Florida Tech Driver Runner Up At Nitro Jam Southern Nationals
Holbrook Falls to 2014 Champion Larsen in Finals
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Hitting nearly 284 mph, Florida Institute of Technology Jet Dragster driver Shea Holbrook defeated her Larsen Motorsports teammate Kat Moller in the first round of the IHRA Nitro Jam Southern Nationals over the weekend in Bradenton, Fla.
Then came her finals battle with jet dragster veteran Elaine Larsen, who reminded everyone why she was last year’s IHRA World Champion when she raced to victory at more than two tenths of a second ahead of Holbrook.
Still, it was Holbrook’s first runner-up finish in her inaugural Nitro Jam season, and another sign of her growing comfort in the cockpit of her 5,500-horsepower vehicle.
“Our goal has been to make improvements every time we hit the track, and this weekend we experienced our first major success as we made it to the finals,” she said. “To have your hard work pay off is incredibly gratifying. We hope to funnel momentum from Bradenton into the next race at Palm Beach International Raceway with our FIT family beside us.”
Larsen, who won the first round of eliminations when opponent Marisha Falk fouled on the starting line, said she is pleased with Holbrook’s progress.
“I am like a proud mama. Just seeing where Shea is today and how far she has come in just a short time is amazing,” Larsen said. “This girl is the real deal and her focus is something that I will never take lightly when we compete. I might have gotten her on this one, but it won’t be long before Shea is bringing home the victory for the Florida Institute of Technology jet racing team.”
The results also speak to the high level of work from the Florida Tech Jet Dragster crew chief Justin Elliot, who was assisted by Florida Tech aerospace engineering student Zach Castello.
“It won’t be long before this dynamic duo finds themselves in the winner’s circle,” said Larsen Motorsports CEO Chris Larsen.
The Florida Tech team and all of Larsen Motorsports will be at it again this weekend as the Nitro Jam Palm Beach Nationals roar into Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter.
The university is offering a discounted deal for students: round-trip bus transportation and event admission on Saturday, April 25, all for $20 per person. The deal also includes a free FIT Racing rally towel. The bus departs at 1 p.m. from the circular driveway in front of the residence hall quad off Country Club Road and will return around midnight.
Tickets are available at the Office of Student Life in the Denius Student Center. Questions may be sent to andy@fit.edu.
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