RACE MECHANICS
The primary role of a race mechanic is to ensure that racing vehicles are in top condition for competition. Race mechanics are responsible for performing regular maintenance and making repairs to vehicles, including engines, transmissions, suspension systems, and brakes. They also work to improve the performance of vehicles by making modifications, such as changing gear ratios or adding aerodynamic components. Race mechanics must enjoy working in a trackside environment an must be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure. Communication skills are also important, as they must be able to collaborate with other members of the racing team and provide updates on the status of vehicles.
WHERE TO STUDY
Qualification wise you will need at least a level 2 or 3 in a motor vehicle maintenance or motorsport engineering. For senior roles you may require a HNC or HND in motorsport Engineering. We are happy to offer recommendations on where to study but for a full list of Colleges and Universities offering a motorsport course please refer to the UKAS website.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND LEVELING
NUMBER 3/FLOATING MECHANIC
Number 3 mechanics are normally work experience or new staff in their first motorsport role.
- Assist the logistics team pre/post event. (Loading the trucks, awning/garage build etc)
- Keep the vehicles clean at all times.
- Assist the logistics team in retrieving new parts.
- Assist the the removal of bodywork and basic components.
- Responsible for tyre maintenance and preparation. (Pressures, set numbers, cleanliness)
NUMBER 2
Number 2 Mechanics normally have some previous motorsport or automotive experience.
- All roles carried over from a Number 3 mechanic.
- Good understanding of all vehicle systems. (Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Powertrain etc)
- Basic fabrication and machining skills. (Desirable but not essential)
- Demonstrate basic IT skills. (Microsoft Office preferable)
- The ability to read and interpret CAD drawings.
NUMBER 1
Number 1 Mechanics must have at least 3+ years experience of being a Number 2.
- Responsible of building, maintaining and servicing their own car.
- Responsible for safety and job delegations to the Number 2 Mechanics that are assigned to their car.
- Responsible for contributing to various build procedures and manuals.
- Report any issues to the team Chief Mechanic
- Working to tight timelines while at events and tests.
- Work with the Logistics Coordinator to Keep a record of all car part life numbers for each event.
- Staying on top of pit equipment and tooling maintenance.
Enforcing a clean and tidy working environment.
CHIEF MECHANIC
Chief Mechanics must have at least 5+ years of being a Number 1.
- responsible for the day to day running of the mechanical department.
- Promote teamwork and effective communications to develop relationships between all personnel.
- Ensure the cars are built and maintained to the highest standard.
- Create workshop and trackside procedures and risk assessments.
- Work to tight deadlines and methodically plan car builds.
Create and rehearse pitstop structures with the team. - Report reliability issues, document and seek solutions with engineering teams.
- Follow and record the mileage of car parts and tyres.
- Assist with freight, travel planning and manage trackside activities.
- Assist in the operation of the garage, its infrastructure and ensure it is maintained to the highest standard.
SKILLS SUMMARY
| Category | Specific Skills / Expertise | Details / Examples |
|---|---|---|
| TIG, MIG, Arc Welding | Chassis repairs, custom components | |
| Fabrication & Welding | Sheet Metal Work | Cutting, bending, forming |
| Machining / CNC | Custom part fabrication, precision work | |
| Carbon Fibre Layup & Repair | Trimming, bonding, curing prepreg materials | |
| Composites | Structural Knowledge | Sandwich structures, foam/honeycomb cores |
| Resin & Adhesives | Understanding resin systems and curing | |
| Wiring & Harnesses | Custom wiring, repair, soldering | |
| Electrical | Data Acquisition | MoTec, AIM, Pi setup and troubleshooting |
| Sensors & ECUs | Calibration, diagnostics, programming basics | |
| Engine Rebuild & Tuning | Optimization, reliability under race conditions | |
| Powertrain | Gearbox & Differential | Servicing, setup, transmission tuning |
| Forced Induction | Turbo/supercharger installation and maintenance | |
| Shock Absorbers / Dampers | Rebuild, setup, corner weighting | |
| Suspension & Chassis | Chassis Geometry | Alignment, handling adjustments |
| Aerodynamic Awareness | Understanding aero influence on handling | |
| Precision Tools | Micrometres, callipers, torque wrenches | |
| Workshop Tools & Proficiency | Machine Tools | Lathes, mills, CNC, safe workshop operation |
| Inventory & Documentation | Part tracking, traceability, workshop organization | |
| Attention to Detail | Spot micro-failures in composites, welds, or wiring | |
| Soft Skills | Problem Solving | Fast troubleshooting under pressure, interpreting telemetry |
| Communication & Teamwork | Collaborate with engineers, drivers; clear documentation | |
| Adaptability | Rapid learning of new tech, awareness of motorsport regulations | |
| Additive Manufacturing | 3D printing for prototypes or spare parts | |
| Emerging / Nice-to-Have | Hybrid / Electric Powertrain | Knowledge of electric motors and battery systems |
| CAD Skills | SolidWorks, CATIA for designing custom parts | |
| Composite Testing | NDT techniques for quality assurance |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I PROGRESS UP THE LADDER?
The way people normally progress is either staying with 1 team for a number of years or by moving around from team to team. The number of trainee/apprenticeship spaces at elite level teams is very small for for most people they start off at a lower level series and work their way up.
CAN I CHOP AND CHANGE BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED WHEEL RACING?
Yes! The fundamental principles of running and maintaining a race car are the same in almost all forms, shapes and sizes. Most people with have a preference in either open or closed wheel racing and choose the path that works for them once they have enough experience.
HOW DOES THE LEVELING WORK WHEN I MOVE TO A NEW TEAM?
It depends in the jump in level and the team size you are moving into. For example someone with 5 years as a Number 1 in F2 may be offered a job within an F1 team. Normally they would be put into the team as a Number 2 or dedicated to a specific area of the car (Front/Rear ender) In some cases they may be put on the test team until a space becomes available. It may seem like its 2 steps forward, 1 step back but this fairly common within the industry.
WHEN WILL I KNOW IF IT IS THE RIGHT TIME TO MOVE ON?
There are 2 key signs which people normally become aware of when they feel like they are ready to look for a new role:
- They have become stagnant and are not learning anything new.
- They feel unempowered and don’t feel like they are being listened to.
WHAT ADDITIONAL TRAINING SHOULD I BE LOOKING OUT FOR?
Continuous improvement and training is the key to having a long and successful career within the motorsport industry. Consistent advancements in technologies gives race mechanics a wide pool of skills to learn and develop. Be out on the look for things like HV courses, Fabrication Courses, data/performance seminars, HGV training and more. These are all essential for making yourself versatile and employable!
WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE LATER DOWN THE LINE?
Being a race mechanic is a fantastic career option for many people but some will be thinking ‘what do I do when I want a quitter life’ There are many options out there which of course skill/training dependent but here are some suggestions:
- Team Manager
- Facilities/Operations Manager
- Project Manager (Formal training required)
- Customer Support/Sales
HEAR FROM THE PRO'S
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