Pomona, Calif. – Going into the offseason filled with uncertainty about her future racing plans, NHRA Full Throttle Series Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Angie Smith showed potential sponsors what she's capable of by making it to the quarterfinal round of the Auto Club NHRA Finals Sunday after qualifying ninth. The North Carolina native, who set new personal records in both speed (193.88 mph) and ET (6.863 seconds) this year, topped her Matt Smith Racing teammate, Michael Ray, in the first round of eliminations at Auto Club Raceway. Despite a strong effort, however, she was edged in E2 by eventual race winner and the event's top qualifier, Andrew Hines.
Thanks to that round win Sunday and two semi-finals appearances, Smith ended the 2011 season 11th, a career-high finish and the best of the non-Countdown racers. The fact all this, and the rest of her accomplishments this year, was done after the loss of her primary sponsor early in the season highlights the talent and tenacity of the veteran rider.
"We had an up-and-down season and I'm glad it's come to a close," she said after Monday's NHRA banquet. "I feel like if I hadn't lost my sponsor during the season, we would've finished in the top 10. Our 11th-place finish is our highest ever and if we can pick up some marketing partners, our goal is to make the Countdown to 1 and finish next season in the top 10."
Throughout the season, however, a number of people and organizations stepped up to help Angie and MSR, allowing her to race. "I have to thank Red Line Oil, PJ1, WorldWide Bearings, Affliction, and CP Pistons for their continued support. They stood by us and we appreciate it."
Angie's husband/tuner/team owner, Matt Smith, finished the season fourth in the final points after also making the quarterfinals Sunday. The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Series Pro Stock Motorcycle season kicks off at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 8-11 in Gainesville, Fla. An announcement will be made in the coming weeks regarding Matt Smith Racing's future plans.
The Smiths Pose for Charity: Angie and Matt are featured in Tony Pedregon's NHRA Full Throttle Series Real Families calendar to benefit children's cancer research. For more information, click HERE.
Fans of Angie Smith can find updates and photos of Matt Smith Racing at MattSmithRacing.com, Facebook.com/Matt.AngieSmith, and Twitter.com/AngieSmith77. Videos of Angie and Matt Smith Racing can be found at YouTube.com/MattSmithNHRA. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities with Matt Smith Racing, please e-mail [email protected].
Thanks to that round win Sunday and two semi-finals appearances, Smith ended the 2011 season 11th, a career-high finish and the best of the non-Countdown racers. The fact all this, and the rest of her accomplishments this year, was done after the loss of her primary sponsor early in the season highlights the talent and tenacity of the veteran rider.
"We had an up-and-down season and I'm glad it's come to a close," she said after Monday's NHRA banquet. "I feel like if I hadn't lost my sponsor during the season, we would've finished in the top 10. Our 11th-place finish is our highest ever and if we can pick up some marketing partners, our goal is to make the Countdown to 1 and finish next season in the top 10."
Throughout the season, however, a number of people and organizations stepped up to help Angie and MSR, allowing her to race. "I have to thank Red Line Oil, PJ1, WorldWide Bearings, Affliction, and CP Pistons for their continued support. They stood by us and we appreciate it."
Angie's husband/tuner/team owner, Matt Smith, finished the season fourth in the final points after also making the quarterfinals Sunday. The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Series Pro Stock Motorcycle season kicks off at the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals March 8-11 in Gainesville, Fla. An announcement will be made in the coming weeks regarding Matt Smith Racing's future plans.
The Smiths Pose for Charity: Angie and Matt are featured in Tony Pedregon's NHRA Full Throttle Series Real Families calendar to benefit children's cancer research. For more information, click HERE.
Fans of Angie Smith can find updates and photos of Matt Smith Racing at MattSmithRacing.com, Facebook.com/Matt.AngieSmith, and Twitter.com/AngieSmith77. Videos of Angie and Matt Smith Racing can be found at YouTube.com/MattSmithNHRA. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities with Matt Smith Racing, please e-mail [email protected].
