Lindsay Stroz: Engineering Her Way into the Fast Lane of Motorsport
From discovering F1 at 13 to becoming a race engineer, Canadian student Lindsay Stroz shares how she turned her love for racing into a career built on teamwork, precision, and perseverance. She gives us a glimpse into the fast-paced world of race engineering and her vision to make motorsport more accessible in Canada.
Can you introduce yourself and your work in motorsport?
My name is Lindsay Stroz, and I am a Canadian Mechanical Engineering Student who is working in automotive manufacturing and racing as a race engineer.
What initially drew you to the world of motorsport?
My dad and brother were always into cars and so I was influenced a lot by their interest, but got into F1 when I was about 13. That introduced me to racing, but once I started in Engineering school, I felt like I was beginning to get the necessary skills to start working within it. I love the fast-paced environment where teamwork, communication and problem-solving are at the forefront.
What does a typical day or week look like in your role? Could you give us an overview of your main responsibilities and activities?
My current role as race engineer includes working with the mechanics, driver and other engineers to ensure the car is prepped before the race. During the race, we assist with communication and in the pit lane. After races, we download driver and car data and analyze for car health. Based on any findings and driver feedback, we can then make changes to the car accordingly.
In your opinion, what are the most essential skills (technical, interpersonal, personal) required to succeed and thrive in your field within motorsport?
Lots of the technical roles in racing are heavily developed on track through years of experience. The best way you can set yourself up to make the most of your experience and grow is to work well in teams, effectively communicate and work well under pressure.
How do you manage the stress and inherent challenges of your role, especially during crucial moments like races or project launches?
During a race weekend, you deal with lots of ups and downs and sometimes lots of emotions. It’s important to communicate with your team all the time so that when conflict arises, it can be defused quickly and easily.
What advice would you give to a young woman or anyone aspiring to build a career in motorsport today?
My advice for young women interested in motorsports is to go for it! We often feel that if we don’t know 100% of the aspects of a role, then we can’t do it. For motorsports, showing up, being passionate and getting your hands dirty is what will make you learn and develop in your role and in your team. Volunteer positions are a great way to start and feel less pressure. Also, get to know other girls in your area interested in the same thing!
What is the most memorable moment or the greatest source of pride you’ve experienced so far in your career?
Joining AE Victory in Atlanta was probably the most memorable moment so far. It was my first time out of the country for racing and my first time doing race engineering independently. I grew a lot over that weekend and the people made it extra memorable.
How do collaboration and communication function within your team or organization, and what is your role in that dynamic?
Getting to know your team members in between events is important to your bond and communication. The people in a team will make and break your experience. I’m capable of focusing and catching on to a lot of moving parts at one time, so my role is usually being able to cross-communicate those things.
What drives and motivates you to continue evolving in such a demanding and competitive environment as motorsport?
Being on the track and meeting people is what motivates me. Everyone there on a race weekend is there because they want to be there and the passion is infectious.
How would you describe the evolution of your role or your specific area within motorsport since you started?
I started in motorsports as a general volunteer who was mostly helping out with offside mechanical stuff while shadowing a race engineer slightly. I then left that team and was a tire technician for a season while I honed my race engineering skills in my free time.
Have you had mentors or inspiring figures who have marked your path? And on your side, do you aspire to mentor young talents?
I’ve had many people along the way who have supported and guided me. Too many to list, that’s for sure. I also enjoy mentoring people as well and it’s a way for me to also conceptualize my experiences.
If you could change one thing in motorsport to make it even better, what would it be and why?
One thing I would change is the Motorsport accessibility in Canada. It has gotten better over the years, but there’s definitely room for growth and opportunity here for fans as well as for people working on the teams. Lots of people get to a certain point where they have to move elsewhere to drive or work to make it a career.