Peggy Llewellyn happy to be racing at U.S. Nationals Aboard R2B2 Motors Pro Stock Motorcycle

Given an opportunity to compete in the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Peggy Llewellyn wants to make the most of it.

The race is billed as NHRA’s premier event and, for a Pro Stock Motorcycle rider searching for a 2009 marketing partner, it provides an excellent stage.

Llewellyn finished fourth in points a year ago but did not have a permanent ride when the 2008 season began. In fact, this is just her third race. She is making a one-race appearance at O’Reilly Raceway Park aboard a Rocklin Motorsports Buell with sponsorship from Roger Burgess’ R2B2 Motors at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis.

“It feels like it has been a long time since I’ve raced,” said the San Antonio, Texas-based rider. “Even though it’s been only three months, it seems like a year. We can’t thank Roger Burgess enough for this opportunity.”

Llewellyn finished 2007 in grand style, winning the Countdown race at Dallas, becoming the first black woman to win an NHRA POWERade Series event. She joined three other riders in the final two-race competition, finishing fourth overall.

In 2008, her only racing appearances have come at Denver and Sonoma, Calif., in addition to a test session at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.

“Because I had been off the motorcycle for three or four months, the races and testing gave me a chance to get back into my rhythm so I can do a good job at the U.S. Nationals,” Llewellyn said. “That’s the biggest race of the year and you always want to do well at it.

“The first 60 feet of the run are very important. I rode a Buell last year so I know the Buell’s characteristics, and that helps.”

Buell rider Matt Guidera’s Rocklin Motorsports team prepares Llewellyn’s motorcycle. “They have been a tremendous help,” added Llewellyn. “They make sure the bike is comfortable. When the rider’s comfortable they are able to make the right tune-up adjustments and we go from there.

“Matt’s team has been a tremendous help. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to race this year, but things are starting to come together. We are making progress.”