Shea Holbrook travels from Alabama to Germany back to Atlanta in three-week open wheel quest
American pilot Shea Holbrook is among the 18 female drivers selected for the inaugural Formula 3 W Series, the all-female driver competition launched by the FIA to promote and provide a stepping stone to Formula 1 in effort to overcome motorsport’s gender gap. After debuting in her first stateside single-seater competition with Momentum Motorsports in the F3 Americas Championship Powered by Honda at Barber Motorsports Park earlier this month, Holbrook immediately traveled to Europe for the first W-Series three-day test at Lausitszing in Germany.
“This week is the first official pre-season W Series test at Lausitzring alongside DTM,” said Holbrook, who was chosen from more than 100 drivers to compete in the fully funded female championship. “I am thrilled to be back and defying jetlag! As everything becomes more real, it’s also becoming apparent this will be an extremely competitive field of women. Feeling confident, making great progress and looking forward to the start of the season May 3-5 at Hockenheim.”
Following six-hours of track time in the W-Series F3 car, Holbrook flew back to the United States for the second F3 Americas event at Road Atlanta April 18-20.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to be back with SCCA Pro Racing in this new endeavor with the support from Lucas Oil, BUBBA burger and COOLSHIRT Systems! It’ll be great to be back with Momentum Motorsports in the F3 paddock.”
Momentum Motorsports took delivery of Holbrook’s Ligier JS F3 car at Barber Motorsports Park after a last-minute opportunity developed. With little time to prepare the car before the first practice session, quickly adapted to her new ride. After a rough opening race that ended prematurely, Holbrook attacked the field in Round 2, starting from 13th to finish sixth. The valiant display of poise and patience earned her the first Sabelt Hard Charger Award of the season.
“Competing in F3 Americas has been a great opportunity. Being in the W Series I’m racing against a lot of competitive females from around the world and to be here in F3 Americas to learn more about the basics like aero washing in open wheel is great. I have a long 10-year career in motorsports, but Barber was really my first time going wheel to wheel in an open cockpit cars,” said Holbrook. “I am looking forward to Road Atlanta.” 
Rounds 3-5 of the F3 Americas Championship kicks off Thursday with Holbrook participating in a pair of official practices. Friday opens with qualifying and the first of three 35-minute races. The weekend culminates on Saturday with the final two rounds. Fans can follow Holbrook’s progress and LIVE timing and scoring on F3Americas.com or on the Race Monitor app.
Holbrook continued, “It’s hard to believe I was just in Germany testing with the W Series less than 16 hours ago! I’m thrilled to be back with F3 Americas and just in time to participate in the final promoter test session!”
