Industry Information

PERFORMANCE FABRICATION TRAINING

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Watch the video with Lou Santiago from Muscle Car TV:
"Where is the Motorsport & Performance Industry going?" - Click Here.

Industry Introduction
The Motorsports industry and the term ‘Motorsports’ lend its self to a broad array of interests. Circle track racing, road racing, off-road racing, drag racing, hot rods, muscle cars, aviation, boats, all fall under the umbrella of an industry that spends billions yearly supporting its enthusiasts. 451,000 different competitors raced in the year 2005. These competitors spent more than 19.5 billion dollars in support products. In the year 2005, 2129 different facilities held Motorsports competitions and Performance Racing Industries Magazine reports 26,985 different businesses subscribe to their publication with an average of 20 employees each. These businesses include:

12,362 Parts Retailers

4,196 Engine Builders

2,481 Car Builders

1,795 Warehouse Distributors

807 Professional Race Teams

301 Manufacture Reps

2,526 Manufactures

2,129 Race Track Owners and Promoters

388 Advertising Agents, Industry and Media VIP’S

These numbers represent the only formal census in a young industry. Current industry analysts’ feel that only half the total industry is represented in this census. These numbers have doubled in just five years, a strong indication that the totals are not reflective of the industry strength.

Industry Issues
Motorsports companies include many cottage style businesses that have evolved from other industries. Any time evolution takes place, technology lines are crossed, specialized equipment and personnel are adapted to new environments. From data acquisition to CNC machine technology, Motorsports has surrounded itself with high-end salaries. Manufactures and sales representatives have ignored structure to meet immediate needs in technology and personnel. The industry is beginning to find itself in an upside down situation. Income and production have to be synchronized. Specialized personnel are in demand, with the issues of balancing salaries, expenses, and income are of premium importance.

Industry Training
Specialized Motorsports training is limited. The magic of the motorsports industry and its popularity have seen many private automotive technology training facilities tag motorsports training onto their automotive programs. Some highlight motorsports after students finish the full automotive program. At Metalcraft Tools Skill Center students enter into core Motorsports classes that duplicate the custome shop environment from the start. As technician skills mature, performance builders design, fabricate and assemble a performance vehicle. As part of the build team, student technicians will assume responsibilities, utilizing trained skills and imagination to finish their projects.

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