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Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Drag Racing Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in drag racing engineering, structured in 12 modules covering acceleration physics, chassis and load transfer, tyres and track prep, engines, transmission and clutch, launch control, aerodynamics, fuels and nitrous, data, safety and team operations, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the physics of longitudinal acceleration and load transfer.

02

Set up chassis and suspension to maximise traction at launch.

03

Select tyres and understand track preparation.

04

Configure clutch and transmission to control torque at launch.

05

Analyse data between runs to fine-tune the set-up.

06

Apply safety regulations and rules for handling special fuels.

07

Plan the operations and logistics of a drag racing team.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Drag racing engineers.
  • Drag team chiefs.
  • High-performance engine builders.
  • Motorsport data engineers.
  • Transmission and clutch technicians.
  • Team safety officers.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming for a career in motorsport.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • NHRA Rulebook (drag racing technical regulations)
  • FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations
  • SFI Spec 16.1 (driver restraint systems)
  • SFI Spec 3.2A (driver protective suits)
  • FIA International Sporting Code Appendix L (drivers, equipment and conduct)
  • NFPA 30 (flammable and combustible liquids)
  • Racepak DataLink II
  • MoTeC i2
  • MATLAB
  • Advanced Excel
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Equation of motion in a straight line
  2. 1.2Traction-limited and power-limited acceleration
  3. 1.360-foot times and their importance
  4. 1.4Relationship between weight and time
  5. 1.5Longitudinal load transfer
  6. 1.6Wheelstands and launch control
  7. 1.7Metrics: ET and trap speed
  8. 1.8Classes and regulations
  9. 1.9Analysis of time slips
  10. 1.10Workshop: simple acceleration model
  1. 2.1Drag chassis architectures
  2. 2.2Rear frame and traction bars
  3. 2.3Anti-squat and instant centre
  4. 2.4Centre of gravity height
  5. 2.5Weight distribution and ballast
  6. 2.6Stiffness and launch behaviour
  7. 2.7Roll cage and certification
  8. 2.8Materials and construction
  9. 2.9Geometry measurement
  10. 2.10Lab: anti-squat calculation
  1. 3.1Drag slicks and their deformation
  2. 3.2The wrinkle wall and its function
  3. 3.3Very low pressures and their adjustment
  4. 3.4Burnout and tyre preparation
  5. 3.5Temperature and grip
  6. 3.6Track compound and VHT
  7. 3.7Grip variation by lane
  8. 3.8Tyre wear and life
  9. 3.9Measurement and monitoring
  10. 3.10Lab: pressure adjustment
  1. 4.1Architectures and displacements
  2. 4.2Forced induction: turbo, supercharger and nitrous
  3. 4.3Compression ratio and fuel
  4. 4.4Detonation management
  5. 4.5Injection systems
  6. 4.6Cooling between runs
  7. 4.7Lubrication under extreme acceleration
  8. 4.8Reliability and life between rebuilds
  9. 4.9Engine dyno
  10. 4.10Lab: engine configuration
  1. 5.1Automatic and manual drag gearboxes
  2. 5.2Torque converter and stall speed
  3. 5.3Multi-disc clutches and their management
  4. 5.4Ratios and optimal shift points
  5. 5.5Transbrake and launch
  6. 5.6Differential and axles
  7. 5.7Component strength
  8. 5.8Maintenance between runs
  9. 5.9Slip diagnosis
  10. 5.10Lab: ratio selection
  1. 6.1Christmas tree and reaction times
  2. 6.2Launch and rpm control
  3. 6.3Power management in the first metres
  4. 6.4Limiters and timer-based controls
  5. 6.5Permitted traction control systems
  6. 6.6Adjustment for track conditions
  7. 6.7Data from the first tenths of a second
  8. 6.8Typical driver errors
  9. 6.9Launch training
  10. 6.10Lab: 60-foot analysis
  1. 7.1Aerodynamic drag at high speed
  2. 7.2Lift and stability
  3. 7.3Wings and wheelie bars
  4. 7.4Directional stability
  5. 7.5Effect of crosswind
  6. 7.6Braking parachutes
  7. 7.7Bodywork and regulations
  8. 7.8Simulation and wind tunnel
  9. 7.9Track validation
  10. 7.10Lab: drag study
  1. 8.1Race gasoline, methanol and nitromethane
  2. 8.2Air–fuel ratio by fuel type
  3. 8.3Fuel systems and flow rates
  4. 8.4Nitrous oxide: operation and risks
  5. 8.5Safe handling
  6. 8.6Category regulations
  7. 8.7Effect on reliability
  8. 8.8Tuning by fuel type
  9. 8.9Storage and transport
  10. 8.10Workshop: fuel system configuration
  1. 9.1Critical channels in a run
  2. 9.2Analysis of the first tenths
  3. 9.3Air density correction
  4. 9.4Quick adjustments between rounds
  5. 9.5Logging conditions
  6. 9.6Predictive ET models
  7. 9.7Decision-making under time pressure
  8. 9.8Managing information on the opponent
  9. 9.9Documenting the race day
  10. 9.10Lab: analysis of a round
  1. 10.1Roll cages and requirements by speed
  2. 10.2Harnesses and seats
  3. 10.3Fire suppression systems
  4. 10.4Parachutes and their maintenance
  5. 10.5Driver equipment
  6. 10.6Licences and categories
  7. 10.7Technical inspection
  8. 10.8Accident protocols
  9. 10.9Shutdown area and run-off
  10. 10.10Workshop: safety review
  1. 11.1Organisation between rounds
  2. 11.2Spares and rebuilds
  3. 11.3Tooling and mobile workshop
  4. 11.4Qualifying times and eliminations
  5. 11.5Heat and fuel management
  6. 11.6Crew and roles
  7. 11.7Season budget
  8. 11.8Sponsorship and communication
  9. 11.9Equipment transport
  10. 11.10Case study: event plan
  1. 12.1Definition of class and ET targets
  2. 12.2Chassis and load transfer concept
  3. 12.3Engine and transmission selection
  4. 12.4Tyre and launch strategy
  5. 12.5Aerodynamics and braking
  6. 12.6Data and tuning plan
  7. 12.7Safety plan
  8. 12.8Run simulation
  9. 12.9Technical report and defence
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is Racepak DataLink II, MoTeC i2, MATLAB and advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: test runs at a drag strip, engine dyno runs and data analysis between runs. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: NHRA Rulebook, FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations, SFI Spec 16.1, SFI Spec 3.2A, FIA International Sporting Code Appendix L, NFPA 30.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of the NHRA Rulebook, the FIA European Drag Racing Championship Regulations and SFI Spec 16.1 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Racepak DataLink II, MoTeC i2, MATLAB and advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete drag vehicle project, from class and ET targets to chassis, powertrain, launch strategy, safety plan and run simulation, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Acceleration model
Build a simple acceleration model and set ET and 60-foot targets for the class.
Anti-squat and chassis
Calculate anti-squat geometry and define the load transfer concept.
Powertrain and ratios
Configure the engine and select transmission ratios for the target ET.
Launch and data analysis
Analyse 60-foot data and tune the launch between rounds.
Master's Thesis
Complete drag vehicle project with safety plan and run simulation, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Drag racing engineerDrag team chiefHigh-performance engine builderMotorsport data engineerTransmission and clutch technicianTeam safety officer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with Racepak DataLink II, MoTeC i2, MATLAB and advanced Excel, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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