How to Get a Job in Racing
Getting Employment within the Race Car Industry is Possible
F1 teams and NASCAR race shops receive many (sometimes thousands) of applications every week. These applications can be in the form of a speculative inquiry via email, to a printed letter of application (complete with a resume) via regular mail, even personal visits. All of these approaches have been successful over the years but in the current economic climate, making a timely professional application is essential.
Special Skill Sets
The first thing to consider, before making an application, is what position, do you have the most experience, skills or qualifications in? All motorsport teams and manufactures employ specialists, from data logging experts to engineers; therefore, the job openings will generally be for individuals with special skill sets. That does not mean that someone wanting to get into motorsport for the first time will find it impossible, but it does mean that teams will be looking to see what puts you above a general application.
For the complete beginner, it is essential to get some track side experience. Attending a local race meeting will give the potential employee the chance to talk to team personnel and offer their services on a voluntary basis. However, for a race team, attending a race meeting is when they will be under the most pressure (asking a driver as he is about to go on-track if you can have a job will get a result, but it won’t be a good one). Offering to help with cleaning or loading before a team goes home is much more likely to get a positive result.
Professional Image
All teams must portray a professional image; anyone looking for employment must also do the same. Dress code, hair style and how much jewelry an individual wears will leave an impression – street cred for a 16-year-old will not go far with a 45-year-old team manager.
Mechanics working in a dealership will have most of the knowledge necessary for working on a race car, and will be an asset to a small team. But specific experience is something they will have to learn. For example, lifting a race car with a carbon fiber chassis onto stands requires a different approach to using a regular floor jack. Therefore, a dealership-trained mechanic will have a better of chance of employment with a team racing a sedan type of car.
Although there are many good college courses available to learn about (and get qualified in) motorsport, gaining hands-on experience while studying will help considerably when applying for jobs after graduation. However, before signing up for a college or university course, it is essential to research the institution. Speaking with a graduate will give the prospective student an insight into the effectiveness of both the institution and the professors teaching there. Good colleges will also have the respect of race teams and manufacturers and will often know of employment opportunities first.
Do Agencies Work?
A number of employment agencies offer lists of job openings within the motorsport industry, but fees are often charged and research is essential. Some professional teams will advertise a job opening and clearly state “no agencies” in their advertisement. On the other hand, some teams will only accept applications from their chosen agency; a well written letter, clarifying whether a team uses an agency or not, will save a lot of time.
Finally, a well written resume or CV (curriculum vitae) is important to making the right impression (proofreading is essential). Even someone who is looking to volunteer must show what their strengths and weaknesses are in a resume. For example, a high school student may have considerably more computer skills than members of a small team; if that team is looking to use data logging for the first time, a door may open to a career in motorsport.
Not the best time to approach a team
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Research colleges before signing up
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