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In the automotive field what dose it take to get into a specialty trait such as working at a race shop or working for the NHRA
I am 21 years old and have been working on cars since I was 15Ilove Volkswagen and small 4 cyl turbocharged vehicles. I plan on taking an advanced automotive class but don't know what i really want to do with it. #automotive #turbo #cars #planes #trains #automobiles
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Daniel Indish
Process Improvements, Lean Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing, Quality, Industrial Engineering
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Daniel’s Answer
Eugenio -
It seems like you might want to get into high performance automobile mechanics. Fantastic!
One of the best things you can do to get started is to go to local racetracks. Observe the various race teams as they unload and set up. Some teams are just starting out, using family and friends, with few sponsors. These small teams could use an extra hand, especially one that would be willing to pitch in anyway possible.
I have a friend who is trying to get his son into racing and the race team is minimal. You may have to start work for low pay and pizzas, but you’ll get an excellent education, test and development of your skills, and determine if you want to continue in this direction.
You will have to improve your machining skills and you may have to be creative to do rapid repairs to get through the races on a tight budget.
As the driver wins, the driver’s status goes up, along with potential sponsors. The crew follows along in that success. As your skills and reputation go up, larger and more successful teams should see your talent and pursue you. If you hook up with a team that continues to succeed, you could make it up to NASCAR or NHRA level.
If you really want to get into high performance mechanics, you may have to learn to use a coordinate measuring machine, especially for engine block measurement. There are some portable measuring arms that can be transported.
If you’re interested in four cylinder engines, you might also get into Midget Racing (3/4 scale) or 7/8 scale racing. Because of the scale, proportional speed and performance is more critical than it might be with a full size race car, where driver skill rises in importance.
Good luck on your Need for Speed!
Go to the local race track and find a small low budget race team to help
It seems like you might want to get into high performance automobile mechanics. Fantastic!
One of the best things you can do to get started is to go to local racetracks. Observe the various race teams as they unload and set up. Some teams are just starting out, using family and friends, with few sponsors. These small teams could use an extra hand, especially one that would be willing to pitch in anyway possible.
I have a friend who is trying to get his son into racing and the race team is minimal. You may have to start work for low pay and pizzas, but you’ll get an excellent education, test and development of your skills, and determine if you want to continue in this direction.
You will have to improve your machining skills and you may have to be creative to do rapid repairs to get through the races on a tight budget.
As the driver wins, the driver’s status goes up, along with potential sponsors. The crew follows along in that success. As your skills and reputation go up, larger and more successful teams should see your talent and pursue you. If you hook up with a team that continues to succeed, you could make it up to NASCAR or NHRA level.
If you really want to get into high performance mechanics, you may have to learn to use a coordinate measuring machine, especially for engine block measurement. There are some portable measuring arms that can be transported.
If you’re interested in four cylinder engines, you might also get into Midget Racing (3/4 scale) or 7/8 scale racing. Because of the scale, proportional speed and performance is more critical than it might be with a full size race car, where driver skill rises in importance.
Good luck on your Need for Speed!
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
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Mark’s Answer
Eugenio,
One of the most important things about any career is that you enjoy what you are doing. You said you've been working on cars since you were 15 and love VW and turbo 4cyl engines, that's great! Definitely go to school for automotive repair, be it a local community college or one of the national schools and learn everything you can and if there is extra credit- do it! While you are in school toward the end they will assist in placing you into a shop, that's where you will really begin to learn! Now, as this is all taking place connect with friends, acquaintances, or even go to the local racing tracks in your area and talk to folks and express your interest. If you have friends who race, volunteer to be apart of their pit crew and do whatever needs to be done to help the team win.
In any occupation where there is more supply(people who want to do it) than demand (jobs available), being excellent at what you do and getting to know and being known by people is key. Good luck on your plans and always keep your eye on the prize!
One of the most important things about any career is that you enjoy what you are doing. You said you've been working on cars since you were 15 and love VW and turbo 4cyl engines, that's great! Definitely go to school for automotive repair, be it a local community college or one of the national schools and learn everything you can and if there is extra credit- do it! While you are in school toward the end they will assist in placing you into a shop, that's where you will really begin to learn! Now, as this is all taking place connect with friends, acquaintances, or even go to the local racing tracks in your area and talk to folks and express your interest. If you have friends who race, volunteer to be apart of their pit crew and do whatever needs to be done to help the team win.
In any occupation where there is more supply(people who want to do it) than demand (jobs available), being excellent at what you do and getting to know and being known by people is key. Good luck on your plans and always keep your eye on the prize!