Getting Started

[KateFM]

Hi

I am new to the site so apologies if this has been addressed before. My 12 year old son has been interested in cars all his life and has an added interest in F1. He really wants to be an F1 mechanical engineer when he gets older so although he enjoys driving karts and anything else with four wheels for that matter, I would really like to help him get involved in working on cars (he helps his dad tinker with an MG V8 (?) at the moment. Are there any clubs where he could get more involved in the mechanics of cars/motorport. We live in the Oxfordshire area and his dad lives in the Leighton Buzzard area, but would be prepared to travel if necessary.

Many thanks

[spyderman8]

There are a few race prep companies near Milton Keynes you could contact to see if they're interested in taking on an apprentice.

Backdraft Motorsport (Bletchley) - running three Lambo Gallardos in 2012 in GT, Britcar and the like

Newbridge Motorsport (Great Horwood, Buckingham) - Boxsters (hopefully mine!) in the BRSCC Porsche Championship

RPM (Cheddington) - a variety of Porsches in a variety of races on an arrive and drive basis

[KateFM]

Thanks Spyderman Will certainly try them.

Regards
Kate

[anonymous-user]

he could try daytona at milton keynes for some work experience. unfortunately he would be little value at a professional racing team and they wouldnt trust him to do anything to a real racing car they are being paid to prepare for a customer so a kart circuit at least gives him the chance to get his hands dirty and help out.

[designndrive62]

One of the best thing to do is to get down to a race meeting when you can and go round the teams and talk to them, and to do some web research to find out if there are any teams local to you - large or small. when I was 13 I got in contact with some local teams and ended up being able to work with a team on their formula ford 1600's at castle combe. general helping out, cleaning the cars, watching them put the important stuff together but also getting to help out with the lesser stuff.
Its difficult now with it being the end of the season but its worth contacting any local teams incase they have any test days that your son could go and meet them/watch them on.

[tapkaJohnD]

Did you and he watch the programme, "How to build....a super car"?
Last Sunday, I think, on BB2 and still available on iPlayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b017t722/How_...

Therein is mentioned McLaren's recruiting policies; highly qualified engineers, I think from memory that they don't necessarily need have 'motorsport engineering' degrees, but higher than just a BEng, a Masters or similar, and also from the towns and villages around the McLaren works. So, if your son doesn't have the academic ability, move to Woking!

John

Edited by tapkaJohnD on Tuesday 22 November 19:21

[KateFM]

Thanks to all for taking the time and effort to reply. More comments are obviously welcome and yes, I will certainly take all you say on board.

Regards

Kate

[Simon T]

Hi Kate,

helpers are always welcome. The car takes a lot of looking after. We race at Castle Combe and other circuits around the UK. If your son is interested in helping out drop me a mail

Simon

www.tillingmotorsport.com