"I have spent four years with OUMF during my time at Oxford, being a part of this driven group of individuals from the rally stages of Ypres to the finest racing paddocks in the U.K. It was a great place to get my first experience of race car preparation and manual skills both at the workshop and the track. OUMF is a place driven by young people with a passion for motorsport, so what it may lack in refinement and resources it enthusiasm and a true team spirit. I can’t say it’s comparable to working at a professional team, but much like being at university it’s about learning and finding something you enjoy doing. On top of that it was damn good fun too."
Nikita Volkov | Race/DIL Simulator Engineer | Fortec Motorsport
"From the moment I joined the OUMF community, my motorsport experience was enriched in ways I would not have anticipated. The society is designed with mutual respect and trust that allows a truly creative team spirit. From problem solving a tricky issue mid-rally to prototyping, logistics planning to co-driving, this 360 environment provided countless opportunities to explore and develop my skills. My time at OUMF has given me a solid foundation that I have been able to build upon in a professional setting. "
Ahron Becquart (2013 OUMF pres.) | Test Team Technician | Hyundai Rally 1
"OUMF is invaluable to any student in Oxford pursuing a career in Motorsport. I joined the team in my final year at university but I wish I'd found out sooner. As a student, it is not always easy to find opportunities to gain proper experience working in a race team however, what OUMF offers is a chance to join a plucky team of other like-minded students and keen graduates to grow together and to face and overcome the same challenges any fully fledged race team will meet.
The racing is enthralling, going up against the best in historic motorsport at the Goodwood Revival will forever be a highlight to me but the friends you meet along the way are simply the best bunch to help you grow. You'll have a blast!"
The racing is enthralling, going up against the best in historic motorsport at the Goodwood Revival will forever be a highlight to me but the friends you meet along the way are simply the best bunch to help you grow. You'll have a blast!"
Aidan Challis | Mechanical Design Engineer | Crosthwaite & Gardiner
"I would not be a complete engineer and I do not know how I would have been able to get a real start in the motorsport industry without my time at OUMF. Nothing challenges your ingenuity, problem solving and engineering ability like having to build a real race car and compete against some of the best teams in the UK and Europe. And in addition to the great practical experience gained, I came out of OUMF with the confidence to take on any problem that is thrown my way. I may have gained a degree in the exam halls, but I became an engineer at OUMF."
Niall Geoghegan | Senior Design Engineer | Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems
"OUMF was by far the best thing about my time at University. Being part of the team helped me to build strong practical skills which supported and enhanced my academic learning, but also gave me countless opportunities to apply theory from my course in practice. The skills, knowledge and experience that I gained have been so important throughout my career, and I even made some lifelong friends along the way, too."
Andy Parsons | Area Lead Engineer | Triumph Motorcycles Ltd
"When I arrived at OUMF, I had never worked on cars before. OUMF gave me the opportunity to learn everything from basic workshop skills to rebuilding suspension and transmissions. The cars also provided a real world scenario to which I could apply the theory from my motorsport engineering course which proved valuable.
OUMF also gave me a lot of exposure to manufacturing processes with, both from learning how to use the lathe and mill at the barn from other members and from the yearly 'Action Weeks', which allowed me to see first hand how some of the top businesses in motorsport make components and prepare race cars.
In addition to the skills gained at OUMF, I also have many fond memories from races and rallies, particularly from competing at the Ypres rally twice, which for me were the highlights from my time at OUMF.
Overall, I believe the wealth of knowledge and real world experience I gained from OUMF allowed me to be build a strong foundation for the start of my career, and I still call upon the knowledge I acquired at OUMF, both in the workplace as a design engineer and when working on my own cars!"
OUMF also gave me a lot of exposure to manufacturing processes with, both from learning how to use the lathe and mill at the barn from other members and from the yearly 'Action Weeks', which allowed me to see first hand how some of the top businesses in motorsport make components and prepare race cars.
In addition to the skills gained at OUMF, I also have many fond memories from races and rallies, particularly from competing at the Ypres rally twice, which for me were the highlights from my time at OUMF.
Overall, I believe the wealth of knowledge and real world experience I gained from OUMF allowed me to be build a strong foundation for the start of my career, and I still call upon the knowledge I acquired at OUMF, both in the workplace as a design engineer and when working on my own cars!"
Tolga Karabetca | Design Engineer | Xtrac Transmission Technology
"I started studying Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes University in 2004, excited about the prospect of learning what makes racing cars 'tick'. I found all of the technical content I could have wished for at University but I did not feel any closer to understanding what really made a good or bad piece of practical engineering.
