Career opps

[BK911]

I know a lot of people who would love to get into the racing industry. If you're serious about it, the University of Central Florida has an EXCELLENT program in High Performance Engine Design. It’s officially a masters program in industrial engineering, and an undergrad in engineering is required. Most students have an undergrad in mechanical, electrical, civil or industrial engineering.

Some recent grads have landed decent jobs. One works for TRD, one just landed a job as an engine builder with some team in Nascar (can’t remember the name, Nascar’s not my thing!), one’s with Harley Davidson, one’s with Alex Job, etc..

Most students, including myself, work with a pit team on weekends, go to school and work at a shop during the week. Then add in the beautiful weather, racing all year, and all the half naked hotties, what’s not to like!

Check out UCF on the web for more info or post questions here.

[Joe911]

Thanks for the info. My 20 year old son would be interested in this - I will pass it on.

[911nut]

I know a guy who's a local Porsche wrench who used to be the chief mechanic for a big dealer's racing operation here in northwest Detroit. When I asked him about his racing days he said "everyone who's in racing is trying to get out of it". The reasons being really long hours and pay not equal to the time put in.

[BK911]

It's a little different ball game now. With all the advances in technology going into racing it almost takes an engineer to work on these cars now. Teams are starting to realize this. Since UCF has the only curriculum like this, graduates are pretty high in demand right now. Plus all the recent grads and current students have been doing great local work so the reputation is pretty solid as well.

I intended this post to intrigue somebody who can't make up their mind on what to study in college. Mechanical Engineering! Than come down here and get a Masters in High Performance Engine Design!

[widebody911]

At first I read that as "Career Oops" and immediate thought "IT"

[Joeaksa]

If someone is interested in racing, go to aircraft mechanics school. Most race cars have more in common to a airplane than a car these days and that way you would be dual qualified.

Joe

[billwagnon]

University of Central Florida has an EXCELLENT program in High Performance Engine Design. It’s officially a masters program in industrial engineering, and an undergrad in engineering is required. Most students have an undergrad in mechanical, electrical, civil or industrial engineering

Is that within commuting distance from Harold's shop??? A plan is forming...oh yeah my wife likes winter 'cause it kills the bugs.

[jluetjen]

...my wife likes winter 'cause it kills the bugs.

Ever been to Maine? The state bird is the black fly! Aya - and that's in spite of a pretty stiff winta.

Y'all come back now -- y'hea.

[gregk1]

I talked to one of John Force's pit crew members, (The Tire Guy) He said the same as what 911nut did ,Long hours and what you do get payed there is no time to spend it, 9 months of Hotel after Hotel, And as far as the Hoties! go they want all of your Brain involed in what your doing and not thinking with the other Brain! If some thing goes wrong because of it it's not a Happy Camp!! He said It's not all of what it"s cracked up to be

[BK911]

Yea, I know the life isn't for everybody. But people were asking about opportunities in the industry so I figured I'd plug the program.

Working in the pits is only a part-time job while going to school. Most graduates are doing R&D work. Two graduates helped develope the C5R Vette engine. Of course some still go to the races. But do you think somebody changing tires is going to make about the same as somebody who developed the engine and is trackside testing/monitoring it? Both jobs are extremely important but different ballgames. Another grad is a track tuner for TRD in IRL or F1, some open wheel league. He's making some coin.

But to me it's about doing something I enjoy. I'm not in it for the money. Seems some people think too much with their wallet!

And yes, I am close to Harold's shop. But not close enough! He's a little over an hour from me. I've seen his shop and I would love to work there. $12/hr is decent money there, plus what you will learn is worth MUCH more.

And the hotties I was refering to are all the lovely young ladies (and gentlemen if that's your thing!) living in Orlando. Extremely young city.

[NapTownSpeedy]

I traveled on the IndyCar/IRL/Supercar circuit for 4 years. Everytime we were bummed about work, we would calculated what we made hourly. Folks, it was depressing.
But, it was racing. For the young, or young at heart, that's all that matters. I got to see 4 continents on someone else's dime. Had my 21st birthday in Miami, two weeks later in Rio. Another month in Australia. What a time for a young kid. Spent most of my time on the road, w/ per diem, and no attachments. So I was able to save, learn, and hang out with drivers, mechanics, and some owners.
Some of the best years of my young life... but as soon as you have a life outside racing, you get tired. Wives, children, mortgages are all difficult if you work on a 22 race season with testing inbetween and little downtime. Sometimes I didn't unpack my dopkit for months on end.
If you are really a race freak, it can be great. If you have mulitple skills you are valuable. (ie tranny & truck driver, or shocks & carbon fiber). Do it because you love it and can be away from home without it bothering you.

PS- don't try to race your own car on downtime. After 5am to 9pm at the track for work, the last thing you want to do is see another track. If you want to be a driver, get a 9-5 that pays exceedingly well OR marry a rich person that likes to see you risk your life daily (still searching for the the latter if she's a 6' blond )