Hangsterfer’s Metalworking Lubricants will support Angelle Sampey in her debut of the first enclosed canopy cockpit on an A/Fuel dragster in the upcoming NHRA season. The debut will take place during the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway next month.
Antron Brown, team owner and driver of AB Motorsports, has a history with canopy dragsters. As a former member of Don Schumacher Racing, he was the second NHRA driver to race a modern canopy Top Fuel dragster, which was first introduced in 2012.
Brown expressed pride in being the first to field a canopy car in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. “Safety is always first and foremost and I’m glad we were able to implement this on Angelle’s car,” he said. He noted the goal of preparing Sampey for Top Fuel competition.
Preparation for the race season began on Feb. 10 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Sampey’s Michalek Brothers Racing (MBR) team will test through Feb. 12, with her canopied dragster officially entering the track on March 6 for Gatornationals qualifying.
Sampey remarked, “I’ve never been more excited to start a race season,” citing Hangsterfer’s support of her racing ambitions. Her goal is to improve in the A/Fuel dragster and ultimately graduate to Top Fuel.
Hangsterfer’s became the primary sponsor of Sampey’s A/Fuel dragster last May. She achieved significant success last season, including reaching the finals of the U.S. Nationals and securing her first win at the Pep Boys Nationals in September.
“I can’t wait for the great things in store in 2025,” Sampey said, reflecting on the support she has received.
Entering its second decade of support for Brown, Hangsterfer’s branding will feature prominently on both the Matco Tools car and Sampey’s A/Fuel dragster during the 2025 season. The company will host over 300 guests in AB Motorsports’ Pit-Side Experience hospitality area throughout the season.
Brown highlighted Hangsterfer’s continued partnership as vital for his team’s growth. He noted that the collaboration enhances their B2B relationships, benefiting both the product on the track and vendors.
Ditzel emphasized the magnitude of his relationship with Brown over the past decade, stating, “To call Antron a friend is an understatement.”
With the Accelerate Program, Hangsterfer’s aims to promote Sampey’s transition from Pro Stock Motorcycle to driving the A/Fuel Dragster. “We’re excited to see her turn on more win lights in 2025 and compete for an NHRA championship,” Ditzel added.
Sampey and Brown are set to begin their 2025 campaigns at the NHRA Gatornationals, March 6-9, at Gainesville Raceway. Qualifying for the Top Alcohol Dragster category kicks off at 4:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, followed by Top Fuel qualifying at 3:00 p.m. on March 7.
