23 Jan Educating the next generation of Race Engineers
Last November saw 23 aspiring engineers join the MIA School of Race Engineering at the Silverstone Museum for four days of immersive, hands‑on learning.
Over four intense days attendees had the opportunity to learn from, network with and question 20 leading race engineers. The tutors have experience in a variety of motorsport series, including Formula 1, Formula E, BTCC and WEC, and were keen to share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of race engineers.
During the two weekends the attendees prepared for the pitlane, through technical presentations which went in-depth into the tools any race engineer needs to study for a successful race weekend. Topics included tyre management, race strategy, optimising racecar performance, transmissions, brakes and even included a session on leadership in motorsport from Mark Preston, Team Principle at The Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E team.
A special highlight was having BTCC driver Daryl DeLeon attend with his race engineer Jenner Collins. They shared their insights into what it took to win the Jack Sears Trophy, including how to manage the all-important driver-to-engineer relationship to maximise performance.
However, not all sessions were presentation style, successful BTCC Race Engineer, Craig Porley lead two workshop sessions. Attendees worked in groups to create a session run plan for a BTCC car, which challenged their ability to prioritise testing car parameters in a time limited environment.
Conversations carried on into the evenings with two dedicated networking dinners, allowing students to ask tutors their questions and advice in a relaxed environment.
On the final day students put everything they had learnt into practice with an interactive simulator session. Guided by Championship winning race engineer, Geoff Dymott, students worked in groups to analyse data to suggest set-up changes to achieve the fastest laptime. They also practiced their driver-to-engineer communication with briefs and de-briefs with racing driver Callum Cripps.
The MIA School of Race Engineering would like to thank tutors for generously giving their time to contribute to the School programme.
Check out this highlight video from November to see more about the School and hear from students and tutors!
If you would like to find out more about attending, tutoring or partnering our MIA School of Race Engineering please visit our website www.schoolofraceengineering.co.uk or email [email protected].