One of the most successful teams in auto racing, Kalitta Motorsports competes in North America’s National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) at the highest level – the Top Fuel category. Top Fuel dragsters are known as the fastest accelerating vehicles in the world, capable of traveling 330 miles per hour in less than four seconds. Due to the immense power, the cars require a complete rebuild after every single pass on track. The clutch is considered one of the most important components, making Jesse’s role key to the team’s success.
What does your job at Kalitta Motorsports entail?
I work at the Kalitta shop building clutch packs for the forthcoming races. But I also try to involve myself in learning all aspects of the cars. When the car comes into the pit, it is inspected for any cracks or faults, and parts are replaced with refurbished ones to ensure the next run is identical to the previous one. My goal is to one day be crew chief or assistant crew chief, which may take up to 30 years of experience.