Race Car Mechanic

[Nathan[CTA]]

Does anyone know of locations in Ontario where I can take a course on Race Car Mechanics? I know the Jim Russell Racing School in Sonoma California has a course, but I am looking for a school closer to home. If anyone has some leads please email me at Nate_The_Great48@hotmail.com it would be much appreciated.
Thanks:)
Nathan

[Nathan[CTA]]

Thank you for the responce:) . I am going to check out that site right now. If anyone else has some information to share with me it would be awsome.
Thanks agian,
Nathan

[Guillermo]

http://www.optimumg.com/seminar_3day.htm

[Steven Scala]

Did the Bridgestone mechanics' program 7 years ago. Got a racing job that winter.

Would normally recommend doing a bit of reading before springing off to a seminar in the USA. Copies of Data Power have become expensive, tho...

[thgear]

Did the Bridgestone mechanics' program 7 years ago. Got a racing job that winter.

Would normally recommend doing a bit of reading before springing off to a seminar in the USA. Copies of Data Power have become expensive, tho...

are there any statistics out there for wage rates for race gearheads?

[Mike Basden]

are there any statistics out there for wage rates for race gearheads?

I haven't seen any, but rest assured that you'll never get rich doing it. Oh and the hours are insane, so you won't get much sleep. And forget about family life because you'll never be home or awake when you are home.

But damn it's fun!!:D

[thgear]

I haven't seen any, but rest assured that you'll never get rich doing it. Oh and the hours are insane, so you won't get much sleep. And forget about family life because you'll never be home or awake when you are home.

But damn it's fun!!:D

getting rich isnt so much on my priority list, but in the long run i would like a relativly stable income to support the standard north american life style you kno?

[Mike Basden]

getting rich isnt so much on my priority list, but in the long run i would like a relativly stable income to support the standard north american life style you kno?

That's the bad thing about racing; all of your security and stability comes from the sponsors (or drivers/owners). If they decide to pack it in, or the money dries up you'll be looking for new work. And unfortunaely that happens a lot. Most full-time guys I know are always looking for the next opportunity and constantly network hard.

If you don't mind moving around, and can get to the US, you can probably make a living at it. In Canada it's more difficult because there are a lot less teams so there are less opportunities overall. If you can find a position with a pro Canadian team, and tough it out for a few years to build up some experience you can do it. But it's not easy.

[malcolm]

if you want to stay in canada, there are a few teams up here.

Strudwick Motorsport
Powell Motorsport
Georgian Bay Motorsport
and a bunch of other grand am teams...

some might be willing to take you on in an apprentice type of role or something... just a thought. :)

[Steven Scala]

Hey Serge, you were asking about wage rates. I've worked for $400 a week, all the hours you could stuff into it. Never did call a labour board, but I have been in racing since.

[thgear]

Hey Serge, you were asking about wage rates. I've worked for $400 a week, all the hours you could stuff into it. Never did call a labour board, but I have been in racing since.

400 is not bad, less than what i make now but better than McDonalds and hella more fun i'm sure :)

its more about throwing away everything i have now and persuing something totaly different... AHHH THE LIFE CHOICES!

[Steven Scala]

It's pretty hard work, but you'd really have paid some dues once you're done working for $3/hr. Was fine as long as I had a 70 horse econohatch. Job won't support a BMW, tho.

[Mike Basden]

if you want to stay in canada, there are a few teams up here.

Strudwick Motorsport
Powell Motorsport
Georgian Bay Motorsport
and a bunch of other grand am teams...

some might be willing to take you on in an apprentice type of role or something... just a thought. :)

Don't forget about AIM Autosport (now aligned with Doncaster), Fiorano and Team Autotechnica, all in the GTA.

I would say that fly-in work is more profitable than full-time, but you need a day job that is flexible and will give you all the time off for the races and tests. The average fly-in for Grand-Am/ALMS is about $200 USD per day right now plus expenses and per diem. Crew Chiefs and Engineers are obviously more, while more junior crew are less.

[Morrow]

If you are still in high school or currently in College check out the Career Cruising Program in your guidance dept.
Career Cruising has detailed information on Race Car Mechanics, including detailed job descriptions, education, career path, wages, additional sources of info, etc. It also includes two "interviews" with actual mechanics (Bridgestone mechanics in this case), they offer info on a their likes, dislikes, advice and typical day in the life. Best of all it is all Canadian Information. Every high school in Ontario has purchased access to this program, however if you are not able to access it (not in school, or what ever) PM me, I will provide you with my user name and password.

A friend's son was interested in learning more about what it was like to work as a race mechanic. I contacted Rob and Phil at Strudwick Motorsports, and they were good enough to have him volunteer with them for a regional weekend. While he hasn't had time to be back since, he is now apprenticing as a Technician for a Shop in the Barrie area.

Good Luck Nathan

[thgear]

how about university degrees, they any usefull in the racing world? :confused: (particualry a human resource and business management ones.....) :o

i think i'm slowly realizing that i wasted the last 5 years of my life hahahaahha.. ah.. :(

[Bubblecar]

. . . i think i'm slowly realizing that i wasted the last 5 years of my life hahahaahha.. ah.. :(

What - you didn't race during the last five years :D ;) :D

[Phil Strudwick]

I have positions available right now. Various levels from no experience on up.

I am presently posting for positions on this web site. I am always looking for guys who are part time as well. Volunteer weekend warriors are always welcome.

If you are interested contact me and I can give you the skinny.

Cheers Phil

[DasVW]

<dbl post sorry>

[DasVW]

There are lots of opportunities in Detroit and Texas. This web site specializes in race car mechanics, engineers and fab techs:

http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage

This is a great site too:

http://www.jayski.com/pages/school.htm

[Mike Basden]

Also worthwhile checking out jobsinmotorsports.com

It's not updated that often, but there are some decent positions there.

[Not4you]

Intriguing thread. I've been thinking the same kinds of things - except I'd like to find a course in engine building. I have an old 5.0L engine in storage that is begging to become a project - I just need to learn how ...

I'm an advertising consultant weenie by day but am looking to getting my hands dirty again during the evenings. Volunteering as a weekend warrior for a race team ... now that I need to consider!!

[Nathan[CTA]]

I got accepted into Bridgestone's MTP program but had to leave early in the program because of other commitments. I learned a lot for the short period of time I was there and also drove a '87 Reynard. I am still hoping to find a spot on a race team located in the GTA, preferably in the Durham Region working on F2000's or other open wheeled models. Thank you ever so much everyone for your awsome input!!!

Sincerely,

Nathan

[Sasha]

We're also always looking for passionate talented guys!

Feel free to email me for info, sanis@sg-motorsport.com