Full speed ahead: careers in the UK motorsport sector

Across the scenic landscape surrounding the West Midlands, a burgeoning  race industry has emerged attracting engineers the world over. Dubbed Motorsport Valley, this once quiet part of the country has now become known as the ‘jewel in the crown of British engineering’ contributing £9bn to the UK economy.

“Britain’s reach is truly global where motorsport engineering and technology is concerned,” said Clive Temple, programme director of Advanced Motorsport Engineering at Cranfield University. “The sector embraces  a wide range of companies from the well-known teams to small but dynamic companies providing a plethora of engineering services.”

The world-leading industry had an unlikely beginning in the 1950s, when after the Second World War Britain was left with more airstrips and engineers than ever before. With aerospace expertise and a fierce competitive streak,  these engineers began turning their hand to car racing. Today, their legacy for innovation lives on in the 4,300 UK businesses operating  in the sector.