Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún could soon be home to Mexico’s first professional racing driver school, with plans to locate the facility on Boulevard Colosio within an emerging sports district.
The proposed school would offer a combined theoretical and practical training program designed to groom future professional drivers from childhood, targeting careers in series like Formula 1 and NASCAR.
How the Training Program Would Work
Benjamin de la Peña, a project organizer, explained that the school is part of a broader Classic Car Museum initiative being developed in the tourist hub, with completion expected within five years.
“We have two interesting projects,” de la Peña said. “One is to also establish the first school for the rehabilitation and restoration of classic cars, where students would learn painting, bodywork, and other skills, opening new job opportunities for many young people.”
He highlighted the racing school as one of the most compelling aspects. “It will start with a karting track for initial learning, allowing drivers to gradually evolve and eventually advance to national and international racing categories,” he explained.
The museum’s infrastructure would include a track to begin training children and teenagers.
Why This Initiative Is Being Pushed
According to information from automotive universities in Mexico, becoming a professional racing driver is a lengthy process. Reaching elite levels like Formula 1 or NASCAR typically requires 10 to 15 years of experience, often starting in early childhood or adolescence.
Most current professional drivers began karting between ages 4 and 8, spending 5 to 7 years in competitive karting before moving to single-seater or race cars. An additional 2 to 5 years competing in junior categories like Formula 4 and Formula 3 are usually needed to demonstrate skill before securing a professional seat.
Due to this early start, many drivers debut in higher categories around ages 17-18 under current FIA regulations, or in their early twenties.
How Drivers Would Obtain Professional Licenses
Drivers must also obtain professional licenses specific to the racing category they wish to enter. Physical and mental health are critically important, as adrenaline and G-forces play significant roles in motorsport, requiring optimal heart and physical condition.
De la Peña also noted that the planned “Cancún Automobile Museum” would feature at least 300 classic and collectible vehicles, along with infrastructure for conventions, exhibitions, and new model presentations by automotive brands.
Discover more from Riviera Maya News & Events
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.