Angie Smith

Angie Smith shattered the 200-mph barrier in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle and became the fourth woman ever to win in the class—proving that sometimes the fiercest rivalries turn into the strongest partnerships.

EARLY YEARS

Born June 14, 1979, in Kernersville, North Carolina, Angie Smith grew up in the heart of NASCAR country, where speed was practically in the water supply. At 5’4″ and 120 pounds, she didn’t exactly fit the stereotype of what a drag racer should look like—which, as it turns out, worked perfectly in her favor. The details of her childhood remain largely private; no stories about wrenching on bikes in the garage with dad or racing go-karts at the local track. What we do know is that by 2000, she was already throwing a leg over a motorcycle and heading down the quarter-mile, competing in the Outlaw Pro Street class on the southeastern racing circuit. Whatever sparked that decision, it stuck.

She started as Angie McBride, carving out a name for herself in a sport where women were scarce and skepticism was plentiful. The southeastern racing series became her proving ground, a place where she could hone her skills away from the NHRA spotlight—at least for a while.

OTHER INTERESTS

When she’s not twisting the throttle at 200-plus mph, Smith keeps herself busy with fitness, water sports, and traveling. It’s the kind of lifestyle that makes sense for someone whose job involves straddling a rocket on two wheels—staying in shape isn’t optional, and unwinding on the water probably beats staring at timing slips all day. Beyond that, she keeps her personal life refreshingly low-key, letting her performance on the track do most of the talking.

EARLY SUCCESS

Smith’s breakout moment came in 2003 when she won the SEMDRA Outlaw Pro Street class championship, proving she had the skill and grit to compete at a high level. She backed it up in 2004 by capturing another Outlaw Pro Street championship, this time while also making her NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle debut under the guidance of George Bryce. It was a big leap—going from regional hero to national competitor—and she handled it with the kind of quiet confidence that would become her trademark.

But here’s where it gets interesting: during those early years, one of her fiercest rivals was a guy named Matt Smith. They battled it out on the track, neither giving an inch, the kind of rivalry that makes for great racing and terrible first dates. Spoiler alert: they eventually figured it out. In 2008, she joined Matt Smith Racing for her first full NHRA season, with Matt as her crew chief. The rivalry turned into a partnership, and later, a marriage. Sometimes the best love stories start with a holeshot.

Her first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle event win was a masterclass in clutch racing. At New Hampshire, she beat Eddie Krawiec in the semifinals with a .003 reaction time and a 6.862 ET, then took down Hector Hines Jr. in the final with a holeshot despite a .238 reaction time, running a 6.896 ET. After the semi-final win, she admitted, “After I won the semi, I was watching Matt’s race. Hector Jr. had the bike to beat and when he had shifting problems I was so relieved.” She became the fourth woman in NHRA history to win a Pro Stock Motorcycle event and the 14th woman to win in any NHRA pro class. After crossing the finish line, she said simply, “I was there for the taking. They always say you need one break to win a race. That was mine.” That win moved her into eighth place in the standings, cracking the top 10 for the first time.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2003: Won SEMDRA Outlaw Pro Street class championship.
• 2004: Captured Outlaw Pro Street championship; made NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle debut under George Bryce.
• 2008: Joined Matt Smith Racing for first full NHRA season with husband Matt as crew chief.
• Undated (pre-2009): Became fourth woman in NHRA history to win Pro Stock Motorcycle event at New Hampshire; defeated Eddie Krawiec in semifinals and Hector Hines Jr. in final via holeshot; moved into eighth place in standings.
• October 22, 2020: Became first woman to break 200-mph barrier in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle, running 200.89 mph in 6.809 seconds during first qualifying round at AAA Texas FallNationals; first woman in DENSO 200-mph Pro Stock Motorcycle Club.
• July 25, 2021: Earned first career No. 1 qualifier with 6.736 ET at 203.06 mph.
• Undated: Set fastest pass in Virginia Motorsports Park track history, qualifying No. 1 at Virginia NHRA Nationals.
• Undated: Earned first No. 1 qualifier at DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (husband qualified No. 2).
• Undated: Won final round at 57th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
• 2025: Reached final round in Richmond.

INSPIRATIONS

Smith hasn’t been particularly vocal about who inspired her racing career, though her early mentor George Bryce clearly played a role in getting her into NHRA competition in 2004. The most significant influence, however, might be the man she once battled on the track: Matt Smith. What started as a fierce rivalry evolved into a partnership that pushed her to new heights. Racing alongside—and sometimes against—your husband and crew chief is a unique kind of motivation, one that requires trust, skill, and probably a very clear set of ground rules about who gets the better bike.

REPUTATION

The nickname says it all: “Unsinkable Angie Smith.” After suffering an injury that could have sidelined her permanently, she came back with a vengeance, declaring, “I’m not one to sit around and not do anything… I don’t like sympathy… I’m not soft. I’m not going to be held down long.” That resilience has earned her respect across the paddock. She’s known for being sharp on the tree—her holeshot abilities are the stuff of legend, the kind that can win races even when the other bike is slightly faster. Her 200-mph run in 2020 wasn’t just a milestone; it was a statement. “My heart is still racing! As soon as DENSO created the club, I wanted to go 200 mph. I finally did it!” she said afterward, later adding, “My name is forever in the history books of the Denso 200-MPH Club. It was the last milestone in motorcycle drag racing, in our lifetime.”

Media coverage has consistently highlighted her historic firsts and her ability to compete at the highest level in a male-dominated class. As part of the elite DENSO 200-mph club alongside her husband and teammate, she’s cemented her place among the sport’s best. She’s a pioneer who doesn’t make a big deal about being a pioneer—she just keeps winning.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Smith continues to race for Matt Smith Racing with DENSO, Outlaw Beer, and MSR as sponsors, with Matt still serving as crew chief. Now residing in King, North Carolina, she remains fully committed to NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition. After reaching the final round in Richmond in 2025, she’s clearly not slowing down. In 2017, she put it plainly: “I am on a mission to get our Denso Pro Stock Motorcycle into the winner’s circle this year!” That mission continues. She’s said repeatedly, “NHRA drag racing is near and dear to my heart,” and there’s no indication that’s changing anytime soon. Retirement? Not on her radar. She’s got more history to make.

References:

S&S Cycle Performance Times Article
Cycle News – October 22, 2020
NHRA Official Driver Profile
NHRA News – 2017
NHRA YouTube – July 25, 2021
CycleDrag
AutoWeek
Drag Illustrated
Aftermarket News