My New Year’s resolution for 2025 was to volunteer at one of our local animal shelters, which I have found to be most rewarding — and it got me thinking. If you are a dyed-in-the-wool motorsports enthusiast, you do not have to own a racecar to find your place in the action. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the sport than volunteering with the National Auto Sport Association.
Whether you are helping drivers check in, inspecting cars for compliance, or assisting the timing and scoring team, volunteering doesn’t just benefit the motorsports — it also benefits you in ways you might not expect.
Why It Feels Good
There’s something deeply satisfying about being part of a community that shares your passion. Volunteering with NASA brings you into a network of like-minded people who live and breathe motorsports. You are not just spectating. You are in the thick of it, contributing to the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the track. Every car that roars by feels like a personal victory, knowing that you have helped make the event possible.
Volunteering also connects you to a sense of purpose. In our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to get caught up in routines that don’t feel particularly fulfilling. But when you step onto the track as a volunteer, you know your actions have a direct impact. Whether you are registering drivers, coordinating tech inspections, or driving the pace car, you are playing a vital role in keeping the wheels turning — literally and figuratively.
Plus, there is the pure joy of being close to the action. Not everyone gets to stand at the edge of a corner, feel the rumble of engines, or observe up close the intricate dance of drivers pushing their limits. Whether you are snapping photos, instructing a new driver, or supporting the safety crew, volunteering puts you in the middle of the thrill … and that is a rush like no other.
How It Benefits Others
Volunteering with NASA doesn’t just make you feel good. It makes motorsports accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. Events rely on a broad team of volunteers filling essential roles:
- Registration/Driver Info: You are the first point of contact for drivers, ensuring a smooth start to their day by handling paperwork, issuing credentials, and providing event details.
- Tech and Impound: You ensure cars meet safety and class regulations, making the competition fair and secure for all participants.
- Safety Crew: Ready to respond to incidents, you are critical for keeping drivers and spectators safe during races.
- Timing and Scoring: Behind the scenes, this team ensures accurate race results and helps drivers monitor their progress.
- Race Control: Managing communication and decision-making during events, race control is the heart of operations.
- Instructing: Sharing your expertise with new or experienced drivers helps them grow and keeps the sport thriving.
- Pace Car: You are responsible for leading cars to the green flag and ensuring safety during neutralized periods of a race.
- Photographers: Screened for experience, photographers capture the magic of the event, preserving moments for drivers and fans alike.
- Series Leaders and Race Directors: These key figures organize events, coordinate participants, and oversee the smooth execution of races.
A Win-Win Experience
Volunteering at NASA is a win-win experience. You are giving your time and energy to support something bigger than yourself, but you are also gaining invaluable memories, friendships, and experiences in return. Volunteering can even open doors to new opportunities, from advancing within NASA to networking with others in the motorsports world.
So, if you’re looking for a way to give back, deepen your love of motorsports, and have a blast doing it, consider volunteering with NASA. Whether you are a lifelong car fanatic or just looking for a unique way to spend your weekends, it is an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. After all, motorsports might be about speed, but the real magic happens when a community comes together to fuel the passion.
If you are interested in volunteering at a NASA event, please contact the Regional Director in your area to ask about volunteer opportunities.
