Odds and ends of work with race team?

JUICED96Z · 02-05-2008, 07:12 PM

Can anyone tell me what steps you have to take to work with the pro drag race teams?

This is what I have been told so far,

I was told that when it comes to NASCAR, DEI requires their engine builders to have their A&P (waiting for the test date to come and I will have it and my A.S. once I get it). I went to A&P school before I starting thinking about racing though.

For the drag race teams I was told to apply with the teams and start out cleaning and doing things like that. I did and never heard anything however, "The Sarge" told a buddy of mine in person that you have to apply in person and can't just e-mail your resume to HR. Him and I both live rather close to DSR.

Can you get on with a team and not have to travel or at least travel rarley and just do work in the shop? I know having your CDL really helps getting on with the crews but I would rather not travel a lot.

Currently I am an aircraft structures mechanic.

I am planning on applying at DSR and a local John Force shop this summer after things settle down.

CTSmechanic · 02-06-2008, 10:34 PM

You need to make up your mind on what you want to do and plan for it to take atleast 10 years for it to happen.If you want to make any money you have to go on the road... Drag racing is one of the lowest paying forms of racing friend of mine knows a lead crewman for a good fuel team and he makes 45k...lives on the road driving race to race..The NASCAR market is Impossable to get into rightnow and is only going to get worse with the COT's and NASCAR strangle hold on the rules...

JUICED96Z · 02-07-2008, 01:26 AM

Thanks for the info.

CTSmechanic · 02-07-2008, 09:31 PM

I dont mean to crush your hopes but racing is changing and not for the better..Im in it rightnow because I have no idea how to do anything else that even comes close to the same pay.I can only speak from my experence in Stock car racing... going on 11 years.Experenced people are in low demand and high supply... with the layoffs and down sizing these a few hundred people looking for work rightnow.I have started looking for other forms or racing to get into.. off road... Grand Am... something that is on the up swing rather than down...If you have a good job in Avaition keep it.. go to your local race track drag strip or race team and try to volunteer it will give you a taste of whats instore while geting some experence and a foot in the door if you decide to go full time.. Its not a job its a total way of life 50 70 hours a week ,weeknds on Salary travel all over the place stress politics back stabbing it can be fun....

JUICED96Z · 02-08-2008, 12:30 AM

No problem man, its nice to hear the negatives

I don't have th egreatest job but its a job, aviation is like racing, lots of layoffs and high supply low demand.

What about machine shop/engine builder work? I know of a few local GOOD builders.

If I could find something making the same amount of money of close I would be happy (Im not at the top of the pay scale or even near it for aviation sheet metal)

jester1 · 02-12-2008, 06:29 PM

[quote=JUICED96Z;8665373]

I don't have th egreatest job but its a job, aviation is like racing, lots of layoffs and high supply low demand.

QUOTE]

same shit down there I see

JUICED96Z · 02-14-2008, 04:05 AM

Word.

Hawkn01 · 02-14-2008, 07:58 PM

Listen to what CTSmechanic says. It's not all the glamor and glory your thinking.

Hawkn01 · 02-14-2008, 08:58 PM

Here's a website alot of drag racing crew guys/drivers post on. Join up and ask some questions over there. You'll have to verify yourself by paying a dollar through paypal/creditcard to be able to post. It's a pretty informative site with inside info in the industry.

http://www.nitromater.com/pit-area/

indirocz28 · 02-17-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUICED96Z

Can anyone tell me what steps you have to take to work with the pro drag race teams?

This is what I have been told so far,

I was told that when it comes to NASCAR, DEI requires their engine builders to have their A&P (waiting for the test date to come and I will have it and my A.S. once I get it). I went to A&P school before I starting thinking about racing though.

For the drag race teams I was told to apply with the teams and start out cleaning and doing things like that. I did and never heard anything however, "The Sarge" told a buddy of mine in person that you have to apply in person and can't just e-mail your resume to HR. Him and I both live rather close to DSR.

Can you get on with a team and not have to travel or at least travel rarley and just do work in the shop? I know having your CDL really helps getting on with the crews but I would rather not travel a lot.

Currently I am an aircraft structures mechanic.

I am planning on applying at DSR and a local John Force shop this summer after things settle down.

David- I have connections into the world- Kalitta racing is hiring people- I can give you a name for them, but they are in Yipsilante Michigan...

JUICED96Z · 02-25-2008, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indirocz28

David- I have connections into the world- Kalitta racing is hiring people- I can give you a name for them, but they are in Yipsilante Michigan...

I just bought a house that I have not even moved into yet hahaha but thanks though.

Thanks for the above link.

I know its not all glamor and glory, I am not used to that kind of life.... the other day I was working on a 737 with my head laying 2 feet away from the pooper hole....... the hole poop goes down on a plane..............