Peggy Llewellyn

Peggy Llewellyn made history in 2007 as the first woman of color in the world to win a professional motorsports event, dominating the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class with fearlessness and a refusal to back down from anyone.

EARLY YEARS

Born December 26, 1972, in San Antonio, Texas, Peggy Maria Llewellyn grew up wrapped in the thick smoke and thunderous noise of drag racing[1]. Her father, Eugene, campaigned a nitro Funnybike at the old Alamo Dragway, and from age seven, Peggy was trackside, soaking it all in[2]. She’s of American, Mexican, and Jamaican descent—a rich family history that would eventually propel her into the NHRA history books[3].

Peggy and her brother Gene Jr. didn’t just want to watch their dad race—they wanted in on the action. So Eugene bought them pocket bikes, and the siblings tore up the track together, learning early that speed was a family affair[4]. By 1993, her dad started building her a real race bike, setting the stage for what would become a groundbreaking professional career[5].

OTHER INTERESTS

Outside the racetrack, Llewellyn’s interests reflect someone who values creativity and connection. She enjoys spending time with her niece, rollerblading, shopping, and web design[6]. Her favorite foods—Mexican, Jamaican, and sushi—nod to her multicultural heritage and adventurous palate[7].

EARLY SUCCESS

Peggy entered six POWERade events in 2001, making her mark in a class dominated by men[8]. Racing wasn’t just about proving she belonged—it was about showing that she could win. She met Houstonian and NHRA Pro Stock Bike owner Harry Lartigue, a connection that would play a role in her journey through the sport’s professional ranks[9].

By 2007, with George Bryce as her crew chief, everything clicked[10]. On September 23, 2007, at the NHRA O’Reilly Fall Nationals in Dallas, Llewellyn ran an elapsed time of 7.020 seconds at 190.00 mph, beating Andrew Hines in the finals[11]. She knocked out Craig Treble along the way and delivered a massive holeshot victory that put her name in the record books[12]. She became the first woman of color to win a professional motorsports event—a milestone that reverberated far beyond drag racing[13].

That same season, she finished fourth overall in Pro Stock Motorcycle, holding the highest placement for a female in the class at the time[14]. For an eight-year professional, it was a statement: she wasn’t just competitive—she was elite.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2007: First woman of color in the world to win a professional motorsports event at the NHRA O’Reilly Fall Nationals in Dallas[15].
• 2007: Finished fourth overall in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle, the highest placement for a female in the class that season[16].
• 2010: Became the first woman of color to own, operate, and race for a professional motorsports team[17].
• 2023: Returned to Pro Stock Motorcycle competition after a 15-year hiatus, racing at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago[18].

INSPIRATIONS

Peggy’s inspiration was hardwired into her DNA. Watching her father race and being surrounded by the drag racing community shaped her belief that success knows no bounds[19]. Her fearlessness and unwavering commitment to seeing things through came from a childhood spent at the track, where she learned that perseverance and guts mattered more than anything else[20].

REPUTATION

Llewellyn is regarded as a trailblazer who opened doors that were previously locked tight. She’s one of 14 women who contributed to the NHRA’s 100 Pro Wins by Women milestone, cementing her place in motorsports history[21]. Her leathers were displayed at the World of Speed Museum, a testament to her impact on the sport[22].

She’s known for her determination and her refusal to let obstacles dictate her path. When family matters and the pursuit of a college degree pulled her away from racing after 2008, she didn’t disappear—she continued doing speaking engagements and building the 2Wheel Woman Racing brand[23]. Her reputation is that of someone who doesn’t quit, even when the track isn’t an option.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

After stepping away to attend to family and earn her degree, Peggy began working on re-licensing in 2022, with plans that eventually came together in 2023[24]. Her long-awaited return to Pro Stock Motorcycle wasn’t just about getting back on the bike—it was about reclaiming her place in a sport she never truly left. Her last national event before the hiatus was the NHRA Finals in Pomona in 2008, making her 2023 comeback all the more significant[25].

Based in San Antonio, Texas, 2Wheel Woman Racing represents Llewellyn’s vision for the future—a team that celebrates her journey and continues to push boundaries in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racing[26]. She’s excited about what’s ahead, and so is everyone watching.

REFERENCES

[1] Person of the Week: Peggy Llewellyn – Dragbike.com
[2] Karl Klement – Peggy Llewellyn – Drag Race Central
[3] Peggy Llewellyn – Wikipedia
[4] Person of the Week: Peggy Llewellyn – Dragbike.com
[5] Karl Klement – Peggy Llewellyn – Drag Race Central
[6] Person of the Week: Peggy Llewellyn – Dragbike.com
[7] Person of the Week: Peggy Llewellyn – Dragbike.com
[8] Karl Klement – Peggy Llewellyn – Drag Race Central
[9] Person of the Week: Peggy Llewellyn – Dragbike.com
[10] Person of the Week: Peggy Llewellyn – Dragbike.com
[11] Peggy Llewellyn Reflects on Historic Pro Stock Motorcycle Victory – CycleDrag.com
[12] Llewellyn records a first – Los Angeles Times
[13] BIO | 2Wheel Woman Racing – Peggy Llewellyn
[14] BIO | 2Wheel Woman Racing – Peggy Llewellyn
[15] Peggy Llewellyn – Wikipedia
[16] BIO | 2Wheel Woman Racing – Peggy Llewellyn
[17] Peggy Llewellyn | Black Female Drivers in Motorsports
[18] She’s back: Peggy Llewellyn’s long-awaited return to Pro Stock Motorcycle – NHRA
[19] 2Wheel Woman Racing | Drag Racer
[20] 2Wheel Woman Racing | Drag Racer
[21] Peggy Llewellyn Interview | 100 Wins by Women – YouTube
[22] She’s back: Peggy Llewellyn’s long-awaited return to Pro Stock Motorcycle – NHRA
[23] She’s back: Peggy Llewellyn’s long-awaited return to Pro Stock Motorcycle – NHRA
[24] She’s back: Peggy Llewellyn’s long-awaited return to Pro Stock Motorcycle – NHRA
[25] She’s back: Peggy Llewellyn’s long-awaited return to Pro Stock Motorcycle – NHRA
[26] 2Wheel Woman Racing | Drag Racer