In 1951, after doing well in local races and hill climbs, he left Princeton to pursue a racing career.[1] His first race cars were a MG TD and a Jaguar XK120. In March 1953, he made his debut at Sebring 12 Hours, driving a Frazer Nash Mille Miglia to 14th-place finish. Said was the first American to win a road race in Europe after World War II, when he won a sports car race at Rouen-Les-Essarts, driving an OSCA MT4. Later that season, he notched another win at the Anerley Trophy at Crystal Palace circuit.
In 1954, Said switched to a Ferrari 500 MondialScaglietti, placing 3rd at Circuito di Senigallia; 2nd at Trullo d’Oro; and 9th at Syracuse Circuit.[2]
Said was also a bobsled racer, competing in the Olympics twice, 1968 in Grenoble and in 1972 at Sapporo, Japan achieving a best result of tenth.[4] The 1968 games were notable as he competed against another racing driver-come-bobsledder, Robin Widdows.