Pro Stock Motorcycle shocker: Angelle Sampey joins Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team
Three-time world champion Angelle Sampey will join the Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle for the opening four rounds of the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series as a showcase rider, competing alongside team veterans Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec.
With 42 wins to her credit, Sampey is the most successful female competitor in motorsports, and has undoubtedly been one of the fiercest rivals of the Harley-Davidson Vance & Hines crew over the years.
Beginning with the traditional Pro Stock Motorcycle season opener at the 50th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Sampey will be featured as a showcase third rider on the Harley-Davidson Street Rod Pro Stock bike with plans to also compete at both of the Four-Wide events in Las Vegas and Charlotte, as well as the Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
“It’s surreal to be getting ready to race one of these Harleys after lining up against them for so many years,” said Sampey on news of the announcement. “I’m so motivated to get out there and see what I can do on the same bike as Eddie and Drew.”
“I’m truly thrilled for Angelle to have this opportunity to run with us on the Harley-Davidson Street Rod,” said Vance & Hines founder Terry Vance. “No question, Angelle has been one of the toughest riders we’ve battled with for so many seasons out on the track. I have so much respect for her and what she has accomplished in this class, and I’m really looking forward to seeing her give the boys a run for their money on the Harley.”
Sampey made her professional debut in 1996 and collected three-straight championships from 2000-2002. During that time, she established a fierce rivalry with the Vance & Hines team, including then rider Matt Hines, who also captured three championships during his career. Sampey left the sport for nearly a decade in order to start a family but returned in 2015. Her most recent win came at the 2016 Englishtown event.
With the addition of Sampey, the Vance & Hines team now has three of most successful riders in the history of the class with Andrew Hines, Krawiec, and Sampey combining for 12 NHRA championships and 137 national event titles.