Helping out with race teams?

[Mag1calTrev0r]

I'd like to get more involved with motorsport but don't have the funds just now to buy my own car so I thought about the possibility of getting involved with a race team.

So my question is, what do I need to do to get into a team, I'm think along the lines of Clio Cup, Ginettas, etc. I'm not after getting paid, just the experience/enjoyment of being part of a team.

I work in IT so I don't think I'll be able to help with the mechanical side of things...

[randy]

We could do with a free data engineer on the Hofmann's team :-)

[Mag1calTrev0r]

PM sent

[pw75]

Data Engineers are certainly in demand..... I race but am learning the subject at the moment......plenty of people have no idea...!

[Mag1calTrev0r]

Interesting, I'm not, at this stage, considering a career move for my regular job but as it happens I work as an Oracle Database Administrator and I've also had experience in industrial data acquisition.

Not that I would insult current Data Engineers in thinking that I could jump into that job but what skills & experience is required? I'm talking about small teams who rely on the support from 'enthusiasts' rather than fully paid up members of staff.

Has anybody got any links for stuff that I can read up on?

[andy97]

Have a look at this book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Competition-Car-Data-Loggi...

Best I can do i'm afraid.

[RobM77]

I'd start e-mailing teams that are based near to you. Most will want a hand and you can learn on the job. Don't be surprised if you start off washing the cars and cleaning tyres (or perhaps lap timing and operating a pit board), but if you fit in and have the right attitude you can progress.

[Mag1calTrev0r]

Nice one guys, I've emailed a team and hoping to speak to Randy as well. Would still welcome any further recommendations from anyone running teams

[TimCrighton]

Where abouts are you based?

[Chris71]

I think you used to be able to get trial copies of some of the data logging software free. It might be worth having a play with some?

I wouldn't restrict yourself just to IT though. To start with being able to make tea and push the car around the paddock would be good.

[Mag1calTrev0r]

I'm based in Bristol.

Getting trial software isn't a bad idea...

[lewis1]

as long as your willing to travel to and from events, and maybe camp at them sometimes you should find someone. Especially at the moment when people haven't got the budget to pair people to come along. Make sure you add into your emails you make a good cup of tea, be willing to do any job(within reason) that they give you. But make it clear that you dont have a huge amount of mechanical knowledge. hth

[MHM]

lewis1 said:

Make sure you add into your emails you make a good cup of tea, be willing to do any job(within reason) that they give you. hth

This was the biggest problem whenever we had lads want to help out when we did Clios and touring cars, they turn up expecting to do a ratio change between race 1 and race 2, then get the 'ump when you ask them to scrape tyres or polish the car. Go there to learn ! We gave up on having lads come along with no experience because most of them thought they had nothing to learn and were doing US a favour. I wish they had just watched what was going on and asked questions, I would have been more than willing to help, and eventually when there is less pressure let them start doing the exciting stuff.

[Racing Rod]

http://www.neilgarner.co.uk

Check out our prep team, ask for Neil, He runs our cars in Britcar (996 GT3's) they are based just north of castle combe so not far from you. When you get through to him mention my name and at least he will give you a few moments to put your case. Your IT experience could be of use to him