Industry Insights from World Wide Technology Raceway's Chris Blair
For those aspiring to work in motorsport, getting your foot in the door can seem daunting. However, according to Chris Blair, Executive Vice President and General Manager of World Wide Technology Raceway, the industry is more accessible than many think – it just requires the right approach, attitude, and willingness to start wherever needed. In this article and podcast we have some invaluable insight from Chris!
You can listen to the whole interview on Spotify and Apple or watch on Youtube below.
The Power of Networking and Long-Term Relationships
One of the most crucial lessons Chris has learned throughout his extensive career is the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships.
"You will continue to run into the folks that you're working with over and over again," Chris explains.
Despite being a big industry, motorsport operates like a small community where paths frequently cross. People you meet early in your career might become valuable connections years later, making it essential to maintain a solid reputation and never burn bridges.
What Employers Look For
When it comes to standing out in job applications, Chris emphasises that attitude is paramount:
"90% of your success is your attitude, and 10% is the work ethic."
Unlike some sports organizations that might view being a racing fan as a potential distraction, motorsport venues often see passion for racing as a significant advantage. Chris notes that candidates who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for motorsport often stand out because they already understand the industry and are more likely to go the extra mile.
Understanding the Lifestyle
One crucial aspect potential candidates need to understand is the unique schedule demands of working in motorsport. With most events taking place on weekends, flexibility is essential. Chris cautions that showing reluctance about working unconventional hours can be an immediate red flag during interviews. The industry requires dedication and a willingness to work when the events are happening.
Getting Started in the Industry
For those looking to break into motorsport, Chris offers several practical suggestions:
- Network actively: Don't be afraid to approach industry professionals at events. Many leaders in the sport, including team owners and organization presidents, are often willing to help connect passionate individuals with opportunities.
- Start anywhere: Be willing to take any role that gets you involved. Many successful professionals, including team presidents, started with basic tasks like sweeping shop floors.
- Understand the fundamentals: Chris emphasizes that at its core, the event side of motorsport is about selling tickets. Understanding this basic principle and how fans interact with the sport is crucial.
- Be willing to learn all aspects: Many organizations, including World Wide Technology Raceway, require new employees to understand operations from the ground up, regardless of their primary role. This might mean getting your hands dirty with basic event setup before moving into more senior positions.
The Value of Hands-On Experience
Chris shares a valuable industry practice: requiring all new employees, regardless of their position, to work with the operations team. Whether you're hired as a finance executive or sales director, understanding how events are built from the ground up is considered essential. This hands-on experience helps professionals better understand the business and make more informed decisions in their roles.
Building Your Career
Blair's own career path demonstrates the value of being open to different opportunities within the industry. Starting as a racing journalist while in college, he moved through various roles including event promotion, track operations, and management positions at multiple venues. This diverse experience contributed to his current success in managing one of the most unique facilities in motorsport – the only track hosting NHRA, NASCAR, and IndyCar events.
The industry is actively seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to help grow the sport. Chris emphasizes that enthusiasm and respect will take you far:
"Finding the right people to continue growing the sport, it's a critical issue right now."
For those interested in pursuing a career in motorsport, the key is to take initiative, show respect, and be willing to learn from the ground up.
Getting into motorsport might require starting at the bottom, but with the right attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement in this exciting industry.
