Possibly the most energizing experience one can have is to wake up on Monday morning looking forward to going to work – as eager to get to your job as many people in the word are to get away from it on Friday afternoon. Perhaps one of life's greatest satisfactions is getting paid to do what you love to do. But what if the vocational love of your life is really out of reach? No matter how passionate one may be about a pursuit, not everyone can pay the rent and utility bills playing the violin, balancing on a ballet bar or driving a race car. Race driving for instance, is expensive and highly competitive. People with a deceased, wealthy uncle or a winning Irish Sweepstakes ticket may not have a problem. But even drivers in top races still have regular jobs to support their passion. However, there is a compromise wherein a person can have half of the cake and eat the other half. The solution is to pursue an alternate career in the same field. Car racing is part of the motor sports industry and there are many positions available which put one where the action is and also pay well.

One may not be behind the wheel speeding around the track but it's possible to still be in the picture enjoying the adrenaline rush of the race. While drivers are definitely the stars of the show, they aren't the only kids on the block. All drivers need support from the pit crew and from race officials and managers. There are almost as many management positions in the racing industry as there are cars on the track.

For instance, each individual racing team has a manager. There is manager for the pit crew, the individual race, track operations, and the race day. There is even a mascot manager. There are also jobs in marketing, communications, media, public relations, administration, hospitality and officiating. And, while a college degree in business would certainly be an asset it is not required. There are entry-level positions in all of these areas. However, what is an advantage is a course in motor sports management. These are short, usually not more than one college semester. They are also available in an on line format where students can work at their own pace. An on line class also offers a location advantage. They can be taken from anywhere that has Internet access. Some are taught by private schools. Others are available through community colleges and universities. Many classes go beyond academics. They offer some type of cooperative education experience such as internships, practicums, or volunteer situations for students to acquire 'hands on' experience. These often become jobs once the course is completed.

The courses are almost always taught by professionals from the industry so students not only learn from the experts but also have an opportunity to make connections while they study. A few hours of Internet research to locate a course can help prospective students become part of an exciting and well paying field.