David Belo trained as a mechanical engineer and he’s worked on cars for most of his career. He’s not a typical gearhead, though. He’s also studied computer science and physics, and his specialty is in the field of simulation: figuring out how to virtually reproduce the real world, in all its complexity and unpredictability, with enough realism that drivers can practice split-second decisions and engineers can test precision parts under high stress. Belo worked at the General Motors proving grounds before being hired by McLaren, a pioneer in the use of racing simulators—and in figuring out how to apply simulation technology outside the world of auto racing.
