Rollout96
Nitro Member
I bet that's a big part of the decision. If she wants children then maybe she feels like time may be getting short for it. I wish her well AND hope she comes back at some point with young kids in tow.
Nitromater
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Angelle announces retirement
- Thread starter PJ
- Start date
I bet that's a big part of the decision. If she wants children then maybe she feels like time may be getting short for it. I wish her well AND hope she comes back at some point with young kids in tow.
handsome
Nitro Member
Well, I for one, care so I'll take that quarter and tell you where to put it
Angelle is/was good for the sport and I will miss her. Hell, I missed her last year. She is deserving of a happy life and if she decided to return, she will make many of her fans just as happy.
Here's to you, Angelle!
com'on Cheryl. . .is that the best you got?
I know there are people that love Angelle , just like I am a big Whit Bazemore fan!
Girl
Nitro Member
Hi everyone, This is Gail Sampey, Angelle's mother. I wanted to stop by (on Angelle's account because I don't have one) to let those of you that have supported her in her career, know that I truly appreciate all that you have said or done for my daughter. Just the other day, while we were talking about her tough decision, I told her that one good thing about leaving the sport, was that she would no longer have to deal with people like this Bruce fellow. I am so sick of the ones who have picked my daughter apart over the years. I can only hope that those that have done so will never have to feel the pain that your words have caused me or my daughter. I hope that if you have children, that they, nor you, will ever have to know the feeling.
To those of you that have shown her your love and respect, I thank God for you. You were truly an inspiration to her. She often spoke of how her fans made her want to win even more. Angelle wears her emotions on her sleeve. I taught her to do that. With her, you always know what you are getting. There is no cover up, no hidden agendas,... just raw emotion.
She will be live on Dave Moody's Sirius radio show today at 3:45 pm central time. I believe she will also be on with Crash Gladys tonight at 9:20 pm. I hope you all get a chance to listen in. She did mention to me that she wants to stop by here to comment to you all as well, as soon as she gets a minute.
Sincerely,
Abigail Sampey
"Angelle's Proud Momma"
To those of you that have shown her your love and respect, I thank God for you. You were truly an inspiration to her. She often spoke of how her fans made her want to win even more. Angelle wears her emotions on her sleeve. I taught her to do that. With her, you always know what you are getting. There is no cover up, no hidden agendas,... just raw emotion.
She will be live on Dave Moody's Sirius radio show today at 3:45 pm central time. I believe she will also be on with Crash Gladys tonight at 9:20 pm. I hope you all get a chance to listen in. She did mention to me that she wants to stop by here to comment to you all as well, as soon as she gets a minute.
Sincerely,
Abigail Sampey
"Angelle's Proud Momma"
).None of us can ever thank Angelle enough for all of the smiles, winks or good times over the years, but we can come together and wish her the best in the most challenging adventure she will ever take...having a family.
From my family to Seth and yourself Angelle, we wish you the best and will pray that God blesses you two with the same gifts he has given us.
From my family to Seth and yourself Angelle, we wish you the best and will pray that God blesses you two with the same gifts he has given us.
Paul
Nitro Member
Well crap, I was holding on to a pipe dream of being able to see Angelle race again. I've always been a sucker for racers who always gave it everything they had, and she sure did that.
She leaves with a great legacy of being the second female to compete in professional drag racing at the championship level.
Angelle, have you ever considered giving commentating a shot? I can see drag racing's TV ratings shooting up if you were added to the team as a roving pit reporter.
She leaves with a great legacy of being the second female to compete in professional drag racing at the championship level.
Angelle, have you ever considered giving commentating a shot? I can see drag racing's TV ratings shooting up if you were added to the team as a roving pit reporter.
Sean D, shondoo
Nitro Member
Jim
Nitro Member
I'll miss Angelle - (Heck, I've misssed her for some time now.)
God bless her and I especially hope she enjoys as many healthy children she and God agree on.
I've often thought - especially given the tenuous nature of sponsorsip deals in recent year - how tough it was for women racers - to arrange their lives to have children and continue their racing career.
