Why I took part in a Motorsport Travel Study Experience and why you should as well!
A few years back, one of my professors offered me an incredible opportunity: to join a trip he was leading, organized with a travel tour company, exploring Europe's most impressive car museums, collections, and factories. As a student of automotive restoration eager to find my niche in the industry, my answer was a resounding ‘yes.’
We departed from Wichita, Kansas in January 2023. After long hours and multiple flights, we arrived in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Our journey began with a day split between guided tours and free time to explore the city. From visiting art museums to wandering the canals of the red-light district, I was captivated by the cultural differences and the vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam. This first stop was not only a fantastic introduction to Europe but also an opportunity to bond with classmates I barely knew. By the end of the day, I had formed lasting friendships and connections with many of my travel mates.
Following our enriching experience in Amsterdam, we continued our trip through Europe, visiting the Louwman Museum in The Hague and the Porsche Classic Factory restoration shop in Stuttgart, Germany. One of my favorite automotive-related stops was an unplanned visit to the Autoworld Museum in Brussels, Belgium. While exploring Brussels with new friends, we stumbled upon this gem. Inside, the Road and Track display, featuring cars like the BMW M1, Porsche 935 Baby, and Mercedes-Benz 190-16 2.6 Evo II, left me in awe. As a student specializing in automotive restoration business management, this collection reaffirmed my career path. It showcased the possibilities that lay ahead of me in this industry, from one day curating a collection like the one before me to leading other students on similar trips to experience such career affirmation.
Upon returning from the trip, we were asked to write a reflection essay on our experiences versus our expectations. I had anticipated seeing beautiful cars, cities, and trying new foods. However, what stood out most were the connections I made with peers and future industry colleagues and the new outlook I gained on the automotive industry. The trip inspired me to dive deeper into the automotive industry and find my niche. I wrote about how I would leverage these experiences on my resume and in conversations with potential employers or collectors, showcasing my passion and dedication.
As we bounced from country to country and venue to venue, the travel arrangements quickly proved themselves to be more than just “logistics”—they became an integral part of the adventure. Tickets arrived on time and, more often than not, landed us better views than we could have imagined: grandstand seats at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, up-close glimpses of legendary liveries at Silverstone, and even pit access in Barcelona.
Hospitality never felt like an afterthought—it felt tailored. Hotels were centrally located (at times, the same spots as some of the F1 and MotoGP legends themselves), and each check-in was as smooth as the shifting on a well-tuned gearbox. Late requests and specific needs weren’t just accommodated; they were welcomed with resourceful solutions and even the occasional friendly local tip (where to catch the best espresso before a race morning is vital knowledge, after all).
What truly stood out, though, was the above-and-beyond approach to service. Issues brought up before or during trips—whether about extra tickets for friends, last-minute itinerary changes, or explanations about the labyrinthine public transport at the Monaco Grand Prix—were handled with all the patience and expertise of a seasoned pit crew. Conversations with organizers never felt rushed; instead, questions were answered thoroughly, and support was just a WhatsApp away.
And then there are the best kind of side effects: travel companions, once strangers, quickly became pitlane friends thanks to well-organized group events and shared experiences. Many of us finished the trip already swapping stories about which European race or American circuit we’d meet at next—each ready to return for another round, knowing the nuts and bolts of the trip would be handled with care and attention.
From the moment you book your trip to the moment you return home, the right travel company can transform a standard motorsport event into an unforgettable experience. During our journey, and through stories swapped with fellow enthusiasts, I’ve learned just how wide-ranging and impressive the accommodations and access at top racing events can be.
Staying close to the excitement is essential. Whether it’s a boutique hotel steps from the grandstands in Monaco or a room at a well-known chain like DoubleTree or Shangri-La during the Canadian Grand Prix, the right location can mean breakfast with team mechanics or spotting drivers in the lobby. Some travelers have even stayed at the same hotel as F1teams—one group recounted sharing space with McLaren’s crew in Montreal!
One of the highlights of well-organized motorsport trips is the elevated access. Packages often include grandstand seats in prime locations (think Grandstand 11 in Montreal or La Rascasse in Monaco), which heightens the race-day spectacle. Travelers have recounted exclusive pit lane walks, meet-and-greets with drivers, and access to VIP hospitality lounges—or even a day spent viewing the Monaco Grand Prix from a private yacht. These behind-the-scenes moments are what set a standard trip apart from a truly memorable one.
Logistics can make or break an event weekend, but seasoned travel organizers anticipate every detail. Race packets often include essentials like track passes, curated transportation to and from the venue, and concierge support for add-ons or last-minute changes. Some guests arriving on short notice were still able to secure hard-to-get hotels or hospitality access, with every transfer and request managed smoothly.
Beyond the race itself, these trips stack in extras—from guided city tours and restaurant recommendations to surprise excursions, like a detour to Eze during the Monaco weekend. Travelers often form tightknit groups, comparing notes about cars in the paddock or exploring the local culture together. And, for many, a helpful tour leader is always a WhatsApp message or train ride away, eager to answer questions and suggest must-see sights.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or are turning race travel into an annual tradition, these experiences combine convenience, access, and camaraderie in a way that few other trips can rival.
Upon returning from the trip, we were asked to write a reflection essay on our experiences versus our expectations. I had anticipated seeing beautiful cars, cities, and trying new foods. However, what stood out most were the connections I made with peers and future industry colleagues and the new outlook I gained on the automotive industry. The trip inspired me to dive deeper into the automotive industry and find my niche. I wrote about how I would leverage these experiences on my resume and in conversations with potential employers or collectors, showcasing my passion and dedication.
For every reason mentioned above, I believe travel study courses or independent study trips, like my European adventure, can be highly beneficial for students in automotive technology, automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial design programs. If a trip like this sounds right for you or your students, please reach out to me at the contact info below or visit Motorsport Lab's website.
Contact Info:
Jacob Campbell-Roberson
Phone: (845)-729-0899
Email: Jacob@motorsportlab.com
