CAREERS IN AUTO : WORK IN THE FAST LANE

William ong before most people had seen an Lawhorn automobile, thrill-seekers across the globe Lwere driving competitively. The first recorded auto race in the United States took place in 1895 in Illinois. The winner covered the 54-mile course in a little more than 10 hours. The of racecars has accelerated steadily since then, as has the popularity of the sport. William Lawhorn In public opinion polls of sports popularity, in is an economist in the Office of Occu- pational Statistics fact, auto racing consistently finishes near the and Employment Projections. He top. And racecar drivers may be the star of their can be reached at (202) 691-5093 event, but they depend on support from many or at lawhorn.william@ others—including some workers who aren’t on bls.gov. the track.

2 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Fall 2009 The person behind the wheel is just one of many driving the sport of auto racing. Learn about workers on the track and in the shop who contribute to the thrill of race day.

You don’t have to be behind the wheel to The National Association for Stock pursue a career in auto racing. From pit crews Auto Racing—better known as NASCAR—is to promoters, a variety of workers contribute the most prominent organi- to the excitement of race day. The following zation. But there are several smaller, usually pages provide information about occupations regional, stock car associations. These orga- in the racing industry. After an introduction to nizations often serve as a training ground for the sport, you’ll read about what these work- racers and crews who later rise to prominence ers do, either on the track or in the workshop, on the NASCAR circuit. and how they train. And you’ll learn where to Open-wheel racing features custom-built find more information. racecars with exposed wheels and an open cockpit. The most prominent open-wheel racing organization in the United States is the Types of auto racing Indy Racing League. Most Indy races are on Modern are a vast industry. Pro- oval tracks. A few races, however, are held fessional drivers compete for prize money— on closed public streets or on courses built to known as a purse—in everything from go- mimic public streets. karts to tractor-trailers. In the United States, is a form of organized racing however, three types of motor racing are most in which two vehicles race along a straight prominent: stock car, open wheel, and drag. course—a drag strip—that is usually a Stock car racing features cars that are quarter-mile long. Cars in drag racing range based on commonly manufactured produc- from stock production autos to highly special- tion vehicles sold to the public. Stock racecars ized, custom-built vehicles. range from those that are minimally modified Most drag races in the United States are to those that are custom-built and share only governed by the National Hot Rod Associa- their external appearance with production tion. A smaller organization, the International vehicles. Races generally are held on oval Hot Rod Association, governs nearly all tracks with steeply banked turns. remaining U.S. drag races.

Fall 2009 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 3 In stock car and open-wheel racing, driv- On the track ers seek maintenance in the designated “pit” According to the 2009 National Speedway area of the track. To make these pit stops, Directory, there are about 1,800 racing venues drivers must position their car properly when throughout the United States, and every event entering the pit area, because misalignment requires drivers and pit crews. costs time. The specifics of the track and pit depend And drivers don’t just drive; they also on the type of car being raced. Speed enthu- make special appearances to promote their siasts, for example, might be drawn to drag team, sponsors, and racing organization. Like racing, in which cars with 7,000-horsepower other professional athletes, racecar drivers engines reach speeds of 330 miles per hour. answer fans’ questions and sign autographs. Other races have different paces and require different skills—from both drivers and crews. Pit crew The pit crew is a vital part of the racing team. Racecar driver These workers take care of the racecar’s A racecar driver maneuvers his or her car mechanical needs during pit stops. Pit stops through the course, around the track, or up the usually involve refueling, tire changes, and strip—at the fastest possible speed. To do this, mechanical repairs. the driver must remain acutely aware of track Depending on the length of the race, the conditions and the position of other drivers. driver may need to make several pit stops. All drivers make quick decisions about The type and size of car, the volume of fuel shifting gears, braking, and accelerating. it holds, and the length of the race determine Then, they execute these tasks while travel- what type of work must occur during a pit ling at high speed. They must understand the stop. geometry of the racetrack to move efficiently. While stopped, drivers lose their race While successfully maneuvering past a position relative to other drivers. Therefore, competitor, drivers must also prevent other it is critical that pit stops are completed as competitors from passing them. Drivers quickly as possible. A standard takes Racecar drivers must consider every detail, from the position of about 15 seconds, in contrast to more than a minute in racing’s early days. Not surprising- skillfully maneuver cars their own bodies to weather conditions, and constantly reevaluate and monitor the perfor- ly, crew members are usually physically fit; at high speed. mance of their car. some are former college athletes who have the strength and agility to perform pit tasks quickly and accurately. The planning of pit stops is a key part of racing strategy. Before a race, the pit crew ensures that the car is mechani- cally sound and that all fuel, tools, parts, and equipment needed for pit stops are in place. During the race, the crew works to keep the car ; after- ward, there’s cleanup and evalu- ation of performance. Between races, they practice pit stops. Below are job descriptions for several members of the pit crew.

