Learning to Become a Race Car Engineer
Some Schools Offer Degrees in Motorsport Vehicle Technology
Apr 14, 2009
Continued from part one:
In addition to a good overall understanding of the vehicle and its systems, it is a good idea to specialize early. For example, many teens have a better understanding of computers than their seniors, and offering to download data from a car in a junior team is one opening that can lead to a career in motorsport. However, it will be necessary to have a thorough knowledge of at least one of the major data logging systems deployed on most, if not all, racecars today.
Data logging companies to research include: Motec, Stack, Pi, Bosch, Magneti Marelli, and Aim. Most of these companies have sample software to download (for free) which will give the beginner a chance to see real data and how it is displayed. The ability to move around the various data logging pages is essential – a driver may be waiting in the pit lane to go and complete another lap before the end of a session as you download data. Also, engineers will need to see data quickly to make decisions about a car’s suspension set up, for instance.
Lotus Suspension Analysis
In addition to general data logging systems, a number of companies have excellent web sites to sample/view their software. For example, Bosch has simulation software available for free download called LapSim. Another company at the forefront of motorsport for many years is Lotus. Lotus not only produces cutting edge sports cars, but they have a dedicated software department that produces a number of leading software programs for automotive use. Lotus’ suspension analysis program (LSA from Lesoft) is a must have for any serious racecar engineer.
Although engineers will tend to specialize in a particular area of vehicle performance, they must always keep up to date with the latest trends, and regulation changes.
In 2009, for example, F1 teams used KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems) for the first time. Engineers who had studied lithium-ion battery technology in 2007 were well ahead of their counterparts. And this is a good example of why an old, but famous, saying still applies to racing today: “nothing changes suddenly in racing, but suddenly everything has changed.” This assessment of motorsports ever-changing nature is attributed to the late F1 Tyrrell designer and engineer, Dr. Harvey Postlethwaite. It is worth remembering.
Governing Regulations
Before making any engineering decision to improve a racecars performance, it is essential to have a thorough knowledge of the governing regulations. The vast majority of race series in the world have copies of the regulations available for free download, and anyone thinking of a career in motorsport is well advised to review these.
Colleges and Universities
In Europe (England in particular), Canada and the US, there are many universities and colleges offering degrees in motorsport vehicle technology. Prospective students must research both the institution and the professors before committing to a two or four-year degree. In addition, a degree in mechanical engineering, for instance, is easily transferable to other industries and should be considered as an alternative. Also, a prospective employee with an advanced degree in aeronautics or electrical engineering is more likely to secure a position in a top factory team, again complemented with hands-on experience.
One of the questions that people considering a career as a race engineer regularly have is what sort of salaries are available. So much depends on the individuals experience and qualifications that it is hard to put an exact number on this question. Some race engineers simply offer their time at the weekends for a friend’s team for free. Some top F1 engineers command salaries in the millions. However, for a degree level engineer, with five to ten years racing experience, a reasonable level of salary would be in the $45,000 to $100,000 per annum range.
Return to part one: How to Become a Race Car Engineer
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