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Erica Enders, Brittany Force, Angelle Sampey celebrate first in Mello Yello Drag Racing Series

Three women hold pole position in pro categories for the first time in the history of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
15 Sep 2019
Jacob Sundstrom, NHRA National Dragster Associate Editor
News
Reading No. 1 women

Three world champion female racers, Erica Enders, Brittany Force and Angelle Sampey, all claimed pole position at the Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil. That marks a big moment in the long history of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, as three women claimed pole position for the first time. Here's what being a part of that history meant to the racers, who are all in the hunt for a world championship in 2019.

Erica Enders

It's definitely awesome. I feel like we've been close a few times and I was fortunate enough to be part of the first time that two professional women won with Courtney Force and myself in Seattle in 2012 I think it was, so it's definitely exciting. I think all of us women drivers have really been vocal about saying we just want to be the best driver that we can be and forget the title. But for younger girl fans, I think it's really cool to just show them that there are no barriers that you can do anything you put your mind to. And I think the two other girls that I'm fortunate enough to qualify number one with speak that same message."

Brittany Force

"I’m proud to share the No. 1 spot with ladies all the way across the board in Reading PA tonight. Sitting top in the field going into the first race of the countdown is a strong position to be in, but we’re not done yet. Tomorrow is race day and winning is the ultimate goal.  Good luck tomorrow ladies and let’s finish this exactly how we started it."

Angelle Sampey

"I started so long ago, I'm actually embarrassed about it. 33 years ago, you know, and I was one of the few females out here struggling, and I looked up to Shirley Muldowney my whole life and always, always hoped to be a successful racer, and I had a little stat of no success this season and getting that number one qualifier in Indy was a confidence booster. I'm really excited about seeing Brittany and Erica tomorrow because I think we definitely need a picture together. We definitely got to do that. It's going to be a great weekend for us."