Question for Pro team owners or crew

I NEVER hired somebody for a single round. Everybody came with the intention of running every round and being part of the team. Single round guys tend to stand around a lot and ask where everything is. Full time dudes get into a rhythm and are more productive.

 

I guess my question would be: why does the op want to know? Is it just out of curiosity?


Last night we were speculating how much Dr's make......but I'm obviously not going to be a Dr!

 

Yeah, that makes sense. Regardless of how or what pay is involved it was always important that people were part of the team. I can dig it.
Did you contract out, for example, the truck driver or was he a crew member who had additional duties while at the track?

I'm curious because I possibly have a potential situation that may be presenting itself and want to educate myself in regards to what may or may not be a question that I need to answer correctly in the near future. Ok?

 

It's not a secret, so much, it's just personal. How much do you make? Do you want that to be public?

Crew chiefs make $250 a day or more and helpers make $100 a day. Close enough for the OP to make a budget. Good crew chiefs make more.

 

I was always lucky that I could work out an arrangment with the truck drive that he had other stuff going on at the track. The best was Dave Williams of OTT fame drove our truck in 2009. When the truck parked Dave was on OTT time, when the truck started moving he was on KWS time.

 

+1 in Germany

 

Sorry, but I'm sure you get how it's the total opposite. Each step made up is a more expensive one. Just a balance of what you can afford and where you think you'll get the best opportunities.

 

Pretty sure I spent about $500 a weekend working with Jeff last season.....

 

Single round guys tend to stand around a lot and ask where everything is. Full time dudes get into a rhythm and are more productive.[/QUOTE]

I have to disagree (somewhat) with this general statement. I am familiar with one off events and hiring staff for that race only.

If done properly with good planning in advance, hiring specialized professionals can net very good results for one off races. I managed/own/built bike and complete program for Indy wild card gptech team for last two years (also one off 24 endurance, Macau gp too)

Technicians, crew and managers are for hire. Selecting the right people for the job is key. All charge differently depending on what you are doing.

I can discuss in detail if you need help with a particular program.

That said:
"thank you to everyone who has worked or helped with any of my race programs over the years!!"

 

<Mongo hustling wheels back and forth to the Dunlop trailer>

Why does this mental image make me laugh?

 

Forgot to mention my team was limited to 5 passes for crew members for our Indy wildcard entry:
Rider, Crew chief, # 1 mechanic, data tech, manager (owner). - then you can outsource a suspension tech (if you get an extra pass)

Other one off races we were not limited to staff numbers.

 

I know exactly what Chip was talking about with the one weekend thing. When I first started working with the Griggs I was clueless. Just knowing where the tools are located is a major factor that many don't think about. Initially I just helped keep things clean and neat and tried to stay out of the way. Steve, Sr. got me more involved as time progress and I learned where things were. I'm not a dumbass with tools but if you don't know where things are when working with the guys that do then you get in the way.

When we weren't in a hurry Steve always got me involved so I could learn it. By later the second season(realize I have a real job and can't make every round) I was knee deep in engine swaps and could do many things on my own. The more experience you have with those around you the better of a rhythm you develop and you work in a flow and each person kind of knows what to do and when.

Someone popping in for a weekend is not going to be able to work within that rhythm.

Now specialist don't matter so much. A suspension guru with his own suspension tools can step in and fit right into his role fairly easily. They're weird anyway.