Catching up with Racing for All's Daanish Chilwan
Extreme E: What prompted you to apply for the Racing for All programme?
Daanish Chilwan: “My introduction to the Racing for All programme came through Equal Engineers, an organisation that has been instrumental in shaping my engineering journey. They have been a constant source of support, facilitating various opportunities that have contributed to my personal and professional growth. From helping me secure a Mechanical Engineering teaching assistant position at my university to connecting me with a mentor from McLaren Racing, they have played a crucial role in fostering my development. When I was told about this opportunity through them, I knew I had to seize it without hesitation.
"Coming from a low socioeconomic background and being raised by a single mother and grandmother in Bradford, the idea of working in the motorsports industry seemed like an unattainable dream. However, the Racing for All programme gave the opportunity to break through those barriers and gain hands-on experience.
“From an early age, my fascination with motorsports and the engineering intricacies behind cars has been a driving force in my academic and personal pursuits. This passion has led me to actively engage in extracurricular activities, such as being a member of my university's Internal Combustion (IC) Racing Team, where I contributed to bodywork and integral parts. Furthermore, I am currently serving as the lead EV drivetrain engineer for my university's Electric Vehicle (EV) Racing Team, a role that has further enhanced my knowledge and skills in the field of motorsport engineering."
XE: How excited were you to be working with such an established motorsport name like Chip Ganassi?
Daanish Chilwan: “When I first received the phone call from Equal Engineers informing me that I had been selected to work with No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, I was left speechless. The opportunity to collaborate with such an established and renowned name in the motorsport industry was beyond my wildest dreams. From seeing the cars on TV, to actually getting to work with Chip Ganassi felt unreal.
“Although initially feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, Chip Ganassi welcomed me with open arms, making me feel like an integral part of the team. They've has been absolutely amazing, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.”
XE: What were you doing in Scotland for the team?
Daanish Chilwan: “Every day at the Hydro X Prix in Scotland with the team was a thrilling and dynamic adventure, providing me with invaluable insights into the inner workings of a professional motorsports team through a multitude of activities and responsibilities. This included managing charging and cooling systems, analysing vehicle and track data, participating in track walks and helping the engineers with car repairs.
"And yes, I even became the self-proclaimed 'world's greatest car washer'!”
XE: What did you most enjoy?
Daanish Chilwan: “The opportunity to learn and work on the car, alongside the team, and experiencing the thrill of achieving a podium finish. The team dynamic was incredible, and I felt fully integrated into the team, which made the entire experience even more fulfilling."
XE: How have your experiences with Racing for All helped towards your studies?
Daanish Chilwan: “By actively engaging with the team and asking questions, I have been able to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and practical lessons learned while working on the car. This hands-on experience has provided me with invaluable insights and inspiration, enabling me to apply innovative thinking towards real life engineering problems.
“I've gained invaluable knowledge from both the team and the event itself, knowledge that I'm excited to apply to my studies and future endeavours. Already, I'm brainstorming ways to adapt and improve the design of the EV drivetrain system I'm currently working on at university.
“Additionally, through this programme, Equal Engineers provided me with valuable media training, networking skills, and enhanced my communication abilities during the event. These skills proved instrumental when I had the opportunity to participate in interviews in front of a panel, an experience that was entirely new to me. The training and skills acquired not only helped me succeed in that specific event but also equipped me with tools and confidence that I can employ in future professional settings and endeavours.”
XE: How would you describe working amongst a race team in Scotland?
Daanish Chilwan: “Working amongst the team was without a doubt an incredible experience I will never forget. Seeing the hard work and dedication of the team to get the car on track, behind the scenes, is inspirational.
“The key phrase that resonated with me, shared by CGR Team Manager David Berkenfield, was the team's unwavering focus on 'WIN OR LEARN'. This philosophy will remind me that success is not solely measured by victory but on the lessons and skills gained along the way.”
XE: You also managed to secure a podium in Race 2 – do the team consider you a lucky charm?
Daanish Chilwan: “While I like to think of myself as a ‘lucky charm’, I consider that the success of the podium finish was down to the collective effort, dedication and hard work of the entire Chip Ganassi team. However, if they want to attribute me as a lucky charm, I’d gladly accept the title with a smile!
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to allow me to experience a world, I thought I would never experience. The knowledge, skills, and memories I have gained from this experience will undoubtedly shape my future and continue to fuel my passion for the motorsports industry.”
On Daanish's role at No.99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Manager Dave Berkenfield said: “It was great welcoming Daanish to the Chip Ganassi Racing HUMMER EV team for the Hydro X Prix in Scotland. It was encouraging to work with Dannish who might normally struggle to get his foot in the door. Providing him with this experience through the Racing For All initiative is what this is all about.
"Daanish proved to us that passion, motivation and work ethic have no color, creed or economic limitations. We’re looking to seeing him develop in his career!”
Stay tuned for more insights from Extreme E’s Racing for All candidates and the invaluable experience they have received as a result of the initiative and working across the championship.
