In the latest World eX Bizz Talk ahead of the Indianapolis race, Franco Chiocchetti, CEO and co-founder of RaceOn, shared a wealth of insights from his remarkable motorsport journey and the unique business model that has made RaceOn a go-to partner for top-tier racing teams and manufacturers. With over 25 years of experience in engineering and management across Formula E, DTM, and other prestigious series, Franco’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
RaceOn stands out in the motorsport industry by offering three core services: engineering consulting, talent acquisition, and specialized work packages. Their consulting arm supplies highly skilled engineers – ranging from race engineers to tyre modelling experts – to teams and manufacturers worldwide. These specialists are handpicked for their ability to deliver immediate value, ensuring that RaceOn’s clients benefit from the flexibility of freelancers but with the security and stability of full-time employees. As Franco puts it, “Our motto is to supply the customer with, effectively, the flexibility of a freelancer, but the security of an employee.” This approach not only protects teams from the risks of hiring but also ensures engineers are placed in environments where they can thrive and succeed.
One of the most compelling aspects of RaceOn’s model is its commitment to work-life balance and remote work. Franco believes that every engineer has their own creative rhythm, and RaceOn gives them the freedom to work from wherever they are most effective. “I want to give everyone that flexibility to be creative and to work when they want to work,” he says. This trust-based culture, combined with a strong focus on IP protection – engineers work strictly within clients’ domains to prevent data leaks – has made RaceOn a trusted partner for multiple teams, even direct competitors, in series like Formula E.
Franco’s journey into motorsport is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and building a strong network. He got his start through a chance meeting with his cousin’s racing team in South Africa and quickly rose from a mechanical installation engineer to a key figure in DTM and Formula E. “I was at the right place, at the right time, and I knew the right people, and like often in life, it’s just about being lucky,” he reflects. But he is quick to add that luck is only part of the equation. In today’s hyper-competitive environment, young engineers must find ways to stand out. “What is your unique selling point? What do you have different to the 1000s of other people knocking on the door?” he asks. For Franco, exceptional grades, a standout personality, or a unique skill set can make all the difference.
He also offers candid advice for aspiring motorsport engineers. While practical experience – such as Formula Student – is invaluable, Franco stresses that a deep understanding of theory is paramount. “You don’t need a piece of paper. You need to know what’s in those books. If you don’t know what’s in the books, the paper doesn’t buy you a job.” He warns against the temptation to drop out of university for immediate racing jobs, emphasizing that the exponential learning curve in a professional team is only possible with a solid academic foundation.
Franco is equally frank about the realities of starting a career in motorsport. Entry-level salaries are often lower than in traditional automotive roles, but the potential for growth is exponential for those who invest in their skills and experience. He cautions against jumping into freelancing too soon: “Anyone coming out of university and going direct to freelancing is exceptionally dangerous for your career. You need to have a fixed amount of time where you can be around super talented engineers who are willing to teach you.” Without this mentorship, he believes, freelancers risk stagnation and missed opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead, Franco is excited about RaceOn’s continued expansion and its role in nurturing the next generation of engineers. He is committed to sharing his knowledge through academic courses and seminars, aiming to inspire and prepare future leaders for the challenges of the motorsport world. As he puts it, “If you’re worried about IP in the age of AI, you’re not developing fast enough,” a quote from one of his former drivers – Lucas di Grassi – that has stuck with him and shaped his forward-thinking approach.
In summary, Franco Chiocchetti and RaceOn exemplify what it means to innovate in motorsport – combining technical expertise with a people-first approach, and offering invaluable advice for anyone looking to make their mark in this dynamic industry. His story is a reminder that while luck and networking open doors, it is knowledge, hard work, and a willingness to learn that keep them open.
The World eX Bizz Talk takes place before every World eX race via Zoom and features conversations with interesting personalities who have a close connection to our topics of motorsport, sim racing or the energy transition. Join our unique sim racing community to take part in the talks and ask your questions.
