"But what you need to do first is to learn how to drive the car well, and see if you are cut out for the sport or not," he added.
"Racing is not just about having the fastest car, it is also about learning all the rules, safety standards, regulations, and respecting all these rules."
That is why Choo feels that budding racecar drivers should polish their skills through karting. "Karting is inexpensive, and all the best drivers in the world started off with that," he said. "At eight-years-old, you cannot jump into a car and race, but you can go-kart.
"If they start karting at eight, can you imagine how good they would be when they turn 18?"
These extra years of driving would prove vital in a driver's development, according to Choo.
"Through karting, you learn how to overtake, how to defend positions, and experience the feeling of reacting to the lights at the start of a race.
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"These are things that you have to go out there and do it," he added. "You cannot sit down and talk about racing and hope to improve."
But in addition to honing one's skills, Choo believes that a driver's image is also very important.
"If you present yourself well and you're well spoken, sponsors would be more attracted to you.
"That is very important, because at the end of the day if you want to move forward in racing you need sponsorships."
While he admits that it is still difficult for someone to venture into motor racing here, he has high hopes for the future.
"There are programmes coming up next year that I am involved in, to introduce people to racing," he said.
"I am very excited about the Changi race track because it would be essential for the motorsports scene, and for potential drivers coming up in Singapore.
"With our hosting of the Formula One race and the race track combination, I am confident that we will be churning out very good racecar drivers.
"Until that happens you're stuck with me," he said with a laugh.