It must have been tough listening to the biological clock while trying to land that next big marketing-partner deal.
That said, I think we'll see Angelle again.
God bless her and I especially hope she enjoys as many healthy children she and God agree on.
I've often thought - especially given the tenuous nature of sponsorsip deals in recent year - how tough it was for women racers - to arrange their lives to have children and continue their racing career.
It must have been tough listening to the biological clock while trying to land that next big marketing-partner deal.
That said, I think we'll see Angelle again.
Dave
Nitro Member
This once again is getting pretty stupid.
It was a surprise to me to read Angelle's announcement but at the same time I am not all that surprised. She was trying to find a deal to return to Drag Racing and it just didn't happen. The deal with the sponsor for Shirley's Top Fuel team may very well have been the last straw for Angelle. Perhaps this showed her enough is enough when it comes to Racing.
Those who have never been a part of a professional Race team may not fully understand how much "life" you give up when you choose to be in the Racing business. There are so many sacrifices that the average person probably doesn't see. When you decide you want to live the "Racer" lifestyle, you believe the rewards are worth the sacrifices. In many cases they are but in the long run - sadly they may not be. I worked on a professional Racing team as a crew member for several years. We raced all over the counrty and it was great fun. We won some races and even the National Championship. Honestly, I had to wonder, (at the tme) could life be any better. I then pursued my Drag Racing dream. Racing the car, making the decisions on the car, working on the car, loading the trailer, going to the races, etc - I did almost everything. Couple the Racing lifestyle with trying to run my business. But I figured, "what the hell, I'm having fun and making money - what else is there?"
As of last Fall, I have officially quit Racing and don't feel all that bad about it. Sure, I still miss driving the car, but not much else. What I have learned is that I have missed out on so many great things life has to offer. When you live the Racing life, your personal life suffers - I am now finding that out. All of my friends I grew up with are all married and have children. I always thought they were nuts to go that route in there life. I now see that I'm the one who was nuts. I have nothing but my business and a couple cool cars - look at what I gave up, look at what I missed out on.
This is not a post about me - I'm only using my experience as a way to relate to what I think is going on with Angelle. She has done great things in Drag Racing and she should be proud of every minute of it. She gave her life to the sport. I think she now see's how much more life has to offer and wants to take advantage of it before it's too late.
To those who think Angelle is looking for a pitty party, you make me laugh. If you quit racing, or want to quit, or can't afford to race, - hey that's how it goes sometimes. We all have to make decisions in life - Angelle made her's, I made mine, and you can make yours. If you don't like Angelle because she cries or whatever - I'd bet she doesn't really give a sh*t anymore. All the negativity - maybe that's what helped run her off. I hope all the Angelle haters are happy.
To Angelle - I wish you the very best at whatever you choose to do.
Dave
It was a surprise to me to read Angelle's announcement but at the same time I am not all that surprised. She was trying to find a deal to return to Drag Racing and it just didn't happen. The deal with the sponsor for Shirley's Top Fuel team may very well have been the last straw for Angelle. Perhaps this showed her enough is enough when it comes to Racing.
Those who have never been a part of a professional Race team may not fully understand how much "life" you give up when you choose to be in the Racing business. There are so many sacrifices that the average person probably doesn't see. When you decide you want to live the "Racer" lifestyle, you believe the rewards are worth the sacrifices. In many cases they are but in the long run - sadly they may not be. I worked on a professional Racing team as a crew member for several years. We raced all over the counrty and it was great fun. We won some races and even the National Championship. Honestly, I had to wonder, (at the tme) could life be any better. I then pursued my Drag Racing dream. Racing the car, making the decisions on the car, working on the car, loading the trailer, going to the races, etc - I did almost everything. Couple the Racing lifestyle with trying to run my business. But I figured, "what the hell, I'm having fun and making money - what else is there?"
As of last Fall, I have officially quit Racing and don't feel all that bad about it. Sure, I still miss driving the car, but not much else. What I have learned is that I have missed out on so many great things life has to offer. When you live the Racing life, your personal life suffers - I am now finding that out. All of my friends I grew up with are all married and have children. I always thought they were nuts to go that route in there life. I now see that I'm the one who was nuts. I have nothing but my business and a couple cool cars - look at what I gave up, look at what I missed out on.
