Even though most kids are on summer break, a new school is just getting on track. Motorsport Technical School (MTS) recently opened its first U.S. campus on Indianapolis’ northwest side near 62nd and Guion.
It’s a fitting location, given that the city is known as the “Racing Capital of the World.”
“Obviously, with Indy’s nickname, we knew there would already be an ingrained motorsports culture,” says MTS Chief Operating Officer Rossella Manfrinato. “Indy is already well-known in our native Italy. We all know the history behind the Indy 500.”
Manfrinato says they selected the area near 62nd and Guion for its proximity to racing team offices like Conquest, McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti and Ed Carpenter Racing, to name a few.
Founded in Monza, Italy — known as the “Temple of Speed” — MTS boasts a 90%+ placement rate for racing mechanics and data analysts. The school has prepared thousands of students for careers with top racing teams worldwide, including in IndyCar and Formula 1.
As the motorsport industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for highly skilled professionals. “MTS is in a great position to meet the demand by offering a cutting-edge, tailor-made curriculum,” Manfrinato says.
Students can choose between two specialized tracks: racing mechanics or data analysis. Both play critical roles in a race team’s success, no matter the circuit.
Classes are purposely kept small, capped at 30 students for mechanics and 12-15 for data, and divided into smaller groups of about six to ensure personalized attention and hands-on experience. “That creates a strong teacher-to-student ratio and a fully immersive learning environment,” Manfrinato says.
Two Tracks to the Finish Line
The Racing Mechanic path is designed to prepare students for the intense, high-pressure race day environment. The curriculum covers vehicle setup, aerodynamics, electronics, and other technical aspects critical to optimizing performance on the track.
“Beyond technical skills, the course also emphasizes communication and teamwork,” Manfrinato says. “Mechanics must build strong working relationships with drivers and the entire team under high-pressure conditions.”
Training takes place in classrooms, pit areas, and on the track at MTS Indianapolis, using industry-grade equipment and materials. Throughout the course, students learn directly from seasoned motorsport professionals and visit leading racing industry companies. A highlight of the program is participating in an actual race day experience with a Formula 4 car, working as part of a professional racing team.
The Data Acquisition path works closely alongside the Racing Mechanic path, giving students practical, pit-side experience working on real racecars. The curriculum covers electronics, transmission systems, wiring, and data analysis.
Students participate in on-track training days, simulating real pit lane operations to prepare for the fast-paced demands of professional motorsports. Educational visits and specialized training sessions led by performance engineers and data experts round out the experience.
“We teach students how to ensure the car and the data are synced up,” Manfrinato explains. “That means checking the basic function of the car and addressing performance or driver issues — everything that helps engineers make better decisions between races.”
Learning from the Best
MTS leans heavily into Indy’s rich racing resources, hiring some of the most experienced professionals in the business as instructors.
“We have instructors with a wealth of racing experience who are passionate about creating a new generation of skilled people in motorsports,” Manfrinato says. “We want to mold students into hard workers and true team players because behind every winning driver, there’s an incredible team.”
“Our courses are shorter, more intense, and highly hands-on,” she adds. “Students are immersed in real-world racing scenarios from the start.”
Classes meet on weekends to accommodate students balancing other commitments, with each semester lasting eight weeks. Tuition can be paid through a payment plan, and MTS is currently exploring financial aid options to help more students enroll.
To apply or learn more, visit mtschool.us.
