Do I need practical experience?

Regardless of other decisions if you wish to develop a career in motorsport try to get some experience! It will greatly affect your chances of obtaining employment in motorsport.

Many companies feel that without experience you will not be aware of the pressures involved. The fabrication, preparation and operation of motorsport vehicles, the long hours, stresses within teams and tight deadlines!

It will also give you an idea of which area you wish to work. Whether to become a race engineer or to work at the team's headquarters, or to join one of the many suppliers of goods and services to motorsport.

Many opportunities exist to obtain such experience!
Many Towns and cities in UK contain several teams / companies involved in motorsport activities. National club level racing, rallying, motorbikes, short ovals, drag racing etc will provide the kind of experience which you will need. As many of the teams are smaller and less professional your role may may be more varied!

Find a local motorsport team with whom you feel you can work and spend some time helping them prepare and enter their vehicle.

Be prepared to turn up to wash the car and make the tea - it will take time for them to trust you to do things which may cost them their car, money and safety!

Become acquainted with preparation techniques and with race day procedures. While you are doing this compile a CV / scrap book with details of the cars you have worked on, the results achieved and the things you have learned to do!
This will be beneficial at subsequent interviews!

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