motorsports management
Internship Spotlight
Justine Jackson, a rising sophomore in the Abbey’s motorsports program, not only has the skills to get it done in the classroom, but also on the racetrack. Jackson dreams big and one day hopes to make it to the pinnacle Formula One. She hopes to race on the same tracks as her heroes, such as the late Ayrton Senna, Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton competed on.
Justine’s story is just a bit different. Sure, she comes from a racing family, but in the most unlikely of spots; Kingston, Jamaica. Racing is not exactly the most popular sport in Jamaica. While most kids in this tropical paradise dream to play soccer on the national team, or set world records in track and field like Usain Bolt; Justine’s passion for racing glory continues. “It all started when I watched my brothers racing and I saw how much fun they were having. I made my Karting debut in September 2003 and never looked back”.
In 2004 she raced in the Junior Sportsman Yamaha class and in 2005 and 2006 in the Junior Rotax Class, finishing third in the championship both years. In 2007, she raced in the ICC 125cc Shifter class, attended the Skip Barber Racing School and the Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver Development Academy. In 2008, she finished second in the Rotax Sr. Championship and fifth in the 125cc Shifter Class.
The biggest accomplishment in her young career came in 2009, when she was invited to compete in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. One of five women who participated in the Jetta TDI Cup tryouts and one of only two selected to compete in this year’s championship, Jackson had this to say: "The Jetta TDI Cup Driver Selection event was an intense experience that tested me on all levels. For me, it was the first time driving a TDI and I absolutely loved it, and I am thrilled to be a part of the driver lineup”.
Justin now hopes to focus on her internships in and around the Charlotte area. A cause that she feels strong for is the Doug Herbert “Brakes” Foundation.
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“Brakes” Foundation was set up in honor of Herbert’s two sons killed in a traffic accident in 2007. So move over boys there is another fast lady on the track and her name is Justine Jackson.
Internship Spotlight: Zack Skolnick – up-and-comer
Motorsports Management student, Zack Skolnick, a Senior, moved to North Carolina to pursue his education and his career...
CHARLOTTE _ I recently had a chance to talk to Zack Skolnick, an up-and-comer who is attempting to become a professional driver. What separates Skolnick from many others is that he has a backup plan. In addition to racing, he is a sophomore at Belmont-Abbey College in North Carolina where he is studying for a business degree with a focus on motorsports. The New Jersey native began racing go-karts 12 years ago at Oakland Valley Race Park in New York. “I’m still racing karts,” he said. “If you look at NASCAR, if you look at Formula 1, they all started in go-karts. Even though I am racing cars I still run karts to stay fresh.” He was part of the team that won the inaugural 24-hour race at Victory Lane Karting Center in Charlotte. He also races a spec Miata in SCCA and has run Legend cars. Read the rest of the story story
Internship Spotlight: Jordan Anderson
A Man on A Mission
Belmont Abbey Junior Jordan Anderson‘s racing career and professionalism continues to everyday transcend his years. The twenty year old native of South Carolina has built a large network in the motorsports industry; including an endorsement from former Charlotte Motor Speedway promoter and Abbey Alum H.A. Humphy Wheeler. “I know what it takes to succeed in the world of NASCAR, and I believe Jordan has what it takes to get to the (NASCAR) Cup Series by his 21st birthday”, said Wheeler. Anderson’s early success came in the 2007 and 2008 Summer Shootout Legends Pro Division where he caught the eye of Wheeler.Anderson’s on track talent, along with a business savvy well beyond his years has allowed Anderson to pick up the support of his hometown; Forest Acres, South Carolina and Dick Dyer Toyota. Most recently, Anderson spent the last year driving a dirt late model. He picked up his first victory in the spring of 2010 at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, North Carolina.For 2011, Anderson has turned his attention to pavement racing. He has teamed with up with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Stremme and his team Inception Motorsports to build and house his cars. Former USAR Pro Cup Series national champion Bobby Gill will serve as crew chief. The 19 Forest Acres/ Dick Dyer Toyota made their debut in June at Orange County Speedway in Rougemount, North Carolina with a hard fought fifth-place finish. Only time will tell what the future holds for this bright young man.
