Nov. 12, 2009     Contact Tonita Perry Eaddy Perry & Associates, Inc. 704-965-6956 tperry@eaddyperry.com for Peggy Llewellyn and Mark Lantz Racing, Inc FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PEGGY LLEWELLYN TO RETURN TO RACING FOR 2010 SEASON -Mark Lantz Racing Makes Profession Debut on NHRA Circuit-  (SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, Nov. 12, 2009) --  NHRA Pro Stock Motorcyclist and first woman of color in the world to win a professional motorsports event Peggy Llewellyn announced today she will return to the NHRA circuit for the 2010 season as a rider for Mark Lantz Racing.  “My words can't even begin to describe the excitement I feel…I AM GOING RACING,” said an elated Llewellyn. “I still had the burning desire to race; that never left me.  It was the journey that allowed me to partner with Mark Lantz Racing for next season which is a blessing.”  “We are excited and feel privileged to have Peggy join our team, “stated Michele Lantz, one half of the husband, Mark, and wife team owners of Mark Lantz Racing.  “Her ability to ride and win a Wally after being off the track for several seasons proves that she has what it takes to be the next champion.  Peggy brings a kind of spirit and passion that reflects what this organization is all about.”  Mark and Michele are making their debut as team owners on the NHRA circuit next season, but they are not new to the world of racing. They have been involved with drag racing since 2006 and formed Mark Lantz Racing in November of 2007.  They have worked with other teams and riders in the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) series, most notable Derek Nonnamaker, who placed second in the Western Division and fifth in the National Division Championships.  Llewellyn will be the only competitor for the organization for the NHRA 2010 season, and both Mark and Michele feel because of Peggy’s track record, she can qualify for every race in the top half of the field, go as many rounds as possible at each race, and have fun doing it.    -MORE- Lantz said, “We will bring an unexpected performance of competition to our competitors. Our team is built with a highly experienced, diversified crew, and with that brain trust in place, Peggy can win a few Wallys along the way.”  Coming off of her fourth place season finish and history making win in Dallas in 2007, Llewellyn was off the circuit for the 2009 season and ran only six races in the 2008 season where she qualified for five of the six events.  “I know I will return on a Buell with a team that knows how to win. We have the same goals, and they are behind me 100%, which makes the partnership strong,” said Llewellyn.  “I want to qualify for each race, because you can win from any place on the ladder.  My next goal is more Wallys; I would also like a top ten finish!”  Llewellyn, all smiles, continues to tell how she looks forward to the journey of achieving her goals that Mark Lantz Racing and she have set for the 2010 season.  “This is my journey, however it has gone; it has taken me and continues to take me to great places.  I will always enjoy riding and make the most of all my opportunities! Getting back on the bike, racing, winning, along with other exciting plans coming to fruition ...a possible realty show, I predict most of all I will be RACING!”  #              #              # About Peggy Llewellyn Professional motorcyclist Peggy Llewellyn, of Jamaican and Mexican American descent, is the first woman of color in the world to win a professional motorsports event.  Winning at the NHRA POWERade Dallas 2007, she earned an appearance in the inaugural Countdown to 4 and Countdown to 1, giving her a finish in the POWERade top five in standings where she recorded her post-career-best time and speed.   The three year professional motorcyclist ran an abbreviated season in 2008 where she advanced to the semifinals in Denver, finishing the season qualifying five of six races.    Named 2009 Female Athlete of the Year by The Elements of a Champion Foundation for displaying extraordinary character on and off the racetrack, Llewellyn is dedicated to her community through actively being involved with Women’s Sports Foundation’s Go Girl Go! and independently promoting the sport of motorcycle racing, physical fitness education, and following dreams to young girls. She also supports Divas For A Cure, a unique national service-based nonprofit organization of Black and Latina women, who ride motorcycles across country to increase awareness and raise funds to support breast cancer throughout the year and participate in their signature fundraiser, Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run. About Mark Lantz Racing, Inc.  (MLR) Mark Lantz Racing, Inc. (MLR), owned by husband and wife team Mark and Michele Lantz, is located in Vancouver, WA and was formed in 2006.  MLR takes pride in promoting high performance and safety in the sport of professional drag racing.  In MLR’s three-year span, they have worked with a variety of teams and drivers in the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) series, most notable Derek Nonnamaker, who placed second in the Western Division and fifth in the National Division Championships. MLR’s mission is to produce world class competitive drag racing teams and drivers. Their Pro Stock bike team will be making its debut on the NHRA circuit in 2010 with NHRA Pro Stock motorcyclist and first woman of color in the world to win a professional motorsports event Peggy Llewellyn.