At the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals, Top Fuel's Shawn Langdon and Pro Stock Motorcycle's Angie Smith shared the distinction of securing the No. 1 qualifying positions and winning the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus races in their respective classes.
This season, Langdon's Kalitta Air Dragster has been running on rails, giving him a strong chance to secure his third-straight and fourth-overall victory this year.
Smith, on the other hand, was thrust into a leadership role after her husband, Matt Smith, teammate, and multi-bike team owner, suffered a sudden bout with gallstones and had to be hospitalized since Thursday.
Despite being in a nearby hospital, Smith has been able to rely on the support of her teammates and rivals, who have come together to help her navigate this challenging time.
In an interview, Smith expressed her gratitude towards her team and rivals, saying that they have been 'remarkable' in lining up her bikes properly on the track.
The Vance and Hines team, led by Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec, has been particularly helpful, with Smith thanking them for their support and willingness to lend a hand.
Smith also highlighted the importance of the camaraderie among racers, saying that they are 'a family' who come together to support each other, even in times of need.
For Langdon, life has been smooth sailing so far, with his dragster running smoothly and giving him confidence going into race day.
With Smith's win, she has demonstrated her strength and resilience as a driver, while also showcasing the dedication and teamwork that is essential to success in the NHRA.
The NHRA Potomac Nationals have shown that the sport is more than just a competition, but a community that comes together to support each other.
