Race strategies, physical conditioning, instant decisions and having the hopes of a team on your shoulders are unique challenges for racing drivers in the sporting world, which require a special kind of character.
“You’re dealing with high pressure situations, huge physical challenges and you’re reliant on a large crew to make sure you’re in the best car and best position to do your job as well as possible,” said Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team fitness trainer, John Camilleri.
“In that sense it’s unlike participating in any other sport. A fighter pilot is a closer comparison, and like a fighter pilot it takes a certain type of person to thrive as a racing driver.”
During any race, especially an endurance race like the Le Mans 24 Hours, the whole team needs to perform at their optimum and use their unique skills and personalities in the quest for victory.
Take the quiz below to see where your skills might fit into the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team at Le Mans.
Q1. When you have a decision to make do you:
A. Make it quickly based on impulse
B Weigh up options quickly and make a fast choice
C. Try to put off making the decision for as long as possible
D. Study all the data before making a decision
Q2. A change in the way things are done at work is announced. Are you:
A.Optimistic that it will be positive
B. Happy if it means more varied activities/duties
C. Feel naturally resistant to it
D. See the worst possible outcomes first
Q3. People who know you would say that you:
A. Like creating an entertaining environment
B. Are persistent
C. Can be a good listener and are supportive
D. Are very conscientious
Q4. Which of the below words best describes you:
A. Fun
B. Competitive
C. Loyal
D. Precise
Q5. Which one of the following areas do you think you could improve in:
A. Punctuality
B. Patience
C. Dealing with confrontation
D. Be more open emotionally
Mostly As: PIT CREW: You’re a great team player and incredibly loyal, and you’re able to react to situations quickly. When the going gets tough, you get stuck in and still manage to keep a smile on your face.
Mostly Bs: RACING DRIVER: You’re a confident person with a huge competitive streak. You want people around you to do their jobs properly. You can be a little selfish, which is something you have to check if you’re in the Ford Le Mans team where sharing the drive and following a team strategy is key.
Mostly Cs: RACE ENGINEER: You like to think about things and plan a good strategy, making sure everyone around you is included. Sometimes you take on a bit too much, because you struggle to say ‘no’ and also believe it will be done properly if you do it yourself. Take charge more and you can go far.
Mostly Ds: SUPPORT CREW: You’re a perfectionist with a deep interest in analysis, which is perfect if you’re in charge of things like tyres. You’ll work quietly on your own to make sure the perfect tyre is put on the Ford GT.
I am a Race Engineer, how did you do? Let me know 🙂
Provided by Ford SA
