Valerie Clements, the 2016 Bosch Fellowship recipient and automotive engineering graduate student at Clemson, is quickly learning about the special opportunities that a corporate-sponsored fellowship can create.
Valerie has been involved in drag racing since 2001, when she was eight years old. She competes in the Junior Dragster-level, following in her brother, former champion, Alton Clements’ footsteps. Racing is a family affair for the Clements, as Valerie, her dad, and brother work together to get her car into racing shape. She enjoys being hands-on with the preparation for racing, connecting elements from her courses at Clemson to her racing experience. She was named the National Mustang Racers Association (NMRA) Rookie of the Year in 2012.
After being awarded the Bosch Fellowship, Valerie was excited to learn more about Bosch’s footprint in NASCAR racing as a sponsor. She was invited to join the Bosch team at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title race in Miami in late November, an especially exciting experience for a drag racing champion like Valerie.
Pictured above is Valerie with the Bosch CEO Mike Mansuetti and team after Jimmie Johnson secured the Sprint Cup Championship title in Miami. (Valerie is standing directly behind the trophy!)
