Sampey, Brown ready for season opener

03/13/2007

Both Sampey and Brown are eager to set sail on a new season, which now totals 16 races for the two-wheelers. 

For Brown, he wants to erase the disappointment of 2006 when he came up just 23 points short of claiming his first world championship.

“It’s a brand new year and I can’t wait to get going,” said the New Jersey native. “Last year was last year -- you really can’t dwell on the past.”

Sampey, who captured the first two Pro Stock Motorcycle races last year, would like to duplicate that effort this time around.

“Getting off to a good start to the season and then maintaining that momentum will be important not only for me, but Antron as well,” she said. “We finished second and third last year in the standings and it’s time for each of us to move up a couple of rungs on the ladder.”

 While Brown is shooting for his first crown, Sampey is focused on nailing her fourth world championship ring. Additionally, with six more wins, she will move past the late Dave Schultz on the all-time Pro Stock Motorcycle victory list. 

“You can’t imagine how much I want that first title,” added Brown. “Like our soldiers, I’ll never quit.”

“Needless to say, I’ll take the ring before the record,” said Sampey. “Team achievements always come first. If I’m also fortunate to become the winningest rider, well, then that will be great as well.”