An Introduction To Motorsport

Motorsport is another term for Motor Racing. Motorsport is a fast, fun and accessible enviornment for anyone who has a passsion for four or even two wheels. While some imagine a career within Motorsport as only being within top levels such as F1, FE or endurance races such as Le Mans, this truly is only the tip of the iceberg. A career within Motorsport could be focused on working with more regional compitions or working part-time. Motorsport Engineering boasts a large amount of opportunities for a career. A Motorsport Engineer could specialise in data analysis, race engineering, aerodynamics, mechanics and many other roles within the sport.

Find more information about Motorsport here.

The History Of Motorsport

Motorsport was reported as starting in 1894, when a French newspaper organised a motor vehicle from Paris to Rouen and then back. This was the first evdience of city to city racing within motorsport history. In 1900 the Gordon Bennett Cup was established. Closed circuit racing arose as open road racing, on public roads was then banned. Aspendale Racecourse in Australia in 1906 was the first dedicated motor racing track in the world. Following World War 1, European countries organised Grand Prix races over closed courses. In the United States, dirt track racing became popular. After World War 2, the Grand Prix circuit became more formally organised. In the United States, stock car racing and drag racing became firmly established. Motorsports ultimately became divided by types of motor vehicles into racing events, and their appropriate organisations.

Read more about the history of Motorsport here.

Tips For Becoming A Motorsport Engineer

For anyone wanting to become a Motorsport Engineer there are a number of tips and tricks which could help you have a edge within the industry. There are schemes like Formula Student and Greenpower that are aimed at people who want to get into Motorsport Engineering. Volunteering is also a good idea for someone who wants to enter the field. Volunteering at motorsport events is a good way to make contacts in the industry and to get yourself known. Volunteers in Motorsport and British Motorsports Marshals Club have lots of ways you can get involved. Attending motorsport shows is also a good way to meet employers, ask questions and to find out exactly which skills and experience they're looking for. You can also search for different career profiles on Motorsport Engineering to find and then work on developing skills that employers will want. One way to do this is to take part in motorsport related courses online or in-person to develop your skills and make new contacts.

Find out more tips at the National Career Service.

Routes Into Motorsport Engineering

There are two main ways to become a Motorsport Engineer, the first is through an apprenticeship with a Motorsport team and the second through a university degree. Typically Motorsport Engineers will enter the field via a motorsport degree, or other engineering degree. Typically a mechanical engineering degree is recommended for those who want to enter the Motorsport field, this is because on a Mechanical Engineering degree students will learn about a range of engineering subjects. A university degree is much more focused on study and personal development whereas an apprenticeship will focus on being practical based. Some Motorsport Engineers will then choose to complete a masters degree in Motorsport or Automotive before entering the workforce.

Find out more about entering into Motorsport Engineering at the National Career Service.