Shea Holbrook to Race Jet-Powered Dragster in IHRA
Orlando, FL (November 3, 2014) – Shea Holbrook takes on a new opportunity to race in the IHRA’s Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series in her new General Electric J-85 Jet-Powered Dragster with Larsen Motorsports. Holbrook, known as a Touring Car driver and co-owner of Shea Racing, her family-owned auto racing team in the Pirelli World Challenge looks forward to the unique and exciting new venture.
“Excitement doesn’t even express how I feel about this. I’m very grateful to Larsen Motorsports for this tremendous opportunity. Soon I’ll know what it’s like to move at speeds approaching 300 mph, but first I have a lot to learn before I get behind a machine with 4,500 pounds of thrust,” said Shea Holbrook.
Holbrook, 24-years-old has seen success in her seven year career as she became the first woman to win in the Touring Car division at the 2011 Long Beach Grand Prix. She also took several pole positions, podiums, and wins in her 2014 season finishing 2nd place in the Touring Car A Pirelli World Challenge Championships marking her best season to date. Already a proven driver, she now has a chance to become a part of a select group of people who have driven a jet dragster.
In the 1960’s, Walt and Art, the Arfons’ brothers, introduced the first jet-engine dragster along with the use of a parachute to stop the car. Modern jet cars have proven to be safer and more reliable, and continue to deliver high-speed thrills and excitement. Aircraft engines are naturally lightweight with a high power to weight ratio, enabling the cars to reach speeds approaching 300 mph.
Holbrook and Larsen Motorsports will soon be announcing a new affiliate coming onboard, making this incredible opportunity a reality. Holbrook has launched a crowdfunding campaign and marketing initiative to help raise funds to get her license with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
“This campaign was designed to create an opportunity for those who want to get directly involved with the future of my racing career. My goal is to raise an additional $35,000 to help with things like an IHRA and NHRA jet license, safety gear, and other essential equipment. It’s an uneasy feeling asking for help, but the support I received over the years from fans and loved ones has made everything worthwhile. It’s important to me that this campaign is successful and becomes a benchmark for future racers and athletes who want to take control of their own destinies by launching their own campaigns. In my case, I’m turning to you for support,” Holbrook said.
The campaign can be found on the Dark Horse Pros website or visit the direct link www.darkhorsepros.com/campaigns/75. The timeframe of the campaign is 30 days ending on December 2, 2014.
The 2015 IHRA Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series schedule kicks off in Tucson, Arizona, February 6-7 at the Southwestern International Raceway. For more information on the schedule visit www.nitrojam.com/schedule.
For more information visit www.SheaRacing.com and follow Holbrook on Facebook (Shea Racing – Shea Holbrook), Twitter (@SheaRacing), Instagram (sheaholbrook) and YouTube (SheaRacing67).
About Shea Holbrook
Shea Holbrook is a 24-year old spokeswoman and professional racecar driver, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Marketing. She also co-owns and operates her racing team in the Pirelli World Challenge. Shea grew up as a national ranked competitive water skier, but traded in her skis for a set of wheels when she took a ride in a Richard Petty Experience. In 2007 she began auto racing as a family hobby, which quickly turned into a professional pursuit. Her first major mark in history was when she won the Long Beach Grand Prix, becoming the first female to win a major Touring Car race at the venue. She’s been a featured athlete on Yahoo.com, Teen Vogue, NBC Sports Motor Sports Talk, CNN Live, and Racer.com, along with several others. She became a recipient of the Lyn St. James Foundation Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Scholarship and earned a grant through the Women’s Sports Foundation ‘Women in the Winners Circle’ Project Podium Grant. Shea finished 2nd place in the 2014 Touring Car A Championships of the Pirelli World Challenge in her Honda Civic Si. Her compassion towards others allows her to connect with people on all levels. Shea is an advocate for boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, as it affects her family. In addition, she has also founded a social media movement in support of all different types of women in racing, called Steel Ovary Nation.
About IHRA
Headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) promotes professional, semi-professional and local level racing opportunities for drivers at all levels. Nitro Jam is the professional portion of the IHRA featuring events in major cities throughout the United States and Canada. Starring the fastest, loudest and meanest race machines on the planet, Nitro Jam truly is the home for speed and adrenaline. Featuring everything from 320 mile per hour Top Fuel dragsters, outrageous Prostalgia Nitro Funny Cars and fire-breathing motorcycles to 30,000 horsepower, flame-throwing jet semis, monster trucks and more, Nitro Jam provides an unforgettable night of fun family entertainment and edge-of-your seat action all designed to meet your family’s budget. Easily the fastest show on earth, Nitro Jam is an event that will truly challenge the senses and leave fans with only one word when the night is over.
About Larsen Motorsports
Larsen Motorsports is a multi-team national professional racing organization specializing in turbine powered high performance vehicles. A key goal of the company is to help introduce motorsports career opportunities to talented young individuals within the motorsports industry. For more information about Larsen Motorsports schedules and their teams please go to LMSJets.com.
