Sampey Leads Qualifying As Rain Shorts Friday’s NHRA Action In Atlanta

Story By: SCOTT SMITH / NHRA – COMMERCE, GA – Angelle Sampey is the current No 1. Qualifier for Pro Stock Motorcycle after a partial qualifying session due to inclement weather. NHRA officials ended racing for the day at the Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.

Sampey powered her Team Liberty Racing Victory Magnum bike to a 6.904-second pass at 193.16 mph during the lone qualifying session of the day.

“To leave the starting line and go straight, shift on time and stay under power all the way to the finish line was the best feeling I’ve had in a long time,” Sampey stated. “I didn’t even care where it was on the ladder, just the fact that I made a full pull on the first round. I was so excited.”

Hector Arana is second in his Lucas Oil Buell motorcycle after a 6.911 pass at 194.13. Matt Smith sits third with his Victory Gunner motorcycle.

Officials consistently worked throughout the day to dry the track but as the temperature dropped and misting continued, racing for the day was called at 6:25 p.m.

NHRA Mello Yello Series qualifying is set to resume on Saturday at 1:15 p.m.

Coverage of the Lucas Oil Southern Nationals on NHRA All Access will begin at 8 a.m. Qualifying coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will be at 1 a.m. EST on Saturday.

Friday ticket holders are entitled to a 100 percent credit value of their ticket. Tickets can be exchanged for credit towards a Saturday or Sunday ticket purchase this weekend at the NHRA box office which opens at 8 a.m. The ticket holder will be responsible for any price difference but credit is not offered on previously purchased Saturday or Sunday tickets. If the ticket holder cannot attend the rest of this weekend they can use their credit toward a 2018 NHRA Southern National ticket purchase. For more information please refer to the rain policy on NHRA.com.