Data plays a huge role in modern society, and that certainly includes motorsports. Some forward-thinking students are planning for their future while learning about data collection and auto racing in general by volunteering as SCCA® Data Tech Interns.
Recently, nearly a dozen students in blue t-shirts roamed pre-grid and impound at Road America during the 2024 WeatherTech Chicago Region® June Sprints®. These undergraduates, many of whom are studying to be engineers, spent three days assisting SCCA Data Tech Co-Chairs Paul Morrison, Glen Thielke, and Todd Heilicher.
“The interns lend a hand by prepping and marking SCCA data boxes,” Heilicher said. “Then they help with installing data boxes on the grid, then assist with removing data boxes afterwards in impound.”
Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s not as easy as it seems. Anyone who has been around pre-grid or impound knows the unexpected always occurs and things get pretty hectic at times. In preparation for this, students receive a couple hours of instruction beforehand, which includes advice on being adaptable.
The Club’s Race Data Technician program gathers objective vehicle performance dynamics from cars. It’s a vital specialty within SCCA Road Racing as it provides those who consider performance and rule adjustments with actual data about how vehicles build speed and is more useful than just lap times alone. The collected data goes to Club Racing Board (CRB) committees, that way they have a solid foundation to build upon when considering Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments.
To achieve this, GPS reporting boxes are attached to select race cars for the purpose of gathering location-specific information that includes speed points, turn points, and more, with the data then analyzed and formatted using a variety of software for delivery to CRB committees. This helps with decisions regarding weight or restrictors to be added or removed from certain car models in certain classes. The data is not driver specific, and only Data Techs see the raw data before sending reports to the CRB.
The Data Tech Experience
Data Tech Interns don’t just spend their days installing and collecting GPS data boxes. A weekend with SCCA usually also includes a guided tour through the paddock, where interns get a close-up look at cars in various classes, meet some drivers, and often get to hear from professional engineers and others who make their living in motorsports.
Lauren Richards, a 22-year-old mechanical engineering student at Michigan Technological University who is now a member of SCCA’s Milwaukee Region, was one of the helpful Data Tech Interns at the 2024 June Sprints. A fan of auto racing, she had visited Road America before as a spectator. Getting to be part of the action, however, was a whole new experience.
“The coolest part was being on the other side of the fence,” Richards admitted. “Being there with the drivers and feeling that adrenaline rush … was an impactful experience. I couldn’t stop smiling and was excited to be there. It was cool to be in that atmosphere and be around those people.”
Leo Pietruszynski was another Data Tech Intern at this year’s June Sprints. A 19-year-old User Experience student at Milwaukee School of Engineering, he learned about the opportunity with SCCA through the school’s SAE Baja Program.
“Being at the track and in that environment was a great experience,” said Pietruszynski, who is now a member of SCCA’s Chicago Region. “The Race Data Technicians who run the program are great. Glen, Paul, and Todd were all amazing. They were really great mentors to everybody and very accommodating. They taught us well and prepared us well.”
If it’s any indication of how valuable the experience was, both Pietruszynski and Richards plan on being at the Runoffs this fall.
Sound Fun? Get Involved!
With good-sized car counts anticipated for the 2024 Runoffs®, the Race Data Technician team is seeking Data Tech Interns for SCCA’s National Championship taking place Oct. 1-6 at Road America in Wisconsin. Interested parties must be at least 18 years old, but do not have to be engineering students. From undergrads to doctoral candidates and beyond, what’s desired are people with an interest in getting a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look into motorsports.
Interns do not have to be available for all six days of this unpaid Runoffs opportunity. Free entry to the event is provided, as well as lunches and dinners throughout the week. Where applicable, a complimentary one-year membership to the SCCA is included.
If you can’t make it to the Runoffs, don’t worry. Data Tech Interns are deployed at several SCCA Road Racing events throughout the year, and one of the Data Tech Co-Chairs will often reach out to local schools, colleges, and universities to let them know about upcoming opportunities.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in cars, automotive technology, or looking to learn more about a profession in motorsports,” Heilicher added. “The extra help is also phenomenal and greatly appreciated.”
Those interested in signing up or learning more should send an email to TechData@scca.com.
Photo by Philip Royle
