Motorsport Engineering : Your First Steps Into Motorsports

An Introduction to Motorsport Engineering, Race Car Systems , Vehicle Dynamics, and Strategy for Aspiring Engineers

What you'll learn

Understand motorsport roles and career paths: explore various roles within the motorsport industry, such as engineers and pit crew

Learn the basics of motorsport tools and fasteners: essential tools like spanners, Allen keys, and fasteners used in motorsports, gaining practical knowledge.

Prepare for race weekends and trackside operations: develop a basic understanding of how to prepare for a race weekend, including trackside responsibilities.

Understand suspension systems and their impact: introductory knowledge of different suspension systems, such as double wishbone and pushrod, and their impact

Explore the core components of race cars: overview of race car engines, gearboxes, and braking systems and their contribution to performance

Understand basic vehicle dynamics and driver influence : basics of vehicle dynamics, focusing on handling concepts like understeer and oversteer

Build simple race strategies using data : learning how to use data to build a race plan & understand factors that can influence strategic decisions

Requirements

Interest in engineering or mechanics : A basic interest in automotive engineering or mechanics will help learners grasp technical concepts more easily.

No prior experience required : No formal experience in motorsport or engineering is needed; this course is designed for beginners exploring the field.

Basic understanding of motorsports : Learners should have a general interest in motorsports, with some familiarity with racing teams and events.

Description

Welcome to Motorsport Engineer: Your First Steps into Motorsports! If you’ve ever been captivated by the roar of engines and the thrill of racing, this course is your chance to step into the action. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the dynamic world of motorsport engineering, where speed, precision, and strategy converge.Throughout this course, we will identify the roles and responsibilities of a Race Engineer. You will explore essential concepts such as the vital roles within motorsport teams, the use of key tools and technologies, and the intricacies of race car dynamics. You'll gain foundational knowledge of suspension systems, learn how to prepare for race weekends, and develop strategies that drive success on the track.What can you expect? Engaging roundtable discussions with industry professionals,  and exciting brainstorming sessions focused on race car systems and race car strategies. By the end of the course, you'll have a clear understanding of motorsport roles, the ability to analyze race car components, and insights into vehicle dynamics and competitor strategies. Whether you’re looking to start a career in motorsports or simply deepen your passion, this course is designed to fuel your journey. Join us and rev up your learning experience in the thrilling world of motorsport engineering!Module 1: Introduction to Motorsport and Career PathwaysStudents will gain a foundational understanding of course expectations and the diverse roles within the motorsport industry. They will develop resourcefulness and identify potential career pathways, while assessing the skills and qualifications needed for various roles, gaining insights into the personnel involved in race operations.Module 2: Motorsport Tools and EnvironmentThis module will equip students with knowledge of essential motorsport tools, including spanners, Allen keys, and power tools. They will learn the importance of fasteners and develop familiarity with their use. Through discussions, students will analyze the motorsports environment, enhancing their practical understanding of working on a race track.Module 3: Race EngineeringStudents will understand the critical responsibilities of a race engineer, including preparation for a race weekend and on-track duties. They will engage in discussions with professionals, gaining insights into the skills and strategies necessary for success in race engineering.Module 4: Suspension SystemsParticipants will explore the importance of suspension systems, learning about different types, including double wishbone and rocker arm systems. They will analyze pushrod versus pullrod suspension choices, understanding their impact on race performance through expert discussions.Module 5: Race Car ComponentsStudents will acquire foundational knowledge of various race car components, including engines, gearboxes, and braking systems. They will engage in brainstorming sessions to understand the interconnected systems that optimize race car performance.Module 6: Vehicle DynamicsThis module focuses on the driver's role in vehicle dynamics. Students will learn the fundamentals of understeer and oversteer, participating in discussions that connect these concepts to real-world racing scenarios, enhancing their understanding of vehicle control.Module 7: Motorsport StrategyParticipants will identify key factors influencing race strategy, including data analysis and predictive modeling. Through simulations, they will practice building and adjusting race strategies based on various scenarios, fostering critical thinking in strategic decision-making.

Overview

Section 1: I want to be a Motorsport Engineer, but what do they do ?

Lecture 1 Introduction to Motorsport Engineering and Course Expectations

Lecture 2 Who is Rex and what has he done ?

Lecture 3 Being Resourceful, Your first step into Motorsports

Lecture 4 ABC’s of motorsport , Qualities you need to develop and Roles in Motorsport

Lecture 5 Who are all the people on the grid , how can I become them ?

Lecture 6 Motorsport Environment ( Only bring your best game)

Lecture 7 Listen to students figuring out a career just like YOU

Section 2: You need to know this to be on track

Lecture 8 You want to be on track ? Know your tools - Spanners

Lecture 9 You want to be on track ? Know your tools - Allen Keys , Power Tools & Fasteners

Lecture 10 You want to be on track ? Know your Fasteners

Lecture 11 Roundtable discussion on Motorsports Environment

Section 3: Race Engineering , it's all about being prepared.

Lecture 12 Being Prepared for a Race Weekend

Lecture 13 Being Prepared on the Race Track

Lecture 14 Race Engineer , What does he do ?

Lecture 15 Roundtable discussion on Motorsports Environment

Section 4: Know your Suspensions

Lecture 16 Why is suspension important , what is an ideal suspension ?

Lecture 17 Introduction to different types of suspension

Lecture 18 Insights on Double Wishbone Suspension

Lecture 19 Insights on Rocker Arm Suspension

Lecture 20 Pushrod Vs Pullrod Suspension, Which one do we choose ?

Lecture 21 Roundtable Discussion on Motorsport Suspension

Section 5: Get to know your Race Car

Lecture 22 Crash Course on Engine Types

Lecture 23 Crash Course on Gearboxes

Lecture 24 Crash Course on Brakes

Lecture 25 Brainstorming on Race Car Systems

Section 6: The Dynamics of Racing cars

Lecture 26 The driver is at the center

Lecture 27 Basics of Vehicle Dynamics

Lecture 28 Insights into Understeer

Lecture 29 Insights into Oversteer

Lecture 30 Fireside chat on Understeer and Oversteer with Rex Keen

Section 7: Strategy in Motorsports

Lecture 31 Factors at play

Lecture 32 Building your strategy through the race weekend with data

Lecture 33 Strategy Simulation & Insights on each factor affecting strategy

Section 8: Additional Content Available Upon Course Completion

Lecture 34 Competitor Analysis Discussion with Ian Wright , Rex Keen and Shubham

Lecture 35 Lecture 35: Recommended Resources to dive deeper in Motorsport engineering

This course is designed for motorsport enthusiasts, aspiring engineers, and anyone interested in the technical side of racing. Whether you're looking to break into the motorsport industry or simply deepen your understanding of race car mechanics and engineering, this course offers a beginner-friendly yet comprehensive introduction. It’s ideal for students, hobbyists, or individuals with a passion for motorsports who want to learn about race car components, tools, suspension systems, vehicle dynamics, and race strategies. No prior experience is required—just an interest in motorsport and a willingness to explore the world of race engineering.