Sampey looking to become Reading's all-time best
Brown wants to regain points lead

The U.S. Army NHRA team with riders Angelle Sampey and Antron Brown travels to historic Maple Grove Raceway here this weekend for the Toyo Tires Nationals.

Since opening in 1962, Maple Grove Raceway, which is located just outside the city of Reading, has been the scene of many barrier-breaking performances in all of the NHRA’s four professional classes including the first side-by-side four-second and 300 mph Top Fuel passes.

Sampey has had tremendous success over the years at the facility that’s nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country. With six career wins, Sampey is tied with Funny Car legend, John Force, for the most victories at Maple Grove Raceway.

“And, this weekend, I’d like to be the one to break that deadlock,” she said with a chuckle. “In all seriousness, I really have to win this race if I want to stay in the world championship hunt. Being 98 points behind (Andrew) Hines with just three races remaining in our season, there’s absolutely no room for error.”

Brown, on the other hand, is only eight points behind Hines in second and seriously challenging for his first world title.

“If I want that trophy at the end of the year, I have to avoid the kind of mistakes I’ve been making of late – like red light fouls and hole shot losses,” said the New Jersey native.

“It’s real obvious to everyone that I have the equipment to win this thing. You have to take your hat off to Steve Tartaglia (his crew chief) and the entire U.S. Army team. They have been working their butts off all year long. Now, it’s up to me to make sure I don’t let them down.”