Jackson Shirey, a graduate of Niceville High School and the Automotive Technology program at Okaloosa Technical College, is proving that dedication, hard work, and a clear vision can turn dreams into reality. From an early age, Shirey set his sights on a future in the automotive and racing industry, with the ultimate goal of working for a professional race team. To begin building that future, he enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Okaloosa Technical College (OTC) during his junior and senior years of high school. Determined to master his craft, Shirey returned to OTC after graduating as an adult student to complete the program.
His commitment paid off. Shirey completed the automotive program as an ASE Master Certified Technician, a distinction that reflects advanced technical knowledge and hands-on expertise. Continuing his education, Shirey enrolled at the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While attending UNF, he has combined his technical background with leadership and business skills as treasurer of the university’s Formula SAE racing team. In that role, Shirey played a key part in negotiating a $100,000 partnership between UNF Racing and the Brumos Collection. This significant achievement demonstrates his ability to connect industry, education, and motorsports.
Now, Shirey’s long-standing dream of working with a race team is closer than ever. He was recently accepted into the SPARK (Students Preserving American Racing Knowledge) Internship Program, earning the opportunity to intern with Lone Star Racing during the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, North America’s most prestigious sports car race. With each milestone, Jackson Shirey continues to build momentum toward a career in motorsports. His journey from a local high school student to an aspiring professional in the racing world serves as an example of what can be achieved through persistence, education, and passion.