As the crew chief of the winning team at Purdue University’s annual Grand Prix, Alfonso Morell '21 got a taste of the fast life himself this past spring
Above: Alfonso Morell '21 (fourth from left) celebrates with his winning team at Purdue University's annual Grand Prix.
Base Camp: Andover, Massachusetts
Bona Fides: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Technology, Purdue University (anticipated class of 2025)
Path to the Present: Motorcar racing is not something many get to experience in their lifetimes. Sure, popular media like Netflix’s Drive to Survive or even the Academy Awardwinning flick Ford v. Ferrari (2019) gives a glimpse into the realities and adrenaline of high-speed driving. But to actually be on the track? That’s a whole different race.
As the crew chief of the winning team at Purdue University’s annual Grand Prix, Alfonso Morell got a taste of the fast life himself this past spring. Established in 1958, the “greatest spectacle in college racing” allows students at the Indiana-based university to exercise their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm for mechanical engineering in a real-life contest. In the spirit of competition, the Grand Prix also places a heavy emphasis on fundraising—all donations are funneled back to students in an array of scholarships.
“I started off on what was the rookie team, which pretty much included a lot of freshmen and a brand new driver.” But even on the rookie team, Morell made his commitment and skill known, not just to his teammates, but his competitors as well. A few months before the scheduled Prix, Morell was approached by some upperclassman who recruited him to transfer over to their team. “I showed up every single time, and that was noticed.”
While his engineering knowledge was put to use (helping construct the vehicle, preparing for tech inspections, etc.), it was Morell’s management skills that allowed him to be a successful crew chief. “We do a pit stop in the middle of the race where everyone’s doing a very small, specific thing. For me, it was about finding what people were good at, and then placing them in their roles.” Morell’s keen eye, the efficiency of the crew, and the leadership of driver Alex Kardashian helped the team take the championship title. Not too shabby for a freshman.
Above: Morell '21 had the opportunity to work as a runner at this past year's Indy 500.
But that’s not where the racing ends for Morell. He also secured himself a position with NBC’s coverage of the Indy 500, one of the most iconic races in motorsports. Oddly enough, the opportunity presented outside the context of the Grand Prix, and rather by a chance encounter on a random campus tour.
“I’m an ambassador for [the Purdue Polytechnic Institute]. I was giving a tour to this man and his son, and was explaining to them everything I’m involved in, including the Grand Prix. At the end of it, the man said, ‘I work for NBC as an executive producer. Would you like to come and work for us at the Indy 500?’” Four months later, Morell received a formal invitation to work as a runner for NBC during one of the most famous contests in motorsports.
Though Morell’s recent experiences can be attributed to opportunities through Purdue, it was his time at St. John’s that helped create the foundation for his achievements. “I’ve wanted to pursue engineering for a really long time. I think the Prep helped me dive into that passion even deeper; doing Aviation Club, taking two years of physics, and having great, wonderful teachers who have prepared me for college in general.”
“I was doing all sorts of things, on and off the track. It was a lot of exposure, which is really what I was looking for.”
Morell has a few more years at Purdue before he officially enters the working world. Upon graduation, he hopes to work in the automotive industry, steering the field towards a more sustainable future. But for now, maybe he has a few more Grand Prix up his sleeve before he takes off on his own track
P.S. Some fun in the sun on the St. John's Prep campus. Want to view the entire Prep magazine? Check it out here.