From the age of five, Keegan Leahy (BSc鈥�20) dreamt of becoming a professional NASCAR driver. Now, the Halifax native is applying his Dal studies in physics, atmospheric science and meteorology to his new career as a sim driver and performance consultant for 23XI Racing鈥攁 professional, American auto-racing organization that competes in the NASCAR Cup series鈥攈elping make those dreams a reality.
7 A.M. Most days, I work from 23XI鈥檚 head office in Mooresville, N.C., testing simulations to help NASCAR drivers prepare for upcoming race weekends. Today, our team is stationed at the North Wilkesboro Speedway for a full day of testing Goodyear tires and analyzing data.
8 A.M. I help set up ramps and scales to measure the car before the driver starts. This speedway hasn鈥檛 been used in decades, so the ground is uneven. It takes time to adjust and re-adjust things, but I enjoy the challenge. 10 A.M. Over the course of 20 laps, the driver gets a feel for the tires while we track how the car slows each lap. We also look to make sure the car is balanced鈥攖hat the front tires wear as fast as the rear. There鈥檚 moisture in the air, so I鈥檓 applying my studies in meteorology to determine how a race strategy could be impacted by weather.
Keegan Leahy on the track (supplied).
12 P.M. Catering has arrived with fajitas. Fitness and nutrition are big parts of the culture here鈥攊t鈥檚 almost competitive! Lunch re-energizes us to perform at our best for the rest of the afternoon.
2 P.M. We continue to use our tools and technology to test drive the race car, tracking data from each lap. When the car doesn鈥檛 turn well, or the rear tires spin out, that鈥檚 something we focus on. I鈥檓 learning a lot today鈥攁ll of which can later be applied to my simulation work.
4 P.M. The workday will end soon but I stay a little longer to watch the lightning and wait out rush hour on the interstate. Surprisingly, I don鈥檛 like to contend with traffic.
9 P.M. There鈥檚 much less traffic in the evening, so I take this opportunity to take a drive and get some fresh air. I like fast cars in racing and simulation, but I also enjoy slow, relaxing drives in the real world. Hopefully, I鈥檒l be able to find a spot to watch lightning from a thunderstorm off in the distance.
This story appeared in the听DAL Magazine Fall/Winter 2023听issue. Flip through the rest of the issue using the links below.
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