Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines Team up With Former Rival Angelle Sampey

Surprise Move

Angelle Sampey announced in early 2019 that she had joined the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle racing team. After twenty-plus years as rivals, the announcement came as a surprise to the motorcycle drag racing world, but it was a deal that almost did not happen.

Record Holder

Sampey is a three-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion and holds the most wins for any woman in both NHRA competition and professional motorsports as a whole. Since her debut in 1996, she has earned an all-time class record of forty-two top-qualifier awards — just five wins away from setting the all-time Pro Stock Motorcycle wins record.

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Deal?

Sampey explained how tenacity got her the Harley-Davidson/ Vance & Hines deal. In a conversation with Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor, Sampey elaborated on the discussion with Terry Vance. “He called me and, of course, I was interested. That’s an understatement. In fact, I pretty much begged and pleaded with him to let me ride their Street Rod.”

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No Deal

After accepting the tentative offer, Sampey was later informed that the arrangement was not possible. “I thought it was just about a done deal, and then Terry called me and told me it wasn’t going to happen. I was crushed. At first, I thought he was joking, and then he told me that he just didn’t think he’d be able to put all the pieces together.”

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Dream Chance

Sampey did not give up on her dream. She explained, “I’ve always wanted to ride a Harley-Davidson. My dad grew up a big Harley fan, and I’m big on supporting American companies, and you can’t get any more American than Harley-Davidson.” Sampey also wanted a chance to prove herself, “I’ve always wanted to see what I could do against those guys on equal equipment.”

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Four Races

Crushed, but undaunted, Sampey called Terry Vance and Andrew Hines back and told them, “You’ve got to find a way to make this happen. You don’t understand how badly I want to ride one of your motorcycles.” Sampey explained that it took a few days, but eventually Vance called her and said, “You’ve got four races. Welcome to the team.”

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Back Story

Sampey's long rivalry with Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines was over. The on-track attitude masked a different story. Sampey explained, "Everyone thinks that I hate Eddie and Andrew...and they hate me. That’s not true at all. We all have kids that are close to the same age, and it’s been great to see them bond together when they’re all at the races.”

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Money Run

Shortly after her debut at the 2019 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, the team followed up their initial offer with sixteen more races — a full season. Sampey explained, “It’s surreal to...race on one of these Harleys after lining up against them for so many years.” Vance added, “No question, Angelle has been one of the toughest riders we’ve battled with for so many seasons. I’m really looking forward to seeing her give the boys a run for their money on the Harley.”