OUMF more than made up for the deficit. I cannot think of a better way to learn good engineering practice than from the restoration and re-engineering of historic race cars - and their development by the student team through top-flight racing and competition. It broadened my career prospects and made me a fervent historic motorsport enthusiast. I made some lifelong friends along the way too.
Now several years into my professional Engineering career, I really appreciate the practical knowledge that I learned at OUMF, as well as the teamworking skills that, if anything, have proved more valuable. "
Tim Cotgrove - OUMF Veteran
OUMF more than made up for the deficit. I cannot think of a better way to learn good engineering practice than from the restoration and re-engineering of historic race cars - and their development by the student team through top-flight racing and competition. It broadened my career prospects and made me a fervent historic motorsport enthusiast. I made some lifelong friends along the way too.
Now several years into my professional Engineering career, I really appreciate the practical knowledge that I learned at OUMF, as well as the teamworking skills that, if anything, have proved more valuable. "
Tim Cotgrove - OUMF Veteran
While studying for my engineering degree at Oxford University, the building of rally and race cars at OUMF allowed me to acquire an extensive knowledge of basic and applied engineering, good design and workshop practices, and hands-on skills. These skills - in conjunction with the theoretical engineering taught at University - have been a key to my successful engineering career.
In addition, it was great fun being in the OUMF student team and campaigning the cars on track at events like the Goodwood Revival, the Barbados Historic Rally Carnival, and it introduced me to many other fields of motorsport too. These trips gave me inspiring experiences, wonderful memories, and lasting friendships. I continue to build and rally my own cars here in Australia. I would definitely encourage all budding engineers studying at Oxford to get involved in OUMF.
Dr Ingo Jahn
OUMF founder member 2002 - 2008
Technology Specialist, Rolls-Royce
Engineering Lecturer, The University of Queensland
In addition, it was great fun being in the OUMF student team and campaigning the cars on track at events like the Goodwood Revival, the Barbados Historic Rally Carnival, and it introduced me to many other fields of motorsport too. These trips gave me inspiring experiences, wonderful memories, and lasting friendships. I continue to build and rally my own cars here in Australia. I would definitely encourage all budding engineers studying at Oxford to get involved in OUMF.
Dr Ingo Jahn
OUMF founder member 2002 - 2008
Technology Specialist, Rolls-Royce
Engineering Lecturer, The University of Queensland
“This as an industry is worth so much to the U.K. economy, and so it is vital that the industry gives support and advice to the OUMF students searching for a career in our arena. OUMF also represents a refreshing change - supporting and encouraging students in Historic and Classic disciplines - which is especially vital as the ‘top’, i.e. F1 etc, is saturated. We are proud to be associated with OUMF!!”
Rob Manger
Sales Director - Powervamp Racing
Professional Racing Driver and Instructor
Director - RMR Racing
Rob Manger
Sales Director - Powervamp Racing
Professional Racing Driver and Instructor
Director - RMR Racing
“It’s important to ensure that our engineering skills aren’t lost and that as a nation we don’t end us as ‘Meccano Builders’. OUMF ensures that these skills are maintained and encouraged. Anything we can do to support - we will!”
Richard Lawrence
General Manager - Pilkington Glass U.K.
Richard Lawrence
General Manager - Pilkington Glass U.K.
“It is so important to encourage the students to see cars as physical products as well as theoretical projects. Great stuff! OUMF needs and deserves industry support!”
James Dobson
Heritage Product Development Manager - Jaguar Land Rover
James Dobson
Heritage Product Development Manager - Jaguar Land Rover
“It is important to keep enthusiasm of the students high by introducing them to new and innovative products and processes - they are the engineers and decision makers of the future!”
Linda Dowdell
Sales Manager - Zircotec Ltd.
Linda Dowdell
Sales Manager - Zircotec Ltd.
“OUMF do a fantastic job of introducing young enthusiasts to historic motorsport and the classic car industry. It is critical that younger enthusiasts are encouraged - as they are our future! The OUMF students have a fantastic open-minded approach to the development of their project cars, encouraging new thinking and innovation. Excellent stuff!”
George Shackleton
Powerlite Units
George Shackleton
Powerlite Units
“What an excellent stand at the NEC Lancaster Classic Motor Show 2014, with good interaction with the public and trade. ‘The future mixing with the past’.”
