From the Classroom to the Pit Wall – Real Motorsport in Real Time
A blog written by motorsport engineering tutor, Ed Sarling
Welcome to the first post of what we hope will be a regular insight into life as a Motorsport Engineering Tutor at the National Motorsport Academy—and beyond.
At NMA, we’re not just lecturers; we’re engineers who are still active in the motorsport world, working trackside, staying in touch with the latest technologies and challenges.
This blog will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how our real-world experience feeds directly into what we teach.
Earlier this year, just before the racing season kicked off, a good friend asked if I could drive the race truck for Team Brit since they hadn’t found a truckie yet – they are a phenomenal race team that runs cars for less-abled drivers. I agreed to cover the first round, and from the moment I joined them at Silverstone’s International Wing, I knew I had found a great fit. The team’s camaraderie and professionalism were evident, and I felt honoured when they asked me to stay on for the whole season.
Plus, driving their brand-new, fully-equipped race truck—more comfortable than some hotels I’ve stayed in—was a definite perk!
From the get-go, I couldn’t just stand back and watch. During the first test session, one of the cars got damaged, and it was all hands on deck. Naturally, I jumped in to help in any way I could, even by just “drift-stitching” a McLaren headlight back together (see image below!) meant the car would meet regulations until we found a spare.
When race day arrived, I found myself right in the pit lane, swapping wheels during pit stops. It’s just in my nature to dive in and help wherever I can, and that hands-on involvement is what I bring back to the classroom.
Recently, I was back at Silverstone with Team Brit again, working from the National Paddock this time. Being there predominantly as a truck driver, means it is slightly different to my usual role within the NMA team, but it is still no less important. Jobs include taking care of essential support tasks like looking after tires, ensuring fuel reserves are ok, and generally keeping things around the pit area running smoothly so the main mechanics and technicians could focus on the critical tasks.
Although they all now know not to leave banana skins lying around and to use the bin! You know who you are!
One of the highlights, and a bit of a personal twist, was handling the barbecue for the team to ensure they were all well fed. It might seem like a small detail, but it highlights just how broad a race weekend can be in terms of what’s required.
Sometimes you’re not just an engineer; you’re also the chef, the problem-solver, and the mentor. It’s these moments that build camaraderie and remind us that every role, no matter how small it seems, is crucial to the team’s success.
Stepping back from my usual central role gave me the opportunity to engage more with the crew and others in the paddock. I had the pleasure of working alongside a young individual on work experience, taking him through the ropes and sharing the insights I’ve gained over the years. It was a reminder of why I do what I do—combining real-world experience with teaching to prepare the next generation of motorsport professionals.
So, whether I’m with the car in the pit lane or flipping burgers at the barbecue, it all ties back to the same core principle: hands-on experience is invaluable, and bringing that back to the classroom is what makes our program at NMA stand out.
Stay tuned for more updates—some technical deep-dives, others more reflective. Whether you’re a student, considering studying with us, or simply a motorsport fan, I hope these stories offer something valuable.
Ed Sarling
Motorsport Engineering Tutor
1 thought on “From the Classroom to the Pit Wall | A Blog by Ed Sarling”
Hi Ed, good to see you’ve found another avenue to share your knowledge & experience. I’ll see if I can make a meeting later in the year. Graham