4 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Fall 2009 U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Elkins On the track, pit crews take care of their team car’s mechanical needs.

Crew chief. This worker plans and Tire carrier, changer, and catcher. A tire organizes all race preparations. Duties vary, carrier brings tires to the front and back of the depending on the type of race. For example, a car and assists the tire changer in replacing crew chief on a hot rod may also be involved them. Tire changers operate the air gun that in the tuning of the engine prior to the race. loosens and tightens the lug nuts. Changers On some stock car teams, the crew chief then roll the used tire toward a tire catcher, manages work schedules, handles employee who removes it from the pit area. training, and is a parts supply liaison. Windshield cleaner. The windshield Pit coach. Major stock racing teams have cleaner ensures visibility by washing the a pit coach, who is responsible for ensur- windshield to remove buildup such as dirt, oil, ing smooth pit stops. Job tasks may include rubber, and bugs that have accumulated there. developing weekly pit practices and work- Mechanic. Pit mechanics specialize in outs. In top-level racing series, pit crews have either under-car or front-end setups. The a full-time training regimen because every under-car specialist is concerned with the fraction of a second is important and requires engine, , and other drivetrain preparation. components. The front-end specialist insures Gas person. In longer races, cars need to that various parts of the car associated with be refueled. A gas person handles the fueling tire alignment are properly adjusted. of the car. Fuel is held in containers that keep Some auto racing mechanics also an exact amount of fuel. After the pit stop, the have jobs in the workshop. Their tasks are gas person measures the amount of remaining described in the section on shop workers. fuel to calculate when the next pit stop must Scorer and spotter. A scorer tracks the lap occur. times for the car to help determine speed and Jack operator. This worker operates total racing time. The spotter stays in com- the jack that lifts the car so the tires can be munication with the driver during the race and changed. The driver knows it is safe to go informs the driver of any issues on the track, when the jack operator drops the car after such as oil spots, crashes, and competitor changing the last set of tires. positions.

Fall 2009 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 5 problems, tune the engine, adjust chassis and In the shop wheel alignment, and perform many other All racecars start in the workshop—more tasks that help performance. commonly known as the “shop”—and end Racing mechanics are often specialized. up back there. Most shops have specific areas Examples include engine tuner and suspen- dedicated to fabrication, mechanics, paint, sion specialist. Constant repetition with the parts, and engines. Shop workers prepare same product allows mechanics to complete more than one car for a race, because teams work quickly and efficiently. Their knowledge need to have a backup ready for each event. and skills depend on the rules of the various And teams often tailor car preparation to racing series. But diagnostic skills are impor- specific tracks. tant for mechanics in auto racing to maximize performance. Occupations Fabricators. Fabricators create the In-shop workers include mechanical engi- highly specialized pieces of the racecar, repair neers, mechanics, fabricators, and paint- autobody damage, and make adjustments to ers. All of them are supervised by a shop reduce the body’s contact with the track. By foreperson. cutting and welding prefabricated parts, fab- Shop foreperson. The shop foreperson ricators create the pieces a particular racecar plans and coordinates all the activities of shop needs. workers. The foreperson also acts as a liaison Body hangers. Body hangers attach between the shop workers and the trackside the autobody shell to the car’s frame. Strict crew chiefs and addresses problems the chief standards apply to fitting metal templates to notices during a race. specific points on the car. Manufacturers have Mechanical engineers. Mechanical specialists perform this task for race shops, engineers develop, design, and test new auto but some shops also employ their own body bodies, engines, and tools. Using design hangers. software, these workers create the plans that Painters. Painters apply the base colors mechanics and other technicians use when and coatings to racecars. Almost every part producing parts and assembling the vehicles. of a racecar is painted in a process that takes Engineers consider every aspect of a car’s about 2 days. A recent time-saving innovation Shop mechanics may have design, from aerodynamics to engine torque. involves “wrapping,” covering all or part of to repair car parts damaged They also factor in safety considerations. the car in vinyl. Wrapping makes it possible during an event. Mechanics. Mechanics prepare the to change a car’s color scheme in 4 hours or cars for races. They diagnose mechanical less.

