When Jett Racing was invited to New Zealand to compete in the 2014 V4 and Rotary Nationals, team owner Collin Willshire and driver Kelly Corbett had two goals in mind. To win the event and break the New Zealand four cylinder record in the process.

Rain would eventually put an end to Corbett’s tilt in the staging lanes ahead of the semi-finals but the record was already in the bag after qualifying number one and posting a 7.14 on her first pass in, equalling her personal best.

“Considering I had actually shut the car off early on that pass, it was a good sign of things to come, she said. “I only ran 178 mph when normally; it would be up around 190 mph.”

“On the first pass I had a little trouble in the breaking area, just trying to get used to the shorter stopping distance and made a slight error in judgement which caused the car to bounce side to side pretty badly.”

“Luckily it finished on all 4 wheels and managed to keep away from the wall. The car ran great every pass though and was certainly on a mission!”

Having now had time to reflect on the event it’s evident both Corbett and the Jett Racing Team gained much more out of the trip than the NZ national record.

“The event was great, it was held over two days, the Saturday being the Car show half of the event and the Sunday was the drag racing half.”

“There was a lot of interest in the cars from people and a big range of things going on all weekend. It’s a credit to the team of people who spend months and months organising it.”

Despite the fierce competition and the Trans-Tasman rivalry, the Kiwi crowd gave Corbett a rapturous reception while on the return road after her record setting pass, just one of the memories that will live long in her memory.

“The other competitors there were very passionate and took the racing very seriously. They also have a great following which was good to see. I think some people in the crowd were surprised to see me take the victory over one of their favourites,” she said smiling.

“One of the best moments was coming back on the return road and the whole crowd was cheering and clapping after the 7.14. Things like this will always be a great memory for me.”

“It is a real joy to be a part of the event for both days and I’m so grateful to have had the experience of going. The people over there are lovely, the show organisers, track staff and officials put in a great effort to create the best conditions for us.”

“It was a great experience for me as I had never raced overseas before, also coming away with their four cylinder record was a huge thing to the Kiwi’s and for the Jett Racing team! Everyone made us feel very welcome and it was a great fun weekend.”

“I just want to send a big thank you to the people who made this trip possible; Jett Racing team owner Collin Willshire, the Jett Racing crew, Rob, Dan and Dave and the organiser of the event Azhar Bhamji. Thanks also go to my family for coming along for the trip.”

Image courtesy www.dragphotos.com.au