Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Larsen.
Hi Elaine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Michigan into a Mennonite family. I met and married my high school sweetheart, and that is where my story begins. Chris, the husband, always pushed me to seek adventure. Never did I think it would lead me to two world championships and speeds of 336 mph running a multi- million-dollar company. Chris loved airplanes, and I found a love of drag racing early on. We decided to combine our two passions and build a jet-powered dragster. Now with our son Andrew, we became Larsen Motorsports. One of the world’s largest turbine-powered race teams. Finding my groove behind the wheel came fairly easy. I loved the power, the speed, and the adventure of traveling across the country. The business side was more difficult, and I had a lot to learn. Sponsors and contract negotiations maybe not as much fun, but still a challenge. I remember when a company took a chance and sponsored our team, that was exciting. In 2014 and 2015, I ran for the International Hot Rod Association and that is where I won 2 back-to-back world championships driving my Miller Welding jet-powered dragster. That set our company in line for much larger deals and on a new path. We partnered up with Florida’s STEM University, Florida Institute of Technology, and changed our path. Working with the next generation of High-Performance Vehicles Specialists was our mission. To date we have worked with 100’s of students and given them the opportunity to get “hands on” these landlocked missiles. From Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, and Bio-Medical Engineering, we give the students the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and directly apply the knowledge to our vehicles. Currently, we are working with a BIO-Fuel blend to run in our dragsters as well as new designs where we digitally twin our current car to find the optimum in performance and safety. Being a female in this male-dominated sport has never been an issue for me. Because of trailblazers like Shirley Muldowney and Janet Guthrie. The road is wide open for my future as well as our company. If you would have said that a little Mennonite girl from Michigan would be where I am today, I would have said never, but what I have learned keep yours eyes open for all opportunities and you never know where that will lead you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Crashing at 280 mph was defiantly not my best day. Getting the courage to get back in the car was harder than I thought. But knowing that my husband, son, and team had my back allowed me to face my fears and get back in the game.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Larsen Motorsports?
Established in 2006, Larsen Motorsports (LMS) has grown to become one of the most sought exhibition teams.
Headquartered in Byron, GA, LMS campaigns the Florida Tech and House of Kolor jet dragsters at over two dozen events per year. LMS prides ourselves in safety & innovation and is on the cutting edge of new technology.
Working hand in hand with Larsen Industries helping provide the next generation with valuable “hands-on” skills needed to provide them with the experience, dedication, and determination to gain access to their dream jobs.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think look for someone you can connect with, they may not be in the same industry, but that really doesn’t matter, I am only one of 5 women in the world racing jet-powered dragsters, but the challenges you face personally and professionally can always apply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lmsjets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaine_larsen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElaineLarsenJetCars
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-larsen-5a017b8/
