THREE-TIME PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE WORLD CHAMPION ANGELLE SAMPEY-DRAGO RETURNS TO COMPETITION AT AAA TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

ENNIS, Texas — In her mind, Angelle Sampey-Drago was happily retired. But after a trip to an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event earlier this year, the itch to compete started to come back. When the team that gave the winningest female in NHRA history her start in Pro Stock Motorcycle called asking her to return to competition, Sampey-Drago knew she had to at least consider it.

After getting the full support of her family, the three-time PSM world champion knew it was time end her retirement. Sampey-Drago and George Bryce’s Star Racing team announced the return of one of the sport’s most popular drivers during a press conference at last weekend’s Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte.

Sampey-Drago and her Star Racing team won’t waste any time in getting back on the bike, either, as she will make her first appearance since 2008 at this weekend’s 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex.

“I never thought I was going to be back here again,” said Sampey-Drago, who has 41 career wins. “When I retired seven years ago I really thought that was it for me. As the years went on I started thinking about it. I went out to Houston (in April) and there was something about being there. I had my little girl with me and she loved it. This is such an awesome family sport and I thought maybe I could do it.

“It’s pretty awesome. It’s a whole new perspective on how awesome this is going to be. I’m looking forward to the fun of it this time around, the fun of sharing it with my family and especially my little girl.”

Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2. It marks the second of six races in the Countdown to the Championship. The continuation of eliminations for the Countdown opener, the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals, will also be completed during qualifying rounds at the Texas Motorplex. In Top Fuel and Funny Car three rounds of racing remain, while Pro Stock still has all four to be completed. Four pairs of Pro Stock cars also need to complete their first round runs.

Star Racing wanted something big to celebrate its 35th year in racing in 2015. Enticing Sampey-Drago to end her retirement qualifies as that, but an opening on Star Racing’s two-bike team made her first appearance much more immediate. After being away from the sport starting in 2009, Sampey-Drago had her doubts about returning to racing. With her family firmly on board, it took 10 passes over a two-day test session to convince her that she was still capable of competing at a high level.

“I didn’t know if I could even ride anymore,” Sampey-Drago said. “I didn’t know if I could physically do it. We went testing and I was scared to death for my first run. I had to tell myself to do what I knew how to do. After I was done, I told them I was ready.”

Sampey-Drago’s legacy was firmly secure when she retired following the 2008 season where she finished in the top five for an incredible 12th straight year. After making her debut with Star Racing in 1996, Sampey-Drago went on a remarkable tear, winning three straight championships from 2000-2002.

She passed Shirley Muldowney for the most victories by a female in 2001, earning seven victories that year, which also stands as a record for most victories by a female in a single season. But the one mark she is still chasing in Pro Stock Motorcycle – the 45 career wins by Dave Schultz – provided a big motivating factor.

“That’s the main reason why I did say yes,” Sampey-Drago said. “If I had the title of the winningest racer I don’t think I would have anything else to accomplish. I accomplished every goal I wanted to except I didn’t win those four races to tie Dave and five to beat him. I know with the way the competition is now it could take a while to get that but I can’t do it if I don’t try.”

To get to that point Sampey-Drago knows she will again have to compete at a high level, especially against the current crop of Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors that includes Countdown standouts Krawiec, points leader Andrew Hines, reigning world champ Matt Smith, Michael Ray, Angie Smith, John Hall, Steve Johnson, Hector Arana, Hector Arana Jr. and Scotty Pollacheck.

Going as quick as 6.90 seconds in testing – not far off her career-best pass of 6.871 – showed her the potential to run well is there. But the two-day test session also validated something else that was just as important heading into Dallas.

“I don’t think I’ve lost the desire or drive,” Sampey-Drago said. “I think I still have the passion. I didn’t know if I did until we went testing. But when we went that 6.90 and I started screaming, I knew I still had the desire. Whether I still have the capability we will see. It’s going to be a work in progress. I have to get used to the bike and the competition again. I have a lot to learn and get back into and that’s why we wanted to start as soon as the opportunity opened up.”

In Top Fuel, Kalitta has advanced to nine final rounds in 2014 and will be after a second straight Dallas win, while the ultra-talented field also features Countdown qualifiers Tony Schumacher, who has five Dallas victories, Antron Brown, reigning world champion Shawn Langdon, Texans Spencer Massey and Steve Torrence, Brittany Force, Khalid alBalooshi, Richie Crampton and J.R. Todd.

In Funny Car, two-time world champ Pedregon took home the Wally last season but he is chasing points leader and reigning world champion John Force. Two-time Dallas winners Del Worsham and Robert Hight, Courtney Force, Matt Hagan, U.S. Nationals winner Alexis DeJoria, Ron Capps, Tim Wilkerson and Tommy Johnson Jr. are among other championship hopefuls.

Line, last season’s Dallas winner in Pro Stock took over the points lead after winning in Brainerd and is after his third career championship. Line will try to thwart off challenges from a strong field that includes reigning world champion Jeg Coughlin, Allen Johnson, four-time 2014 winner Erica Enders-Stevens, Dave Connolly, V Gaines, Shane Gray, rookie Jonathan Gray, Vincent Nobile and Texas resident Chris McGaha.