This is not a post about me - I'm only using my experience as a way to relate to what I think is going on with Angelle. She has done great things in Drag Racing and she should be proud of every minute of it. She gave her life to the sport. I think she now see's how much more life has to offer and wants to take advantage of it before it's too late.
To those who think Angelle is looking for a pitty party, you make me laugh. If you quit racing, or want to quit, or can't afford to race, - hey that's how it goes sometimes. We all have to make decisions in life - Angelle made her's, I made mine, and you can make yours. If you don't like Angelle because she cries or whatever - I'd bet she doesn't really give a sh*t anymore. All the negativity - maybe that's what helped run her off. I hope all the Angelle haters are happy.
To Angelle - I wish you the very best at whatever you choose to do.
Dave
Dave,
Very well put. I also know the sacrifices of choosing this kind of life/profession. Not personally, I have close friends and family that do it/have done it. At a minimun, what is required to 'run the full circuit' or even part of it, means you miss a ton of stuff 'back home'. Those celebrations, events and memories can not be replaced. Just like what you get from racing.
She had for years "run the circuit", because she had a passion and talent/opportunity to do so. Now she is choosing another "circuit", and I wish her the same success.
good luck Angelle.
Very well put. I also know the sacrifices of choosing this kind of life/profession. Not personally, I have close friends and family that do it/have done it. At a minimun, what is required to 'run the full circuit' or even part of it, means you miss a ton of stuff 'back home'. Those celebrations, events and memories can not be replaced. Just like what you get from racing.
She had for years "run the circuit", because she had a passion and talent/opportunity to do so. Now she is choosing another "circuit", and I wish her the same success.
good luck Angelle.
Horsepower & Heels
Nitro Member
Sad to see her go, but happy she is doing what's important to her. Its a very real part of being a female racer who is chasing their dreams to have that internal struggle of the maternal side missing something too. Kudos to those who balance it well.
So was Snakes announcement a pity plea??? How about Scelzi's "retirabreak" or whatever it is called a pity deal?
Nope just racers updating fans and friends of their current intentions. Can it all change sure but to say Angelle's is a pity deal and not do the same to others just shows a very poor bias.
Nope just racers updating fans and friends of their current intentions. Can it all change sure but to say Angelle's is a pity deal and not do the same to others just shows a very poor bias.
Girl
Nitro Member
Hi guys and girls,
I wanted to stop by like my mom said I would do and let you all know how much I appreciate your support. As always!!
I was going to try and explain my feelings about my decision, but it looks as if Dave has hit the nail on the head for me already. Thanks Dave! That is EXACTLY what is going on with me.
It was about 5 years ago when I opened my eyes to the “Real World” and realized that I was the only adult in my family as well as my circle of friends that does not have a family of my own. A little over a year ago, I went to my (I hate to admit this,...) 20 year class reunion and everyone was talking about their children and I had the biggest hole in my heart while listening in. All I could think of was the thing my mom always tells me,... She says,.. “When it’s time for me to leave this world, it won’t be the things that I’ve done that I will regret,... It will be the things that I didn’t do, but wanted to.” That saying is a painful reminder to me that I sacrificed the opportunity of being a mother for the opportunity to be a racer.
Maybe some of you guys can’t truly grasp what I am saying, But I KNOW that all of you ladies do. It’s a program that God has installed into each one of us girls. I do NOT regret the past 13 years of my life. Not even some of the DREADFUL mistakes that I made along the way. Just like the song says, God blessed the broken road,... I am who I am today, and I have who and what I have in my life today because of every step I took along the way. I have no regrets. I want to keep it that way. I know that if I don’t stop racing now, I may not stop until it is too late. If I don’t have a family, I will regret it for the rest of my life.
