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What They Do

Insider Info

Racetrack designers design tracks for motorsports. These include oval tracks, tracks for street races (such as the Molson Indy), drag strip tracks, stock car tracks and motorcycle tracks.

Some tracks are single-use facilities -- such as the road track for the Molson Indy. Other tracks are multiple use. They could combine motorcycle racing, stock car racing and drag racing, for example.

Designers often consult with professionals from various disciplines. They talk to civil engineers, architects, accountants and more.

When racetrack designers are contracted to design a track for an owner, they will be required to advise on many factors. They have to know about grading, drainage, site suitability, safety factors and budget issues.

The designers consult with the owner to determine the type of track needed, the intended use and the budget. Then they determine what kind of track could fit into the specifications. The next step is to draw a plan.

Many track designers use software such as AutoCAD to do the designing. When the track owner approves the plan, the track is put out to tender. That means a firm of consulting engineers is hired to oversee the work. At this point, the designer's job is supervisory. When the track is finished, the designer will have it tried out it for suitability and safety.

Most racetrack designers do not design tracks as their full-time occupation. They are more likely to be self-employed consultants, or be affiliated with an architecture firm or an engineering firm. In many cases, track owners design their own tracks but might ask for input from racing professionals.

Roger Peart is a professional racetrack designer. Peart is involved only with automobile tracks; he does not speak for motorcycle racetracks.

"It would be difficult for a person in a wheelchair to design tracks," says Peart. "They could do the office aspect of the job with no difficulty, but it would be very difficult to get out around the tracks."

At a Glance

Decide on the structure of a track

  • You have to know about grading, drainage, site suitability, safety factors and budget issues
  • Many track designers use software such as AutoCAD
  • Racetrack designers usually have a background in civil or environmental engineering

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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