Kat Moller was a 24-year-old drag racer who had a passion for speed and a bright future in the sport. She was a member of the American Dream racing team, one of six teams under the Larsen Motorsports, a Palm Bay-based company that specializes in jet dragsters. She had been racing since she was 11 years old, following the footsteps of her father and brother, who were also drag racers. She had a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and was working toward a master’s degree from Florida Tech. She was also a fan of Batman, zebras, and chicken fingers.
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The Tragic Accident at Sebring
On November 15, 2018, Moller was participating in an exhibition run at Sebring International Raceway, a regular drag racing event that was open to the public. She was making her first run of the night in her jet dragster, a car powered by a jet engine that can reach speeds of over 300 mph. According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Moller’s dragster drifted from the left lane towards the center line during the run, and struck a timing device located between the lanes at the drag racing finish line. A parachute was deployed at the same time, but the dragster continued down the track, scraping the right side retaining barrier wall before coming to rest after a low-speed impact with a tire barrier near Turn One on the race track. Safety and medical personnel rushed to the vehicle, but Moller was pronounced dead at the scene. A medical examiner has not issued their final report, but the sheriff’s office said Moller died after a piece of debris hit her helmet.
The Reaction from the Racing Community
Moller’s death shocked and saddened the racing community, as well as her family, friends, and fans. Chris Larsen, the CEO of Larsen Motorsports, said in a statement: “Kat has been part of our racing family for 5 years and we cannot begin to express our sorrow. Your prayers in this very difficult time are appreciated.” Wayne Estes, the president and general manager of Sebring International Raceway, said: “We knew Kat well and were big fans of her personality and her driving skill. Sebring International Raceway and the entire racing community are heartbroken.” Many people also expressed their condolences and tributes on social media, remembering Moller as a talented, fearless, and kind-hearted racer who loved what she did.
The Legacy of Kat Moller
Kat Moller was one of the few female jet dragster drivers in the world, and she inspired many young girls and women to pursue their dreams in racing and engineering. She was also a role model for students, as she balanced her racing career with her education. She had a motto: “Live fast, die young, and leave a beautiful corpse.” She certainly lived fast, and she left a beautiful legacy behind. She will be missed by many, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and admired her. Rest in peace, Kat Moller. You were a true American Dream.
