Barbara Geibel from Kohlscheid near Aachen is living her dream: the 28-year-old is a mechanic with the Haupt Racing Team in the ADAC GT Masters. The automobile technician enjoys her job at all six rounds of the ADAC’s iconic GT series – after all, she’s making a living out of her hobby. In an interview, she discusses the appeal of the racing atmosphere, her passion for motorsport, and the advantage of being so close to the fans.
How did your enthusiasm for motorsport come about?
I completed my studies as an automobile mechatronics engineer. In the first year of the course, that was 2015, I went to watch the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring as a fan. The atmosphere made a huge impression on me. I very quickly realised that I wanted to give motorsport a try. After visiting the endurance classic in the Eifel, I applied at Mathol Racing, a team in the former VLN. I was then invited to a test day at the Nürburgring. I now work freelance. My company is primarily involved in motorsport. Once motorsport, always motorsport – that is my motto.
What are your jobs with Haupt Racing Team in the ADAC GT Masters?
I have been working for Haupt Racing Team in the ADAC GT Masters since the start of the year. Three mechanics share one car. After the session, we discuss the work that needs doing. We try to take it in turns to do the individual jobs. They include performing a technical inspection of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. After each session, we inspect the chassis and the brakes. We give the car a thorough check. In the ADAC GT Masters, I check the air pressure during the pit stops. I have also worked as a ‘wheeler’ in another racing series, and changed the tyres during a stop.
What does your everyday life look like between the ADAC GT Masters events?
I always travel to the Haupt Racing Team’s Race Base in Drees for the preparations for a race, and for the follow-up work after a race. The work usually starts one week before an event and ends one week after it. I am also busy with the Lamborghini Super Trofeo and the Nürburgring Endurance Series. It is not at all rare for me to work every day for more than two months at a time. In my spare time, a friend and I are in the process of assembling an old Mercedes 280 SE. Engines dominate my everyday life, even away from the racetrack. If I have any spare time after all that, I carry out minor repairs on my friends’ cars.
What makes the ADAC GT Masters so special for you?
I particularly value how close you are to the fans in the ADAC GT Masters. It is great for the visitors to watch us going about our work. The series allows fans to marvel at the super sports cars from up close, that is unique. For me, it is normal to see the race cars. But the fans often stare wide-eyed in amazement when they are stood in front of the cars.
As a woman, how do you find working in what is seen as a male-dominated area like motorsport?
Apart from me, there are no other female mechanics working for the Haupt Racing Team in the ADAC GT Masters. However, I am seeing more and more women in motorsport. There have not been any issues so far. Whether a man or a woman, you have to come through certain situations and prove yourself. I can only recommend that anyone should give motorsport a go.
What do you do in your leisure time?
Away from the racetrack, I switch off with my horse. I also like riding my motorbike through the region and enjoying the countryside.
Have you ever considered getting behind the wheel yourself?
At the start of my motorsport career, I did indeed want to be a racing driver. Over the years, however, that idea has passed and I no longer have that desire. I am very happy with the current situation.
As well as the ADAC GT Masters, which racing series or events do you also find appealing?
The World Rally Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans really appeal to me. I would like to travel a bit through motorsport, and experience as many races as possible around the world.