Family
Matters
Steven Whiteley leads family quest
to win races and championships
BY JOSH HACHAT
PHOTOGRAPH BY RICK BELDEN
A
quick look around Steven and Jim Whiteley’s pit area reveals
the state-of-the-art layout one would expect from a top-tier NHRA Pro Mod
team. Two new Competition trailers are lined up side by side, one for Steven’s
supercharged 2014 Cadillac and the other home to his father’s supercharged
Camaro. Both have brand-new Peterbilt trucks pulling them, impressive-look-
ing beasts stocked with the latest luxuries to keep father and son at their best
in a class loaded with talent. Both drivers have their own team members and
resources, but share information with one another as the competitive level in
the class continues to reach new heights. ✪ A brief stroll over to the Pro Stock
Motorcycle pits shows another grandiose set-up for Jim’s stepson, 2016 NHRA
Rookie of the Year Cory Reed. The rising PSM star didn’t wait long to build his own two-bike team,
an operation that includes three-time world champion Angelle Sampey as the second rider and team
manager. That team continues to build, but one thing is certain: a lack of resources, which are readily
available to both, won’t be a problem. ✪ One last short march will take you to the pit of Top Alcohol
Funny Car driver Annie Whiteley, the wife of Jim Whiteley and owner of another spectacular looking
pit. It has been home to a great deal of success in Annie’s own racing career, including most recently
sharing the winner’s circle for the first time with her son, Steven, this past March in Gainesville.
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