SPARKS, Nev., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Steve Fossett World Land
 Speed Racing Team today announced it is actively seeking female candidates
 to drive their jet-powered car to a new Absolute Supersonic Land Speed
 Record in excess of 800MPH. A woman driver would be an excellent role model
 to inspire young women in all corners of the earth, as well as attract
 sponsorship from a wider market.
 
     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080116/LAW027)
 
     Despite the loss of their founder, the team remains committed to
 Fossett's vision and has finished assembling the car prompting the driver
 search. Historically, the driving chores have been handled by a man, but
 the Fossett LSR team believes a woman would be ideally suited for the task,
 especially since the cockpit was built on the small side.
 
     "We believe there are a number of women active in motorsports and
 aviation who are qualified to drive our jet car through the sound barrier
 and beyond," said Program Manager Eric Ahlstrom. "A smaller driver will
 have advantages in entry/exit, visibility, and control. The driver will be
 expected to provide detailed feedback data, run-by-run, that will build to
 the World Record. We're doing something that's never been done before."
 
     Mental and physical fitness, not gender, favors the driver who will be
 exposed to a combination of G-loads and visual distortion greater than any
 other person has ever experienced. To handle the job, the ideal candidate
 will have reactions and judgment proven in the top ranks of professional
 racing, aerobatic and experimental test flight.
 
     The team is also interviewing qualified male drivers who fit its
 physical, mental, and experience requirements.
 
     The 48-foot long racer is ready for static engine tests on the January
 19th followed by low-speed rolling systems tests in February. The
 streamlined Fossett racer is powered by a single, 40,000 HP S&S Turbine
 LM-1500 jet engine and is said to have less than 1/4th the drag of the
 current record holder, Thrust SSC.
 
     All driver candidates are required to bring sponsorship to the table
 along with their other qualifications.
 
     Candidates are encouraged to contact Eric Ahlstrom via email:
 eahlstrom@pyramid.net or Louise Ann Noeth via email, louise@fossettlsr.com
 805.445.8414
 
 
 

SOURCE Steve Fossett World Land Speed Racing Team

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