Morrell Hoping to Make a Name for Herself

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Kim Morrell’s bold plans to become a prominent figure not only in the Pro Extreme Motorcycle class but also in the entire ADRL came into clearer focus after a recent string of impressive showings. But the timing of other matters couldn’t have been worse. Thinking big after landing a prominent sponsor for the 2010 season, Morrell and her team took a hit when the sponsor didn’t come through on their end of the bargain, leaving Morrell in a precarious situation. It’s even more unfortunate considering Morrell is putting together her best string of performances in her brief ADRL career. She has advanced to the semifinals in each of the last two races, getting ousted by eventual champion Ashley Owens at both the Speedtech U.S. Drags III in Virginia and the Ford Drive One Summer Drags VI in Michigan. In Richmond, Morrell went 4.15 at 174 miles per hour, a microcosm of the improvements she has made. But Morrell hopes the progression doesn’t go for naught. “We’re trying to stay involved with the ADRL the rest of this year and next year,” said Morrell, who came off the lights quicker than Owens in Michigan before falling. “We want to be here. We don’t want to be anywhere else.” Morrell said every bit of sponsorship helps, but she also thinks there’s something marketable about what she has been doing. As one of the few females in the class, Morrell has made a name for herself, recording the fastest time on a bike by a female. That type of accomplishment has earned other female drag racers notoriety in other realms of racing, and Morrell is hoping for some carryover for her PXM team. Running down Owens will remain incredibly difficult, but Morrell likes the strides her small team has made in a short time. Now, she’s simply waiting for the payoff – in more than one way. “We’re consistent, definitely and we’ve made history, too, as the fastest female on a motorcycle,” Morrell said. “To win a race, that would be history in the making. “I think sponsors would look at that and want to go with us on that ride. It’s a really good opportunity. We’ve got a great team.“I’ve been told the package is there.”

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