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Students learn about medical-related jobs in racing
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Published: July 3, 2009
"It's like any other sport. There are injuries and we try to prevent them as much as possible," said Adam Merrell, PIT's Director of Motorsports. "Basketball players can get different injuries all the time, but it's very repetitive for tire changers and other pit positions, so it wears on the ligaments."
Despite the important role medical staff plays, most of their work is done behind the scenes.
"Most people don't have a lot of information about jobs in the motorsports industry, besides being a driver or a mechanic," said Amanda Fowler, communications coordinator for PIT. "We want to show the kids what else is available, such as physical therapists, full-time trainers and medical staff."
During the presentation, the students learned what pit crews typically do during a race and why the height and size of a pit crew member is important.
"A lot of our information comes from what has been successful in the past, as well as research data from UNCC," Merrell said. "Our graduates from this school ... have gone on to work for championship drivers."
Merrell said there are many medical-related jobs needed for a racing team.
"There's chiropractors, strength trainers and athletic trainers, which is what I do, massage therapists, nutrition and safety," he said. "I never thought that I would work in this industry, but it has opened my eyes and broadened my horizons, so it just goes to show you never know."
After the video and question and answer session were over, the students went outside to see a demonstration in real time of the pit crew doing their job.
"Their entire job needs to be done in under 13 seconds," said Rhegan Flanagan, an intern with Belmont Abbey's Motorsports management program.
Then the kids got to give it a try themselves. Working in teams, they ran through a ladder, through hoops, around tires, over hurdles and pushed a car in neutral across the finish line, cheering each other on.
"It's great to see the athletic side of this sport and how you can be successful medically in the NASCAR field," said Claire Belles, director of MEDCamp. "It's a new experience for all of these kids and we are so fortunate to be able to collaborate with the PIT on this."
Before they left, the kids had the opportunity to meet Jeff Hammond, one of the owners of the PIT, a former crew chief for Daryl Waltrip and a broadcaster for the Fox Speed network.
"You learn how to work as a team, and that's valuable outside of the NASCAR world. It's a competitive sport by nature, as is becoming a member of the PIT team," he said. "You really have to be motivated and put all your energy into the program, but it's so rewarding."
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