NHRA Pro Stock racer Peggy Llewellyn was recently released from the Rush Racing Buell by team owner Karl Klement. The move came as a shock to many after Llewellyn found such success in her rookie season of 2007, including a berth into the elite four-rider championship run-off, Countdown to One. In this article Llewellyn reacts to her release.
As you have probably have already heard, I will not be racing for Karl Klement next season. Karl decided to go in a different direction, and I respect his decision. As they say, every end is a new beginning.
After a six-year hiatus from the sport, I was very fortunate to be asked by Karl to race for his team. Karl and Kim Klement were the best team owners I could ask for. They were truly a pleasure to work for, they were always professional and provided me with the best equipment and team members possible. I cannot thank them enough.
I am proud of our accomplishments: I qualified for every race, won my first NHRA Wally and was the only female to make the final four in the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship. When I think of what we were able to do this year, it takes my breath away.
As anyone who has raced at the NHRA Professional level will tell you, racing is a team sport. While I had the best job on the team, every member was important. Karl assembled a very talented team of professionals. I want to personally thank George and Jackie Bryce, Shane Maloney, Garrett Whaley, Curtis Jackson, George Smith, Chip Ellis, Ken Johnson and the entire G2 Motorsports family for helping to achieve what I had only dreamed of. I could not have done it without every one of my team members.
So what is next? Right now I am looking at other opportunities and I am optimistic that I will find a team that can utilize my talents and help keep my dream alive. I will continue to challenge myself professionally and continue to grow as a racer and as a person.
The possibilities that were created with the accomplishments of my team and I are endless. I am very excited at what the future will bring – the sky’s the limit!