Summary of "From Purdue to the Indy 500: How Alex Turner Landed His Dream Job at Dallara"

Episode Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of This Is Purdue, host Kate Young interviews Alex Turner, a Design Engineer at Dallara and a proud alumnus of Purdue University's Motorsports Engineering program. Recorded at Dallara's impressive showroom in Downtown Speedway, Indiana, the conversation delves into Alex's journey from a passionate racing fan to a professional engineer contributing to the iconic Indianapolis 500.

Partnership Between Purdue and Dallara

The episode begins with an overview of the formal partnership established in May 2023 between Purdue University and Dallara, a leading global motorsports manufacturer. This collaboration situates Purdue's Motorsports Engineering program at Dallara's U.S. headquarters, providing students with access to classrooms, hands-on training, and diagnostic testing facilities right next to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Alex Turner emphasizes the significance of this partnership, stating at [04:05] “We have two current Purdue Indianapolis interns. Another is joining us in May. So it's exciting and it's a great feeder program.” This synergy not only enhances the educational experience but also streamlines the transition from academia to industry for Purdue students.

Alex Turner's Background and Passion for Motorsports

Alex shares his long-standing passion for racing, which was ignited by attending his first IndyCar race in 2007 and the Indianapolis 500 in 2011. Reflecting on his early interests, he mentions at [05:46] “As far as I can remember, I've always been into some sort of engineering. When I was really young, before I really got into racing and the automotive side, I was fascinated with space travel and aerospace engineering.”

His admiration for Purdue is rooted in its legacy of producing renowned astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Gene Cernan, which initially drew him to the university before his focus shifted to motorsports.

Purdue's Motorsports Engineering Program

Kate inquires about what attracted Alex to Purdue's Motorsports Engineering program. Alex highlights the program's hands-on approach, noting at [06:18] “The practicum classes where you spend a semester once or twice where you get a project, you're designing something and then you actually go into the shop and you have to make it and make it a reality.” He appreciates the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, which prepares students effectively for real-world engineering challenges.

Internships and Career Path

Alex discusses his internships at IndyCar and Dallara, describing how these opportunities were pivotal in his career development. At [07:37], he explains, “The IndyCar one was directly linked with the Purdue Indianapolis program. So they always would select, after your first year, a couple of students to come and do that.” His persistence in applying to Dallara paid off, leading to a full-time position after successful internships.

Day-to-Day Role as a Design Engineer

Delving into his daily responsibilities, Alex describes a dynamic and varied work environment. At [09:40], he shares, “You never know what you're going to get. So when I come in initially, it's first going through... then you kind of get your coffee and then you start working towards your whatever project you're on at the time.” His role involves inspecting parts, collaborating on projects, and preparing for race weekends by reviewing past performances and anticipating challenges.

Culture and Collaboration at Dallara

A key theme of the conversation is the collaborative culture at Dallara. Alex emphasizes the importance of teamwork and humility in engineering, stating at [10:37], “We have a really good, strong company culture where we really try... it's always kind of a group involvement.” This environment fosters continuous learning and innovation, aligning with Purdue's emphasis on curiosity and collaboration.

Dallara's Impact and Legacy

Alex reflects on Dallara's prestigious legacy in motorsports, particularly in the IndyCar series. He shares the company's historical achievements, such as winning their first Indy 500 in 1998 and becoming the sole supplier of IndyCar chassis in 2012. At [11:47], he remarks, “It's a big responsibility to have the Dallara name on my shirt... it's been an interesting transition.” Working for a brand with such a rich history instills a sense of pride and duty to uphold the standards of excellence.

Challenges in the Engineering Role

The role is not without its challenges. Alex candidly discusses the demanding nature of the job, including long hours and high-pressure situations during races. At [13:04], he notes, “It's a lot of work, long hours... can get very passionate.” He underscores the necessity of having a thick skin and the ability to handle criticism constructively, which are essential traits for success in this competitive field.

Involvement with the Indianapolis 500

Being geographically close to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides Alex and the Dallara team unique advantages during the Indy 500. He shares personal anecdotes, such as being on the grid with his sister, which enriches his connection to the event ([15:56]). Additionally, Alex discusses the development of hybrid systems for the cars, highlighting the ongoing innovations that make each year's race exciting ([17:12]).

Advice for Aspiring Motorsports Engineers

Towards the end of the interview, Alex offers valuable advice for students aspiring to enter the motorsports engineering field. He encourages taking advantage of internships and hands-on opportunities, emphasizing perseverance through academic and professional challenges. At [19:15], he advises, “Always take up opportunities when they come up. Just keep working incredibly hard... it does get better.”

Conclusion and Indy 500 Predictions

In a light-hearted conclusion, Alex participates in Purdue's tradition of predicting Indy 500 winners. He optimistically predicts a Dallara car victory this year, humorously acknowledging his bias ([21:48]). The episode wraps up with acknowledgments and a nod to the upcoming 109th Indianapolis 500.

Notable Quotes

• Alex Turner ([04:05]): “We have two current Purdue Indianapolis interns. Another is joining us in May. So it's exciting and it's a great feeder program.”

• Alex Turner ([06:18]): “The practicum classes where you spend a semester once or twice where you get a project, you're designing something and then you actually go into the shop and you have to make it and make it a reality.”

• Alex Turner ([10:37]): “We have a really good, strong company culture where we really try... it's always kind of a group involvement.”

• Alex Turner ([11:47]): “It's a big responsibility to have the Dallara name on my shirt... it's been an interesting transition.”

• Alex Turner ([19:15]): “Always take up opportunities when they come up. Just keep working incredibly hard... it does get better.”

Conclusion

This episode of This Is Purdue offers an inspiring glimpse into the career path of a Purdue Motorsports Engineering graduate thriving at the forefront of motorsports engineering. Alex Turner's story underscores the value of hands-on education, industry partnerships, and personal passion in achieving professional aspirations. Listeners gain insight into the rigorous yet rewarding world of race car engineering, the significance of collaboration, and the enduring legacy of Purdue and Dallara in the high-octane environment of the Indianapolis 500.