Angie Smith’s goals are simple: Help her husband win a third NHRA title

ST. LOUIS – Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Angie Smith hasn’t had the year she’s wanted on her Victory Motorcycles Gunner, but the peppy national event winner from King, N.C., knows a strategic finish to the season could help her husband and teammate Matt Smith claim a third world championship.

“If I can get into the eliminations field and maybe knock out a few people he’s battling in the points, then I would be super happy,” Angie said. “It would certainly make me feel better about the year as a whole. Drag racing is such a humbling sport, but it’s amazing how quickly things can turn around.

“Our No. 1 job is to bring attention and glory to Victory Motorcycles, Lucas Oil, Nitro Fish, and Mark Stockseth Racing. Matt’s got a great chance to run for the championship and I don’t, so all of our attention is on helping him.”

Angie knows she needs to squeeze a little more out of her motorcycle, and she’s not too proud to point the finger at herself as well.

“My riding has been off at times, no doubt,” she said. “It’s hard because when we’ve struggled with the bike here or there, it tends to get you out of your normal riding rhythm, and that hurts you when you get up to the starting line. Best-case scenario, you put all of your focus into getting the bike down the track with no other distractions.

“The thing that keeps me going is to see how hard Matt works on both of our bikes and how much effort our crew puts into every round with no complaining or whining. These guys are pros, and that motivates me even more to ride hard.”

Matt Smith Racing is in its second year as a Victory Motorcycles factory race team, and the fact they’ve put a Gunner in each of the last two Countdown chases points to remarkable progress in a short amount of time. But Angie never uses their relative newcomer status as an excuse.

“Victory has been so great to work with,” she said. “They are so involved and anxious to give us everything we need. We’re already working on lots of things for next year, and they are committed to winning. Yes, the other brands have years and years of experience to lean on, but Matt’s really smart and I think we’ve closed the gap really well.

“I just want to help the cause. I’m ready for St. Louis. I’m going to take this one race at a time and do all I can to help Matt.”

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying sessions are scheduled for 2:45 and 5:15 p.m., Friday, and 1:45 and 4:15 p.m., Saturday. Eliminations start at noon, Sunday. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying action from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday. Eliminations will air live from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday. (All times listed in CT).