GET IN THE FAST LANE
What’s it like to study for a Beng in Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton? Nathan Tupper explains it’s the practical experience that’s the highlight
When do you remember being introduced to the world of motorsport?
Watching the grand prix on a Sunday afternoon when I was around five years old, and visits to Brands Hatch to watch the British Touring Car Championship. I still have signed posters on my wall at home from those days!
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in the field?
My dad loves vehicles and really opened my eyes. I started to fully appreciate F1 in the V10 era of the early 2000s.
Why did you choose to apply for the motorsport course at the University of Wolverhampton?
The relevance it has to industry, and the opportunity to be part of Formula 3 and Formula Student – no other university could offer the chance to be part of both teams. The fact that the University of Wolverhampton Racing [Uwracing] team is entirely student-run convinced me.
What’s a typical day like as a student on the course?
If I’m not in a lecture, I’m usually in the workshop working on the race cars or on the Formula Student project. Motorsport is my passion and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
What facilities do you have access to?
The motorsport workshop with race bays, and 3D printing and five-axis machines to design and produce parts for vehicles.
What does your involvement with Uwracing add to your experience?
It’s an incredible experience, running and competing against professional teams on an international level while still studying.
What other projects have you worked on?
I’m also a mechanic on the Morgan Plus 4 ‘Baby Doll’, supplied to the University by the Morgan Motor Company as part of a new partnership deal.
What are the highlights of your time on the course so far?
Uwracing finishing fourth in the Monoposto 2000 championship in our debut year in 2015 – we got two wins and six podiums, and to see the team progress has been amazing.
Other special moments include driving the Formula Student car at Silverstone, and a hat-trick of wins in our MSV F3 Cup debut weekend.
What do you hope to achieve following the course?
To have a job in the sport that I live and breathe! I was on the Uwracing team when it first started, so I’d love to still have a presence there. My big ambition is a career in NASCAR. I’ve worked hard throughout my degree and will continue to work hard to make this a reality.
The course’s next open day is on Saturday August 20 2016. For more information visit: wlv.ac.uk/uwr @uwracing