SAE conference attracts key motorsports leaders

The scheduled business panel brings together for the first time the heads of the leading sanctioning bodies: Max Mosley, FIA; Mike Helton, NASCAR; Tony George, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League; Tom Compton, National Hotrod Association (NHRA); and Steve Johnson, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Paul Pfanner, president of RACER Magazine, will serve as the panel moderator.

Sessions will examine the many key challenges facing drivers, track owners, and sanctioning bodies, including providing exciting racing and competitive fields, controlling the high cost of racing, and assuring the safety of drivers, crew, and spectators. Other panels will cover safety, racing engine and drivetrain, and vehicle design and development.

A special event for young engineers interested in a career in racing is the Young Engineers Panel, during which professionals will talk about the skills needed to work in racing and the best opportunities to find these sought-after jobs.

Speaking at the conference and receiving special awards or recognition are: Ross Brawn, Technical Director, Scuderia Ferrari, SAE Motorsports Engineering Achievement Award; Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Director, AudiSport, SEMA Award; Doug Louth, Corvette Team Manager, Pratt & Miller, SAE Motorsports Engineering Conference Award; and Dr. Marcus Krug, Head of Electrics/Electronics, Sports and Touring Cars, BMW Motorsports, Special Certificate of Merit for the Design of Adaptive Controls for Alex Zanardi's Racing Sedan.