Motor sports are extremely popular in the US. In fact, it is widely reported that citizens ignore international competitions such as MotoGP and Formula One, in favor of local competitions. Regardless of the stage, race car technicians play an important role in keeping motor competitions safe and exciting. These professionals are essentially mechanics; only they are attracted to 7,000-horsepower engines. Read on!
See also: How to Become a Formula 1 Race Car Engineer
What do race car technicians do?
While motorsport engineers focus on designing and redesigning motor vehicles, technicians have a different role they:
- Repair race cars with mechanical problems – They can dissemble and reassemble race car engines, diagnosing and replacing faulty parts in the processes. Other parts that fall within their expertise include braking, steering and suspension system units
- Condition cars for races – This may include adjusting their functioning to meet the performance requirements set-forth by racing competitions
- Recommend areas that can be modified to improve the performance of race cars
- Advising race drivers on the functioning of various driving features
- Perform diverse pit-stop tasks (such as changing wheels) during races
Work environment
Perhaps the only boring thing about the race car technician job is that they have typical 9am to 5pm work schedules. During competitions, however, these technicians may work more hours, as they strive to tune the cars into high-speed ground jets!
When race car technicians are not making repairs in factories or workshops, you can find them on the sides of race tracks anticipating car faults!
Salary
What is the average annual salary of a race car technician?
$30,000
Source: Indeed
Entry requirements
Unlike regular mechanics who can get started through basic on-the-job training, race car technicians must complete specialized training. The best way to receive this training is to pursue at least an associate degree in motorsport or race car technology. Some of the schools offering this program include:
- Forsyth Technical Community College, North Carolina
- University of Northwestern Ohio, Ohio
- Lanier Technical College, Georgia
These programs typically cover courses such as:
- Introduction to Motorsport/race systems
- Motorsports composites
- Welding technology
- Motorsport machine tools
Important qualities
Besides the training, you need the following skills to competently execute the duties of a race car technician:
- A mechanical aptitude
- Strong technical skills
- Superior analytical ability
- Manual dexterity
- An interest in motorsport racing
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Strong computer skills
- The ability to read and understanding technical drawings
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Turn drivers’ views into practical solutions
- Strong time-management skills
Career advancement
What next for race car technicians? Well, if you are ambitious enough, there are clear advancement opportunities for you. To achieve them, you will need to:
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree in motorsport engineering
- Join professional associations, such the International Motor Sports Association, to access professional development opportunities such as industry conferences.
With vast work experience and a bachelor’s degree in motorsport engineering, your quest to become a motorsport engineer will be unstoppable.
Job opportunities
The employers of race car technicians include:
- Race car teams
- High performance vehicle repair garages
- Race car manufacturing vehicles
- Sellers of race car parts and equipment
See also: How to Become a Motosport Engineer
Finally, there are over 1,800 auto racing tracks in the US, with each hosting several competitions a year. Race teams are looking for ways to gain the winning edge, meaning the services of race car technicians are not only indispensable, but also increasing in demand.
So if you are a speed enthusiast, there are alternative careers than just being behind the wheel! Become a race car technician.