|
Curt Eierdam is the driver of the “INVADER” an awesome Fire
breathing, 300 mph Jet Dragster. In
2010, Curt also assumed the Test pilot duties of the newest jet dragsters,
the “STRIKE EAGLE” & “SIZZLER”. Prior to assuming the driving duties,
Curt has been the crew chief of the Invader Jet Dragster while his father
Al Eierdam (driver of Jet Cars for 30+ years)
performed all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Curt
started off his involvement with jet cars in 1976 helping with the cleaning
and up keep of the Emergency 1 Jet Dragster. By the time the first Invader
Jet Dragster rolled out in 1980, he was able to perform all the maintenance
on the jet dragster alongside his father Al. In 1985, Curt took over crew chief duties
for the team. As Al took on driving
of different cars, Curt went along as the crew. He was a crew member of the “Vanishing
Point” Rocket Funny Car, “Air Supply, the fastest Air powered Thrust driven
vehicle”, the “Simple Pleasure” Jet Dragster, and the “Fireworks USA” Jet
Funny Car. Curt and Al also helped with the restoration of the “Hustler”
World Record Holding J-46 Jet Powered boat for the Legendary Jim Deist of
Deist Safety Equipment fame. Curt also assisted various jet teams with
training of the operation of jet vehicles, maintenance, and crew training
across the U.S. He has traveled thru-out Mexico, Canada and Europe to
instruct and repair various jet vehicles.
During
the break of running a team, Curt found time to earn his FAA Airframe &
Power Plant (A&P) license and hold a three level certification in eddy
current, ultrasonic, radiography, magnetic particle and liquid penetrant inspection methods while working for various
aerospace industries companies such as Lockheed, Falcon Aviation, and De Velco.
In
addition to the call of the drag strip, Curt also heard the call to
duty. He is currently a full time
employee of the Arizona Air National Guard as a Maintenance Scheduler. Curt has spent his twenty plus years in
the areas of Jet Propulsion, Non-Destructive Inspection, and Metals Fabrication.
Curt
served in both Gulf Wars and has also participated in exercises in Turkey,
Spain, Germany, South America, Guam and Italy over the last several years.
He is 41 years old, married with 3 children and lives in a suburb of
Phoenix, Arizona. When he is not
racing he is involved with various community organizations, Girl Scouts and
is the Cub master for his son troop.
Curt can be reached for interviews or
additional information at 602-330-9508.
Craig Eierdam
Craig Eierdam is the driver of the “STRIKE EAGLE”
Jet Dragster, the newest of Eierdam Motorsports
dragsters. In 2010 Craig began piloting the “SIZZLER” Jet Dragster, another
of the jet powered vehicles the team is fielding this season.
Growing up in a jet car family,
Craig has learned how to handle all the logistics and operations of a
touring professional race team. From the media relations and scheduling, to
the maintenance and building of the jet turbine engines, Craig is
proficient in various aspects including fuel systems, afterburner, support,
and life safety equipment to ensure a safe and entertaining run.
When Craig is not lighting up the
desert sky, he is working for Union Pacific railroad as a conductor, and is
a certified Firefighter and EMT, with training in Hazardous Materials and
Technical Rescue. In his off time
he is an avid snow and wake boarder.
He also enjoys skydiving, classic car restoration, traveling and
spending time with family and friends.
|