Photo: National Science Foundation Employment and wages The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have employment and wage data spe- cific to occupations in auto racing. Businesses involved in the operation of auto races— including racing teams—are classified within the spectator sports industry. But this industry also includes nonracing sports businesses. In addition, establishments classified in other industries provide support to the auto racing industry. As a result, BLS can’t determine exactly how many workers are employed in auto racing.

6 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Fall 2009 But many of these jobs are specialized education, training, and requirements vary versions of occupations for which BLS does by occupation. Racecar drivers, for example, have data. And because employees of racing must have highly developed driving skills teams are classified within the spectator sports but do not need a college degree. Mechani- industry, wages for racing-related occupations cal engineers, on the other hand, must have a within that industry are the best approxima- bachelor’s degree. Advancement opportunities tion of wages for those in the auto racing also vary. industry. Median annual wages for selected occupations are presented in the table below. Skills Drivers compete professionally in ven- Familiarity with car engines, bodywork, and ues ranging from rural dirt tracks to mod- mechanical technology is common among ern speedways. Some are part-time drivers workers in auto racing. Strong math skills racing for purses that barely cover their are essential for making calculations, such as expenses; others get staggering sums that those for fuel consumption or for measuring a they supplement with income from product car’s clearance, during an event. And profi- endorsements. Prominent professional driv- ciency in the use of testing and diagnostic ers usually have a contractual agreement with equipment is useful for vehicle maintenance. a sponsor or racing team owner, and they Communication skills are important receive a percentage of the prize money. Top for most workers in racing occupations, NASCAR drivers, for example, might receive especially for racecar drivers and shop work- between 40 and 50 percent of the purse, with ers. In addition to communicating with the team sponsors, owners, or members splitting pit crew during a race, drivers are expected the remainder. to make public appearances off the track and must be able to relate to fans and the media. Shop workers need to interact with each other Preparing for a career in to prepare vehicles for an event. Management skills are a must for a fore- auto racing person, who functions as the shop supervisor. Preparation for a career in auto racing often In addition to their knowledge of shop opera- starts with interest in the sport at an early age. tions, which they usually gain through on-the- And that interest may be paired with automo- job experience, forepersons should know how tive knowledge developed through exposure to direct shop workers. They need leadership, to engines: growing up around machinery on problem-solving, and communication skills, a farm, perhaps, or mechanical training during as well as the abilities to coordinate work, set military service. priorities, and motivate others. Auto racing workers sometimes have Athletic ability is necessary for pit crew similar knowledge and skills, but specific workers. They need strength and coordination

Median annual wages for selected occupations in the spectators sports industry, May 2008 Automotive body and related repairers $54,750 Automotive service technicians and mechanics 51,160 First-line supervisors and managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers 67,960 Helpers of installation, maintenance, and repair workers 23,780 Machinists 45,060 Mechanical engineers 78,320 Painters of transportation equipment 52,870

