2 answers
Darby
Student
Northfield, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to get into the Auto sports industry?
Should I get a degree in mechanical engineering? I want to design race cars but Im not sure where to start.
#Spring26
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2 answers
Jerry Van Norman
Professional Engineer with over 50 years of experience
12
Answers
San Marcos, Texas
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Darby,
I agree with William Vvuko's insights. Many talented people, like Adrian Newey, Gordon Murray, and Steve Nichols, have dedicated years to designing Formula 1 race cars. Today, it's a team effort, with 600 to 1500 people working together to make a car perform well on the track. There's even an engineering training program for Formula 1 in the UK that you might want to check out.
In the US, you should know about the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). SAE is a key organization for automotive engineers and has student chapters at many universities. Make sure the engineering college you choose has an SAE chapter. SEMA is focused on marketing and promoting specialty automotive equipment. They have a big convention in Las Vegas in November and it's open to the public on the first day.
It's a good idea to attend a university near where you want to work. This can help you connect with potential employers. You might want to get a map of the US and use push-pins to mark cities where SEMA, IndyCar, NASCAR and other race car organizations are based. Then, choose a college near a cluster of these pins.
To get hired in the automotive industry, it's important to be known to employers. One great way to do this is by working as a technician in an automotive-related company before you earn your engineering degree.
Looking forward to seeing you in the winner's circle!
Jerry L. Van Norman, PE
I agree with William Vvuko's insights. Many talented people, like Adrian Newey, Gordon Murray, and Steve Nichols, have dedicated years to designing Formula 1 race cars. Today, it's a team effort, with 600 to 1500 people working together to make a car perform well on the track. There's even an engineering training program for Formula 1 in the UK that you might want to check out.
In the US, you should know about the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). SAE is a key organization for automotive engineers and has student chapters at many universities. Make sure the engineering college you choose has an SAE chapter. SEMA is focused on marketing and promoting specialty automotive equipment. They have a big convention in Las Vegas in November and it's open to the public on the first day.
It's a good idea to attend a university near where you want to work. This can help you connect with potential employers. You might want to get a map of the US and use push-pins to mark cities where SEMA, IndyCar, NASCAR and other race car organizations are based. Then, choose a college near a cluster of these pins.
To get hired in the automotive industry, it's important to be known to employers. One great way to do this is by working as a technician in an automotive-related company before you earn your engineering degree.
Looking forward to seeing you in the winner's circle!
Jerry L. Van Norman, PE
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
233
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Darby,
Automotive engineering is a fairly specialized field of study.
Mechanical engineering, however, is a very good pathway to it. It will give you a solid foundation in the pursuit of your automotive engineering dream.
Best of luck in pursuing your dreams.
Automotive engineering is a fairly specialized field of study.
Mechanical engineering, however, is a very good pathway to it. It will give you a solid foundation in the pursuit of your automotive engineering dream.
Best of luck in pursuing your dreams.