Since this thread was revived I’ll chime in. I’m a Systems and Software Engineer at GM working in motorsports. I currently support the Cadillac LMDh car that races in IMSA and WEC. I had little exposure to cars and racing growing up but found the Formula SAE program at the University of Colorado where I studied Computer and Electrical Engineering. I owe most of my career to that collegiate program as it led me to a job in the auto industry at Bosch. I started out with much less exciting roles in the auto industry doing evaporative emissions diagnostic work but eventually found my way into Bosch Motorsport. There I did controls software development and track support for the Dodge Viper GTLM program and then the Ford GTE program supporting cars in the US and Lemans. After that I led a Bosch telemetry project and brought the highly successful Bosch LTE telemetry system to market. I took a little time away from motorsports to work on drones but couldn’t keep myself away. Earlier this year I came back to racing joining the GM Motorsports group.
As others have said, it helps to build a strong network and get experience when you are young. I can’t say enough good things about the FSAE program. Always happy to help anyone aspiring to join the industry.
Preston, you must know Austin Kent?? His is a bit of a good story for this thread. I met him 2020 when he interned for us in Europe, he was a student at Oxford (he’s American) at the time. Meeting him and working with him then I knew he would find his way in this sport!! He was different, in a good way, than all the other interns we had over the years!!!
One key thing I wish I knew when I was younger, regarding working in top level motorsports, for every driver there are probably10 other ppl in supporting roles, mechanics, carbon repair, tire techs, pit set up, media/public relations, there are a lot more jobs out of the seat than in.
If you want to work in NASCAR you need to live in Charlotte/Mooresville NC, 99% of teams are there.
If you want to work in Indycar, 99% of teams are in indianapolis. Some indycar teams have “fly in” guys, but not a lot, and with no experience that would be hard to secure. So most guys live in Indy
Sportscar (IMSA,SRO) a lot of teams utilize “fly in” ppl. With only a 10 race schedule it’s cheaper to fly your guys where ever you need them, shop, track etc when needed over hiring a shop full of full time employees. This is what I do, I can live anywhere I want (live in PHX) as long as I am near a major airport. So if there isn’t a team in your area that’s not a stopping point!!
I can’t speak for all series, but a lot of guys got their start in sportscars by going to a race and talking to teams. You probably won’t get a job working on a car right off the bat but you can get a foot in the door and a chance to show your worth. IMSA and SRO America admission tickets include paddock access. There is a real shortage of good ppl at the moment, it’s a good time to be looking.
Haha, this is a funny thread. I got my start at UNCC doing their Motorsport concentration and worked with a couple of the collegiate teams.
From there, I worked with @turboskipper at Bosch for a few years. I traveled a little, but my job was more on the office side since the teams I worked with had a traveling guy already. My role felt very “trained monkey” and got pretty boring. I was doing engine controls software, but the changes were strongly dictated by the team, and I was given zero lateral thinking. I enjoy solving problems, and my programs didn’t have a whole lot of that. I did learn a ton from Preston and the other guys, and I would’ve gained more decision freedom as I stayed longer, but I also wasn’t thrilled with new management there.
I went back to grad school and got a job in Mooresville, NC for DoD contractor. I miss some aspects of racing, but I get tremendously more challenge out of the work I’m doing now, and I have more free time for Motorsport hobbies. I’m not saying that Motorsport jobs are boring by any means, but I wouldn’t ignore other industries when job hunting. Still, it was invaluable for getting my start.
You must work with T Swanson. Hopefully he is all healed up from his flip earlier this year.
My own experience
I started wrenching in 2003 when I was going to college and I was also racing my cars in PCA production class (I think it was E). I met alot of people and was working for a few different guys doing track setup type work. Then randomly in 2011 I got on contact with Doran Racing and have been doing work for Kevin on and off since then. I have been involved in almost every type of racing as a result. My daily grind is as a Porsche technician so even in that roll I get alot of track guys.
I will say, I make way more money as a Porsche technician then as a Crew Chief and M-F 7 hour days is really nice.
