Shawn Langdon, Gary Scelzi, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Angelle Sampey, and Jeff Taylor have been named to NHRA’s Top 75 Drivers list, adding five accomplished competitors to the sport’s milestone recognition program.
The group joins 15 drivers previously announced, with five more to be revealed next week to complete the list. The Top 75 consists of the original Top 50 Drivers selected during NHRA’s 50th anniversary season in 2001, along with 25 drivers chosen from the modern era.
Langdon’s career spans nearly every major NHRA category, beginning in Jr. Dragsters and extending through the nitro ranks. A two-time Super Comp world champion and the 2013 Top Fuel world champion, Langdon has earned 30 national event victories, including three at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, and is one of 19 drivers to win in both Top Fuel and Funny Car.
“I’m speechless,” Langdon said. “I’m very appreciative of the honor. I just got goosebumps thinking about the other names on this list. I’m very humbled to be with such great legends like Connie Kalitta and Don Garlits, some of the biggest names ever in our sport. This kind of recognition is a pinch-me moment; I was just a kid with a dream to race race cars, and now I’m living that dream every week and continue to give my best effort and demand perfection of myself.”
Langdon credited the people who shaped his career, from early opportunities through his current success. “I’ve been fortunate in my career to be surrounded by the greatest of people, starting with the Lucas family, who gave me my big break, and then obviously Alan Johnson, Don Schumacher, and now Connie,” he said. “I’ve been extremely fortunate; sometimes I look back and don’t know how I got here, but I just keep my head down and work hard to be the best racer and best person I can be.”
Scelzi enters the Top 75 as one of the most versatile drivers in NHRA history. A 43-time national event winner, he is one of three drivers to claim world championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car and remains the only competitor to win titles in both nitro classes and both Top Alcohol categories.
“I’m in awe, thank you for this great honor,” Scelzi said. “I’m as excited about that as I was getting into the [International Drag Racing] Hall of Fame; that’s how much this means to me.”
Scelzi reflected on a career rooted in childhood ambition and opportunity. “I am blessed to have been able to have lived a childhood dream,” he said, recounting his progression from alcohol racing to competing against and eventually befriending his heroes.
Coughlin, widely known as “the Natural,” has compiled one of the most decorated résumés in NHRA competition. A five-time Pro Stock world champion and former Rookie of the Year, he is the first driver to win national events in seven different categories and owns 88 career victories, including four at the U.S. Nationals.
“It’s very flattering and quite an honor to join the other new nominees and the original Top 50,” Coughlin said. “I’ve grown up my entire life in the sport… Drag racing has always been my first love, and always will be.”
Sampey earned her place on the list as one of Pro Stock Motorcycle’s most influential competitors. A three-time world champion with 47 national event wins, she later expanded her career by winning in Top Alcohol Dragster after returning from retirement.
“When I started this career nearly 30 years ago, I had no idea what my future held,” Sampey said. “It wasn’t without challenges or ups and downs, but I can assure you that every sacrifice was worth it. Being chosen for the Top 75 is a huge honor, and I sincerely appreciate every person who helped me get here.”
Taylor rounds out the group with one of the longest careers in NHRA Sportsman racing. A four-time world champion with more than 50 national event victories, Taylor claimed titles in Stock, Super Stock, and Comp Eliminator across five decades.
“I’ve won five championships and a lot of races, but this is probably the biggest honor I’ve ever received,” Taylor said. “For a guy that’s nearing the end of his driving career, this is unbelievable.”
The complete Top 75 Drivers list will be commemorated in a collectible book featuring photos and profiles of each honoree.