Sitting out last year was not by choice. Lack of sponsorship put me on the sidelines. This was a blessing in disguise! At the beginning of the 2009 season, I was an emotional wreck because I thought my life was over. At the mid way point of 2009, I found myself more relaxed and happy than I have been in many years. I had no idea how bad I needed a break. When the opportunity of a possible Top Fuel ride presented itself, I figured that it was a sign from God that my racing journey was not over. After having to pull out of my adoption process due to financial reasons, and now that there was a chance that I might race again, I just figured that being a mom wasn’t in my cards. It was time for me to deal with it.
At the final hour, Shirley and I received word that we were not getting the Top Fuel deal. I don’t know how to explain the feelings that overcame me. I was happy and sad at the exact same time. I was sad to miss the chance to race with her. To miss the chance to race Top Fuel. But I was so happy because I knew right then what I wanted and needed to do. I knew that I couldn’t let Shirley or anyone else continue to work on finding a deal if it really wasn’t what was in my heart anymore. Shirley was the first person I called to inform of my decision. She was amazing with her words of encouragement. She told me that she wishes me all the best and that she truly understands and supports my decision. I am so glad that she and I become such good friends during all of this.
I chose to officially announce my retirement for one reason and ONE reason only. To show my love and respect to the fans that have shown me respect and love for the past 13 years. I have received tons of emails, myspace messages, snail mail, phone calls, text messages, and in person questions about what and when am I going to race again. I felt as if you guys and gals deserve an answer. So to all of you that do care, THANK YOU for every second of support you’ve shown me!! Those who don’t, continue to amaze me by wasting even a minute of your time and energy on me. Isn’t if funny that they dislike me so much but can’t seem to refrain from including themselves in these posts? Like Grandma always said,...”Controversy = Popularity!” Ha Ha,... even the haters helped to make me more popular in this sport! God Bless em!
So the answer is,... I chose life! The life of a child that I pray God will bless Seth and me with. If a Top Fuel ride presented itself tommorrow, I promise you that I would turn it down. If I am blessed enough to hold a child of my own in my arms one day because of that choice, it will be a choice that I will NEVER regret!
Thank you all, God Bless you all!!! It’s been a wonderful 13 years and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity! I am even more blessed to have stayed out of harms way. Thank God for giving me such a fun ride with NO injuries!! Can I get an “Amen?”
Sincerely,
Angelle
PS Thanks George, for the wonderful things you have always said about me. I will always love you, Jackie, Julie and the entire Star Racing family as my own. Just like family, we’ve had our moments, but in the end, there is always love. You guys are the BEST!!!!!
I wanted to stop by like my mom said I would do and let you all know how much I appreciate your support. As always!!
I was going to try and explain my feelings about my decision, but it looks as if Dave has hit the nail on the head for me already. Thanks Dave! That is EXACTLY what is going on with me.
It was about 5 years ago when I opened my eyes to the “Real World” and realized that I was the only adult in my family as well as my circle of friends that does not have a family of my own. A little over a year ago, I went to my (I hate to admit this,...) 20 year class reunion and everyone was talking about their children and I had the biggest hole in my heart while listening in. All I could think of was the thing my mom always tells me,... She says,.. “When it’s time for me to leave this world, it won’t be the things that I’ve done that I will regret,... It will be the things that I didn’t do, but wanted to.” That saying is a painful reminder to me that I sacrificed the opportunity of being a mother for the opportunity to be a racer.
Maybe some of you guys can’t truly grasp what I am saying, But I KNOW that all of you ladies do. It’s a program that God has installed into each one of us girls. I do NOT regret the past 13 years of my life. Not even some of the DREADFUL mistakes that I made along the way. Just like the song says, God blessed the broken road,... I am who I am today, and I have who and what I have in my life today because of every step I took along the way. I have no regrets. I want to keep it that way. I know that if I don’t stop racing now, I may not stop until it is too late. If I don’t have a family, I will regret it for the rest of my life.
Sitting out last year was not by choice. Lack of sponsorship put me on the sidelines. This was a blessing in disguise! At the beginning of the 2009 season, I was an emotional wreck because I thought my life was over. At the mid way point of 2009, I found myself more relaxed and happy than I have been in many years. I had no idea how bad I needed a break. When the opportunity of a possible Top Fuel ride presented itself, I figured that it was a sign from God that my racing journey was not over. After having to pull out of my adoption process due to financial reasons, and now that there was a chance that I might race again, I just figured that being a mom wasn’t in my cards. It was time for me to deal with it.
