“I'm in F2 but I can’t afford a hotel room" Brad Benavides on Pitstop!

Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.

Summary

**Navigating Financial Challenges in a Racing Career**

Brad Benavidez, a guest on the Pit Stop podcast hosted by Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca, shared his inspiring journey as a Formula 2 driver and the financial struggles he faced to pursue his racing aspirations.

**Humble Beginnings**

Growing up in Guatemala, Brad's initial passion for racing was ignited by watching karting races on a track near his home. Despite his family's limited financial resources, his father gifted him a small, outdated go-kart for Christmas when he was 11 years old.

**Swimming Background**

Brad's family had a strong swimming background, with his father and older brother being Olympic swimmers. Initially, Brad was also a promising swimmer, following in their footsteps. However, his true passion lay in racing.

**Transition to Karting**

At the age of 15, Brad made the difficult decision to prioritize karting over swimming. He spent five years gradually transitioning into the sport, dedicating himself to training and competing.

**Moving to Europe**

Brad's family recognized his potential and made the bold decision to move to Spain so he could pursue karting at a higher level. He began racing in Spanish competitions and eventually progressed to the World Series Karting (WSK) races, where he achieved a podium finish.

**Financial Struggles**

Despite his talent and dedication, Brad's racing career was constantly hindered by financial constraints. Each season, his family had to scramble to raise the necessary funds to cover race expenses. This often meant missing out on races or competing with limited resources.

**Balancing Sacrifice and Passion**

Brad acknowledged the sacrifices he had to make to pursue his racing dream. He trained extensively, often spending four hours a day in the gym or swimming. He also emphasized the importance of mental resilience in overcoming the challenges and setbacks he faced.

**Inspiration from Fellow Drivers**

Brad revealed that he was a fan of several Formula 2 and Formula 1 drivers before he became a racer himself. He admired their skills and achievements, and it motivated him to work harder and strive for success.

**Podium Finish and Growing Recognition**

Brad's first podium finish in a WSK race was a significant moment in his career. It boosted his confidence and brought him recognition within the karting community. He continued to move up the ranks, competing in the European championship level and finishing within the top 10.

**Ongoing Financial Hurdles**

Brad emphasized that the financial struggles he faced were not unique to him. Many aspiring racing drivers encounter similar challenges, and he hoped that his story would inspire others to persevere despite the obstacles.

**Conclusion**

Brad Benavidez's journey as a Formula 2 driver is a testament to his unwavering passion, determination, and resilience. Despite the financial hardships he encountered, he remained focused on his dream and continued to push forward. His story highlights the challenges that many aspiring racing drivers face and serves as an inspiration to those who dare to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. **Introduction**

* Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca host the podcast.

**Early Career**

* Brad Benavides started karting at age 12.
* Racing in the shifter class, a race could cost up to $8,000.
* Benavides' family got better deals with the team as he began to perform well.

**Formula Renault**

* In 2019, Benavides' father had a good business opportunity and was able to afford half a season of Formula Renault.
* The budget for a full season was around $500,000.
* Benavides and Oscar Piastri were in the same race when they both crashed due to slippery conditions.

**Formula 3**

* In 2021, Benavides raced in Formula Regional, the feeder series to Formula 3.
* He had a slow car due to supply chain issues caused by COVID-19.
* Benavides pulled out of the championship after six rounds due to financial difficulties.

**Formula 2**

* Benavides' father went into debt to fund his 2022 Formula 3 season.
* In 2023, Benavides' sponsors are covering most of his Formula 2 season, but he still struggles financially.
* He sometimes has to share a hotel room with his teammate or sleep in a motorhome.

**Mindset and Motivation**

* Benavides tries not to feel burdened by his father's sacrifices and instead converts that love into more love to give back.
* He is able to switch off the pressure and race professionally.

**Sim Lap Challenge**

* Benavides set the fastest lap time on the Pit Stop sim racing challenge, beating Oscar Piastri and other drivers.

**Conclusion**

* Benavides is a talented driver who has overcome financial challenges to reach Formula 2.
* He is grateful for the support of his family and sponsors and is determined to succeed in racing. **Brad Benavides Interview: Insights, Aspirations, and Gratitude**

In this engaging podcast episode, Brad Benavides, a rising star in Formula 2, joins hosts Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca for an insightful and entertaining conversation. Brad shares his journey in racing, his aspirations, and his gratitude for the support he has received.

**Brad's Passion for Swimming and His Path to Racing:**

Brad reveals that if he hadn't pursued racing, he would have likely pursued a career in swimming. His passion for swimming stems from his early childhood, and he acknowledges that he would have dedicated himself to this sport if not for his racing career.

**Brad's Journey in Racing and His Recent Success:**

Brad discusses his journey in racing, highlighting his recent success in Formula 2. He expresses his excitement about topping the leaderboard for the fastest lap and his appreciation for the support he has received from his team and sponsors.

**Brad's Gratitude for His Sponsors and Their Support:**

Brad expresses his gratitude for his sponsors, particularly the financial advisory firm based in Dubai. He emphasizes their commitment to winning and their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in his success.

**Brad's Aspirations and His Belief in the Power of Success:**

Brad shares his aspirations for continued success in racing. He believes that the power of success breeds more success, and he draws motivation from the support of his sponsors and team.

**Celebration of Milestones: 70,000 YouTube Subscribers and Brad's Leaderboard Success:**

The hosts celebrate two significant milestones: reaching 70,000 subscribers on YouTube and Brad's achievement of topping the leaderboard for the fastest lap. They express their gratitude to the audience and Brad for their contributions to these milestones.

**Brad's Appreciation for the Support and Encouragement from the Podcast Hosts:**

Brad expresses his appreciation for the support and encouragement he has received from the podcast hosts. He acknowledges their genuine interest in his journey and their role in motivating him to achieve his goals.

**Conclusion: Brad's Positive Outlook and Gratitude for His Supporters:**

The podcast concludes with Brad's positive outlook on his racing career and his gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from his sponsors, team, and the podcast hosts. He emphasizes the importance of these relationships in his journey towards success.