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and enjoy some cherished face time and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, with sessions at 2:15 and 5:15 p.m. (also Charlotte PS and PSM eliminations). The final two qualifying sessions, which will both include Charlotte eliminations, will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The Charlotte final rounds will be held Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations for the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call Texas Motorplex at (800) MOTORPLEX (668-6775) or visit www.texasmotorplex.com. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.

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AAA TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 29th annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, the 20th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the second of six races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Drivers in four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – earn points leading to 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The race also will feature the continuation of eliminations from the rain-delayed Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals from Sept. 14 at Charlotte, N.C.

WHERE: Texas Motorplex- Track is located at 7500 W. Highway 287 in Ennis, Texas.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 18-21

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, Sept. 18- LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying

FRIDAY, Sept. 19 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying and eliminations

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 2:15 and 5:15 p.m.

*The continuation of first-round eliminations for Pro Stock and the entire first round of Stock Motorcycle from the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals will be completed during the 5:15 p.m. qualifying session.

SATURDAY, Sept. 20 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

*Eliminations for all pro categories from the Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals will be completed during scheduled qualifying rounds; Quarterfinals at 11:15 a.m., semifinals at 2:15 p.m. and finals at 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, Sept. 21 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Sunday, Sept. 21, ESPN2 will televise 90 minutes of qualifying highlights at 3:30 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Sept. 21, ESPN2 will re-air 90 minutes of qualifying coverage at 4 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Sept. 21, ESPN2 will televise three hours of coverage starting at 8:30 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE (Digital HD feed):

Friday, Sept. 19, 9:30 – 10 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 03C

Saturday, Sept. 20, 6:30 – 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 03C

Sunday, Sept. 21, 7:30 – 8 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 03C

(3760 MHz, horizontal; Data Rate: 40.46147055 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 29.27 Ms; FEC: ¾; Bandwidth: 36 Mhz)

Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.

2013 EVENT WINNERS: Doug Kalitta, Top Fuel; Cruz Pedregon, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock; Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

MOST VICTORIES: John Force, FC, 7; Tony Schumacher, TF, 5; Warren Johnson, PS, 5; Cruz Pedregon, FC, 4; Greg Anderson, PS, 4.

TRACK RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.767 sec. and 325.53 mph by Shawn Langdon, Sept. ’13

Funny Car – 4.052 sec. and 313.37 mph by Robert Hight, Sept. ’13

Pro Stock – 6.550 sec. and 211.99 mph by Allen Johnson, Sept. ’12

Pro Stock Motorcycle – 6.828 sec. by Hector Arana Jr., Sept. ’11; 197.22 mph by Michael Phillips, Sept. ’11

NATIONAL RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.701 sec. by Antron Brown, Oct. ‘12, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April ’12, Charlotte, N.C.

Funny Car – 3.965 sec. and 324.12 mph by John Force, Feb. ’14, Pomona, Calif.

Pro Stock – 6.464 sec. and 215.55 mph by Erica Enders-Stevens, May ‘14, Englishtown N.J.

PS Motorcycle – 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct. ’12, Reading, Pa.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March ’11, Gainesville, Fla.

TICKETS: For tickets call (800) MOTORPLEX (668-6775). Tickets also are available at www.texasmotorplex.com.

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NHRA MELLO YELLO COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS

GLENDORA, Calif. – Unofficial point standings (top 10) for Mello Yello Drag Racing Series teams as eliminations are on hold for the rain-delayed Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals and prior to the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex. Points totals for Pep Boys NHRA Carolina Nationals are not official until the completion of that event on Saturday at the Texas Motorplex.

Top Fuel: 1. Doug Kalitta, 2,149; 2. Tony Schumacher, 2,116; 3. Steve Torrence, 2,113; 4. Antron Brown, 2,112; 5. Shawn Langdon, 2,106; 6. Spencer Massey, 2,094; 7. Khalid alBalooshi, 2,082; 8. J.R. Todd, 2,064; 9. Richie Crampton, 2,051; 10. Brittany Force, 2,043.

Funny Car: 1. John Force, 2,162; 2. Robert Hight, 2,141; 3. Ron Capps, 2,126; 4. Alexis DeJoria, 2,104; 5. Matt Hagan, 2,090; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 2,084; 7. Courtney Force, 2,076; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 2,057; 9. Tim Wilkerson, 2,052; 10. Del Worsham, 2,043.

Pro Stock: 1. Jason Line, 2,166; 2. Erica Enders-Stevens, 2,130; 3. Jeg Coughlin, 2,117; 4. Allen Johnson, 2,104; 5. Shane Gray, 2,093; 6. Dave Connolly, 2,090; 7. V. Gaines, 2,072; 8. Vincent Nobile, 2,069; 9. Chris McGaha, 2,042; 10. Jonathan Gray, 2,035.

Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Andrew Hines, 2,145; 2. Eddie Krawiec, 2,128; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 2,114; 4. Hector Arana, 2,091; 5. John Hall, 2,084; 6. Matt Smith, 2,076; 7. Michael Ray, 2,061; 8. Scotty Pollacheck, 2,052; 9. Angie Smith, 2,042; 10. Steve Johnson, 2,038.