At the final hour, Shirley and I received word that we were not getting the Top Fuel deal. I don’t know how to explain the feelings that overcame me. I was happy and sad at the exact same time. I was sad to miss the chance to race with her. To miss the chance to race Top Fuel. But I was so happy because I knew right then what I wanted and needed to do. I knew that I couldn’t let Shirley or anyone else continue to work on finding a deal if it really wasn’t what was in my heart anymore. Shirley was the first person I called to inform of my decision. She was amazing with her words of encouragement. She told me that she wishes me all the best and that she truly understands and supports my decision. I am so glad that she and I become such good friends during all of this.
I chose to officially announce my retirement for one reason and ONE reason only. To show my love and respect to the fans that have shown me respect and love for the past 13 years. I have received tons of emails, myspace messages, snail mail, phone calls, text messages, and in person questions about what and when am I going to race again. I felt as if you guys and gals deserve an answer. So to all of you that do care, THANK YOU for every second of support you’ve shown me!! Those who don’t, continue to amaze me by wasting even a minute of your time and energy on me. Isn’t if funny that they dislike me so much but can’t seem to refrain from including themselves in these posts? Like Grandma always said,...”Controversy = Popularity!” Ha Ha,... even the haters helped to make me more popular in this sport! God Bless em!
So the answer is,... I chose life! The life of a child that I pray God will bless Seth and me with. If a Top Fuel ride presented itself tommorrow, I promise you that I would turn it down. If I am blessed enough to hold a child of my own in my arms one day because of that choice, it will be a choice that I will NEVER regret!
Thank you all, God Bless you all!!! It’s been a wonderful 13 years and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity! I am even more blessed to have stayed out of harms way. Thank God for giving me such a fun ride with NO injuries!! Can I get an “Amen?”
Sincerely,
Angelle
PS Thanks George, for the wonderful things you have always said about me. I will always love you, Jackie, Julie and the entire Star Racing family as my own. Just like family, we’ve had our moments, but in the end, there is always love. You guys are the BEST!!!!!
paoldtimer
Nitro Member
Angelle,
Loved your response. As one who came to the same decision some 10 years ago, after 45 years of being on the road following the circuit, it has been the wisest move I have ever made.
There will be days you will question your sanity, but they lessen in numbers as time goes by...and you begin to realize that a whole lot goes on in the world other than the racing.
While I don't miss a lot of the work that goes with such a career...I do miss the people. The folks at the races had been and still are my best friends...and I don't get to see them as often as I would like.
But guess what...there's a lot of nice folks out there that have never set foot on a race track...and there are lots of great things to see and do.
My family paid the price for my being gone all the time...moments that I will never ever recover. They understood that I was attempting to make a living for us and tolerated it extremely well.
You will have your accomplishments to look back on with justifiable pride...and precious moments to come that will give you a whole new insight on life.
Enjoy it to the fullest...it is yours to live.
My very best for your upcoming wedding and motherhood. Kiss the kid for me!!!
MaC
Loved your response. As one who came to the same decision some 10 years ago, after 45 years of being on the road following the circuit, it has been the wisest move I have ever made.
There will be days you will question your sanity, but they lessen in numbers as time goes by...and you begin to realize that a whole lot goes on in the world other than the racing.
While I don't miss a lot of the work that goes with such a career...I do miss the people. The folks at the races had been and still are my best friends...and I don't get to see them as often as I would like.
But guess what...there's a lot of nice folks out there that have never set foot on a race track...and there are lots of great things to see and do.
My family paid the price for my being gone all the time...moments that I will never ever recover. They understood that I was attempting to make a living for us and tolerated it extremely well.
You will have your accomplishments to look back on with justifiable pride...and precious moments to come that will give you a whole new insight on life.
Enjoy it to the fullest...it is yours to live.
My very best for your upcoming wedding and motherhood. Kiss the kid for me!!!
MaC
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