Fall 2009 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 7 to perform their tasks—including lifting and universities; a few graduate programs also carrying heavy equipment—quickly, safely, exist. Continuing education courses are avail- and accurately. Many crew members have able through professional associations. participated in formal athletic programs in other sports. Advancement Opportunities for advancement for workers in Education and training auto racing are often tied to experience and Although students interested in auto racing networking—and, sometimes, geographic often start honing car skills well before their location. But some occupations have more teen years, by high school they should take specific paths for moving forward. certain classes if they expect to make a career Most racecar drivers, for example, don’t in racing. Math is a must, but vocational- begin on the big tracks. Drivers might get technical courses are also important. Post- their start racing go-karts and later work their secondary coursework may also be required, way up from lower-level auto races. By gain- especially where vocational courses are not ing experience and taking specialized courses, offered in high school. drivers are able to control faster and more To become a mechanic, students should powerful cars as they advance in auto racing. take automotive maintenance and repair Shop forepersons usually work their courses. Manufacturers’ specialty courses and way up from the shop floor to management. automotive mechanics courses include more Through experience, they gain knowledge of in-depth information about vehicles. These each shop worker’s job and then apply that courses are valuable not only for mechanics knowledge to running the shop efficiently. but often for drivers, fabricators, and painters Along with shop experience, though, fore- as well. Technical preparatory schools, such persons need expertise in racing. They might as the NASCAR Technical Institute, special- spend time on the track or as a crew chief. ize in racing technology education. Other workers in auto racing advance by Fabricators need coursework in welding gaining experience on the job. Many have and metalworking, particularly specialized opportunities through family- or friend-owned welding and sheet metal. Modern race teams businesses and projects. In fact, networking often construct their own parts, so certification is an important element of advancing in auto in specialized welding is useful. On-the-job racing. Workers should develop contacts and training is also common for fabricators. be prepared to use them. By starting at a local Painters may find it helpful to take voca- track and working their way up, they can tional-technical courses in automotive body expand their list of connections. painting. Some schools maintain facilities to Geographic location is a factor in auto paint cars as well as to perform basic body racing, and achieving success may require repairs. Many painters also learn on the job. relocating. In the case of NASCAR, for exam- Drivers must complete courses to get ple, most team shops are located near Char- licensed in operating high-speed vehicles. lotte, North Carolina, so workers who want to In addition, drivers often take courses to rise to NASCAR ranks must live there. maintain their driving skills or to eliminate problems that develop. There are numerous schools that help racecar drivers improve their For more information skills. To learn more about careers in auto racing, Mechanical engineers need to earn at visit your local library. Look for resources least a bachelor’s degree, most commonly about the occupations described in this article, in mechanical engineering, from an ac- as well as about the auto racing industry itself. credited university. Programs tailored to the Many of these occupations have counter- automotive industry are available at some parts outside of racing, and the Occupational

8 Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Fall 2009 Outlook Handbook has descriptions of them. SAE International The descriptions include working conditions, 400 Commonwealth Dr. job duties, employment, wages, training Warrendale, PA 15096 requirements, and more. Find the Handbook (724) 776–4841 in libraries or online at www.bls.gov/ooh. www.sae.org Professional associations also offer career information for people interested in racing. For information about mechanics, contact: Many provide news about drivers, racing schools, and job openings. National Automotive Technicians For general information and racing news, Education Foundation contact: 101 Blue Seal Dr. SE. National Speed Sport News Suite 101 P.O. Box 1210 Leesburg, VA 20175 Harrisburg, NC 28075 (703) 669–6650 Toll free: 1 (866) 455–2531 www.natef.org www.nationalspeedsportnews.com Universal Technical Institute, Inc. For information about engineers, contact: NASCAR Technical Institute American Society of Mechanical Engineers 220 Byers Creek Rd. 3 Park Ave. Mooresville, NC 28117 New York, NY 10016 Toll free: 1 (877) 201–2597 Toll free: 1 (800) 843–2763 www.uti.edu/NascarTech/tabid/58/ www.asme.org Default.aspx

U.S. Air Force photo by Larry McTighe

Fall 2009 • Occupational Outlook Quarterly 9