What’s better than watching a NASCAR race? How about being an intern for a NASCAR team? That’s exactly what three Texas A&M University students did this summer, as they experienced the thrill of working with one of NASCAR’s premier teams under Haas Factory Team (HFT). The hands-on experience, from using cutting-edge technology to seeing their work on the track, provided invaluable real-world experience through a continued partnership to market Texas A&M.
Poorvi Parikh, Ryan Teichman and Logan Davis ’25 spent the summer getting an up-close-and-personal look at what it takes to make all the parts involved in motorsports come together week after week.
While HFT originally planned to have two paid summer interns from Texas A&M as part of the marketing partnership, they were so impressed with the students they met that they doubled the offer. Three Aggies selected for the coveted internships spent the summer on-site at HFT’s race shop in Kannapolis. A fourth internship was extended, and the student will start in January 2026.
As interns, Poorvi Parikh, Logan Davis ’25 and Ryan Teichman applied what they learned in the classroom to the fast-paced world of racing, where every second counts.
“I’ll never forget my first day,” Parikh said. “Walking into the shop and seeing the equipment, tools and workstations for the first time was incredible. The initial tour showed just how much precision and care go into everything here, and it immediately made me even more excited for the rest of the summer.”
A high-octane partnership
Joe Custer, president of HFT and Haas F1 Team, said the internship program with Texas A&M was a significant success. He noted that, unlike typical interns who require extensive training, the Texas A&M students were prepared and added value to the team from day one.
“They came in prepared, added value immediately,” Custer said. “Their high level of competency meant they could immediately work on projects that directly impacted the team’s operations, particularly in critical areas like engineering support.”
I oversaw all the interns, and the Texas A&M kids were definitely near the top of the pile. I was very impressed with their maturity, their promptness and their work ethic. They all excelled at the projects and dug deep into them, learning whatever they needed to — even if it was some new software or new ways of doing things with minimal guidance.
Custer’s sentiments were echoed by Matt Chambers, who oversees the metrology and quality control departments at HFT. Chambers noted that the company has relied on interns to fill full-time job roles and complete projects that they didn’t have the time or manpower to complete.
“I oversaw all the interns, and the Texas A&M kids were definitely near the top of the pile. I was very impressed with their maturity, their promptness and their work ethic,” Chambers said. “They all excelled at the projects and dug deep into them, learning whatever they needed to — even if it was some new software or new ways of doing things with minimal guidance.”
Out of the classroom and onto the racetrack
Some of the most eye-opening lessons the Aggie interns learned were how to apply what they learned in the classroom to the real world — a very fast-paced real world, where every second counts.
And the Aggies were more than up to the challenge. Almost from the beginning, the interns worked on real-world engineering projects that directly affected the team’s operations. They were able to immediately add value without requiring extensive training.
“We had them doing projects within a week or two of being here. It didn’t take them long to pick up on things to the point where we trusted that their information was correct,” Chambers said.
“In school, we are encouraged to come up with solutions that solve the problems identified and show that we can apply the content we learned,” said Parikh, a sophomore aerospace engineering major. “However, at the shop, we have to ensure our solutions not only solve the problem, but that they are also the most efficient and cost-effective ways to approach our problems.”
Davis found he was able to channel his creativity at HFT. “In class, most of what we do is theoretical. At Haas, I was directly involved in real-world engineering challenges where I took a hands-on approach to creating solutions. I was able to take my own path to solve each problem, channeling my strength to benefit the team. It was amazing seeing my work pay off on the big screen on the weekends!”
Teichman, a senior mechanical engineering major, added, “Sometimes in the classroom, problems have a more obvious path to a solution. In practice, it is usually more open-ended. It just felt like I had to take a step back and get a better overall view of the problem, unlike some problems in class that may have a clearer solution.”
A glimpse into the Aggie intern experience
“Working for a motorsports team is completely different from most other engineering industries,” Davis said. “NASCAR turnaround times for design, manufacturing, testing and implementation are extremely fast-paced, and the best engineers emerge as those who adapt to ever-changing environments and challenges. I learned that precision is absolutely critical in the motorsports industry. Every part, every fastener, affects the performance of a vehicle. Quality control is crucial to squeezing every drop out of a car. Taking pride in the details adds up.”
In school, we are encouraged to come up with solutions that solve the problems identified and show that we can apply the content we learned. However, at the shop, we have to ensure our solutions not only solve the problem, but that they are also the most efficient and cost-effective ways to approach our problems.
Parikh echoed Davis’ observations about how quickly things need to move. “I was able to experience how fast-paced the industry is. Due to races occurring every week, many tasks need to take place within short periods of time so we can be prepared to show our fastest car at the race track. I also learned how to model parts that would eventually be manufactured.”
Teichman had the opportunity to use tech he hadn’t before. “I was able to be a part of the post-race measurement process for some of the brake components and send information to the crew chief. I was also able to print parts that I made/edited in CAD (computer-aided design) for the team.”
During their internship, Davis, Teichman and Parikh not only worked closely with NASCAR employees behind the scenes, but also met the drivers, including Cole Custer, who drives the No. 41 Ford Mustang.
Making connections, building a network
Through hard work and a willingness to be a moving part of a team focused on a single goal, the three Aggies returned to College Station with more than just impressive resumes. They returned with personal connections that will last a lifetime.
“In just a few short months, I’ve gained another whole family at the shop, and met many new coworkers who I know will be lifelong friends,” Davis said. “I learned that effective communication and relationships within a team are paramount to the effectiveness of a team. A great team is one that sets clear goals, fosters individual creativity and supports each other’s roles.”
“I’ve learned so many new technical skills, but I’ve also seen how important efficiency, communication and teamwork are in a fast-paced environment like this,” said Parikh. “Being part of a team that’s pushing for high performance at every moment is inspiring, and it’s given me a whole new perspective on what it takes to succeed in this industry.”
“I got to see car dynos, pit crew practice and the setup of a car. I also got to experience just how hard the deadlines are and how the whole team has to be on their game to keep the team rolling,” Teichman said.
And when it came time to say goodbye to the Haas Factory Team, it was harder than he expected. “I’d enjoyed working with and getting to know everyone. They each taught me something, whether it was a process, concept or life lesson. I learned something from everyone at Haas,” he said.
“Their work ethic was strong, their demeanor was great. Everybody loved them. We were sad to see them leave. It was all just a very positive experience,” Chambers said.
The interns’ contributions had a positive impact on the organization, affecting critical aspects of the team’s operations and helping to fill a need for engineering talent. Custer said he hopes the interns will return to Texas A&M and share their positive experiences to encourage more students to consider a career in NASCAR.
Custer said that every single Texas A&M intern was viewed as a high-caliber person they would welcome into their organization. In fact, Chambers was so impressed that he offered Davis a job in the quality control department, but he decided to pursue an advanced degree and attend graduate school at Texas A&M this fall.
The partnership with HFT is another example of Texas A&M’s commitment to providing students with unparalleled opportunities to apply their knowledge and build their professional network.
Texas A&M is a season-long associate sponsor of the No. 41 HFT Ford Mustang driven by Cole Custer and was the team’s primary sponsor at the Coca-Cola 600. Texas A&M also appeared on the uniform and helmet of Felix Rosenqvist, one of INDYCAR’s most popular drivers.