Nigel Cousins
Director - Gauge Pilot
Nigel Cousins
Director - Gauge Pilot
“I think OUMF is superb. As someone who embarked on numerous student engineering projects - none of which actually came to fruition - i’ve got a lot of respect for what these guys have achieved. OUMF needs every encouragement - and deserves to be supported by the industry that will benefit most from this initiative.”
Chris Pickering
Editor - Historic Racing Technology Magazine
Chris Pickering
Editor - Historic Racing Technology Magazine
"I joined OUMF in Fresher’s Week and immediately got involved in the 12 car rallies, which - whether you drive, organise, marshal or navigate - are loads of fun, with opportunities for everyone.
OUMF was also really useful for me in getting some valuable ‘hands-on’ experience building and running competition cars. Ding is a fantastically enthusiastic guy and is keen to let all the members get involved with the exciting projects at the OUMF HQ. Along with meeting his many motorsport contacts that pop in, there is every opportunity to learn real world knowledge that you just can’t get in the lecture theatre. All this certainly helped me get into F1!
I really recommend OUMF as beside the events, shows, races, industry visits, BBQ’s (and occasional beers!), I know for a fact that employers in a wide range of industries (and not just engineering) rate graduates with common sense, practical skills and trackside experience very highly. So being part of OUMF will certainly make your CV stand out from the crowd – and provide you with friends and fun at uni and beyond."
James Hamilton
Senior Composite Designer - Sahara Force India Formula One
OUMF was also really useful for me in getting some valuable ‘hands-on’ experience building and running competition cars. Ding is a fantastically enthusiastic guy and is keen to let all the members get involved with the exciting projects at the OUMF HQ. Along with meeting his many motorsport contacts that pop in, there is every opportunity to learn real world knowledge that you just can’t get in the lecture theatre. All this certainly helped me get into F1!
I really recommend OUMF as beside the events, shows, races, industry visits, BBQ’s (and occasional beers!), I know for a fact that employers in a wide range of industries (and not just engineering) rate graduates with common sense, practical skills and trackside experience very highly. So being part of OUMF will certainly make your CV stand out from the crowd – and provide you with friends and fun at uni and beyond."
James Hamilton
Senior Composite Designer - Sahara Force India Formula One
"There is no doubt in my mind that my involvement in OUMF (2009 - 2012) has been invaluable in the progression of my career. Nowhere else will you gain such a wealth of practical experience and knowledge, both in engineering and the world of motorsport. While my time at university in Oxford taught me a lot of theory, little of this is any use without real world experience. This real world experience is now a deciding factor for many employers; simply having a good degree isn't enough. In addition, OUMF offers far more than engineering experience. It offers you the chance to improve yourself in other key areas, including organisational and interpersonal skills, and gives you all-important introductions to the major players who support it across the industry.
Above all this, OUMF provides an unequalled enjoyment of motorsport in a spirit of great camaraderie and enthusiasm, which is a gift that must not be underestimated."
Rob Mason
Design Engineer - Radical Sportscars.
Above all this, OUMF provides an unequalled enjoyment of motorsport in a spirit of great camaraderie and enthusiasm, which is a gift that must not be underestimated."
Rob Mason
Design Engineer - Radical Sportscars.
Looking good on the results side guys! I am delighted to hear you now have data logging systems on board, as from my experience at Brookes, this was the one area in which the degree was very lacking. For this particular subject, nothing beats hands on experience, and the skills are also so transferable between modern and historic Motorsport. It will really help getting the guys involved in the 'on-track action' to see what happens out there. I started with a simple gps accelerometer setup and then added some camera on the race bike - and learned so much!
There's no doubt that the practical lessons I gained with OUMF have helped me get where I am and also the networking skills I learned have opened doors all over the place!
Thanks - and keep at it you guys. It's a rare thing that OUMF offers, and if I can get in a position where I can help I will!
Keep up the good work!
Alasdair Rowland Rouse
Graduated Brookes 2013
Gary Johnson Racing
Caterham F1
Sauber F1
There's no doubt that the practical lessons I gained with OUMF have helped me get where I am and also the networking skills I learned have opened doors all over the place!
Thanks - and keep at it you guys. It's a rare thing that OUMF offers, and if I can get in a position where I can help I will!
Keep up the good work!
Alasdair Rowland Rouse
Graduated Brookes 2013
Gary Johnson Racing
Caterham F1
Sauber F1
Without OUMF, how do young engineering students get first hand, top-flight race experience?
Julius Thurgood
OUMF patron
Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC)
Julius Thurgood
OUMF patron
Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC)
