How to Get Into Motor Sports as a Mechanic

If you love the buzz of NASCAR, stock and formula cars or motorbike racing and have mechanical aptitude, a career as a motor sports mechanic might be the job for you. Getting a gig as a race mechanic requires training, experience and tenacity. Race teams get hundreds of applications for every mechanic job available. The hours are long and the starting pay can be low, but for those who love the sport and like to get their hands greasy working on vehicles, there are many schools available to get trained in the various aspects of becoming a motor sports technician.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what type of motor sport interests you most. Focus on a career in the area of the sport that is most exciting to you and on the type of vehicles that are the most intriguing to you to work on. Bridgestone Racing Academy points out that it takes a particular temperament to be a successful race mechanic and that many begin enthusiastically, but lose focus as the race season goes on and become bored with the repetitive nature of the work. Key to success in the motor sport industry is having a love of the sport.

    • 2

      Gain experience in lower-level vehicle racing. Go-kart racing is a good place to start to get the feel for motor sports. You may also be able to land an apprenticeship with lower-level racing. The more experience you can get in any race environment the better.

    • 3

      Attend a race mechanic training program. There are dozens of schools that specialize in motor sports mechanic training. MotorsportsEmployment.com offers links to the top motor sport mechanic training programs with descriptions of each program. The varying types of programs include: online and book training; technical schools; yearlong hands-on practical studies; and college and university programs. The type of program you chose depends on your area of focus, finances and time constraints.

    • 4

      Talk to motor sports mechanics at the racetrack or at racing events. Develop relationships with as many good mechanics as possible. Pick up as many helpful hints and tips as you can. Also learn the language of the mechanics and get an idea of what a typical workday is like.

    • 5

      Get your resume to as many racing team managers as possible in your field of interest. List not only your qualifications and experience but include those all-important references from other mechanics.