ANGELLE SAMPEY Makes History with First Canopy A/Fuel Dragster at Gatornationals

February 11, 2025

by ByDrag Illustrated // from dragillustrated.com

• ANGELLE SAMPEY is making NHRA history as the first driver to compete with an enclosed canopy cockpit in the Top Alcohol Dragster category, debuting the safety innovation at the 2025 Gatornationals. The three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion successfully transitioned to four wheels last season, capturing her first A/Fuel win at Reading after reaching the U.S. Nationals final. With Hangsterfer’s primary sponsorship and the Michalek Brothers Racing team, she’s positioning herself as the next generation of Top Fuel talent.
• The canopy technology represents a significant safety advancement that team owner Antron Brown championed after his own experience racing enclosed dragsters since 2013. Brown’s AB Motorsports Accelerate program is specifically designed to develop SAMPEY for an eventual Top Fuel graduation, converting their proven backup car into the groundbreaking A/Fuel machine. This systematic approach demonstrates how seriously the team takes both safety innovation and driver development in what’s traditionally been drag racing’s most demanding category.
• SAMPEY’s partnership with Hangsterfer’s extends beyond traditional sponsorship, with the metalworking lubricants company integrating her into their broader motorsports ecosystem and trade show presence. Her 47th career NHRA victory last season at Reading doubled up with Brown’s team win, creating a perfect storm of success that validates the Accelerate program’s methodology. The relationship has also opened doors for vendor partnerships, proving that strategic sponsorships can create genuine business value while advancing women’s careers in professional drag racing.

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