Catching up with Keaton Jens

Q: You made it to the Junior National Team – a significant achievement. What stands out in your memory as a highpoint in your career?

A: One of my favorite memories was racing at the 2019 Lillehammer Cup. It was my first senior-level international race, and I remember the excitement of sitting at the start looking down that long start ramp. I loved the feel of that track, and it was an amazing place to race on. I don’t even remember my result, but just being there, competing at that level, felt like a huge personal milestone.

Q: When you stopped competing in luge, you had a clear plan to work in motorsports. How did you get there?

A: When I retired from luge, I was determined to channel my passion for racing into motorsports. Knowing this, I enrolled in Purdue’s Motorsports Engineering program, where I could immerse myself in the culture. One of the highlights was designing and racing an electric go-kart for the Purdue EV Grand Prix. That hands-on experience helped me land a role as the Race Engineer for Szuch Racing in JSF4. Working with a race team during my senior year was a turning point as it allowed me to apply classroom theory in real-world racing. That experience opened the door for me to make the step up to Indycar with Honda Racing.

Q: In what ways did luge influence your career choice?

A: I started luge because of my love of sport and racing. From there it deepened my love for racing and taught me the importance of preparation, data, and split-second decision-making under pressure, all of which translate directly to motorsports. I also discovered how much I enjoy the fast-paced, travel-heavy lifestyle of racing. My luge experience made it clear I belong trackside, and helped me develop the basic skills to succeed.

Q: What does an average day look like for you during the season and in the off season?

A: During the season, my main responsibility is to ensure the engine performs at its peak. Every time the car goes out on track, I analyze engine data and tune based on track conditions, weather, and driver feedback. It’s a constant cycle of optimization and collaboration with the driver and team. On race day, if everything goes smoothly, my role shifts to monitoring engine performance and advising the team on the optimal engine map. In the off-season, I focus on developing software tools and refining our processes. It’s a time for deep dives into data and innovation. At Honda Racing, we have a strong culture of continuous improvement, just like at USLA, so we use the off-season to push boundaries and prepare for the next leap forward.

Q: Are there similarities between luge and motorsport?

A: They are super similar! I was blown away by how familiar an IndyCar paddock feels to the luge start house and racetrack. In both sports you are always surrounded by extremely passionate people that are all there for the thrill of racing and the love of the sport. The biggest difference is the change in mindset I had to go through to switch from being the one on track to being an engineer on the timing stand. The goal is still the same, win races, but it is now my job to give the driver the best tools possible so they can do what they need to do.

Q: What are your long-term goals for your career?

A: While my long-term goals are still evolving, one thing is clear, I want to stay in motorsports. I love the challenge and pace of IndyCar, and I’m excited to keep growing as an engineer. Right now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can and contributing to my team’s success. Down the road, I’d love to explore leadership roles or other racing disciplines. But for now, I’m enjoying the ride and staying open to where it leads.