Llewellyn qualified for all 16 races in 2007, 12 times in the top half of the field, and logged an 18-15 race day record with one win, four semifinal appearances, and six quarterfinal runs. She began the Countdown to Four in seventh place and broke into the Countdown to One with a dramatic win in Dallas, the first victory of her brief career.

"I really want to thank Peggy for the job she did for us this year," Klement said. "Never in my life would I have thought we'd do that well this quickly. I want to thank Peggy, all the crewmembers, George and Jackie Bryce, George Smith, and everybody at G2 Motorsports for making this season so successful."

Prior to this season, Llewellyn raced in six events for Harry Lartigue.

In a yet-to-be-published NHRA.com interview with G-Squared Motorsports' George Bryce, who served as Llewellyn's mentor and crew chief, there were no signs of an imminent separation. The interview was conducted before the Pomona race.

"I've seen a constant increase in her riding ability this year, and as someone who has taught people how to ride for most of my life, that's probably the most exciting thing about her," Bryce said. "At first we were happy to see her qualify. Then she started qualifying mid-pack and winning rounds here and there. Next thing you know, she's qualifying in the top four and going multiple rounds at every race. Her advancement as a rider has been remarkable.

"Even though you can see this obvious upward trend in her riding, we really feel like she's snuck up on everyone. Let me see a show of hands of people who picked her to be in the final four going for the championship this year. No one expected her to do anything spectacular, but you know what, she did, and I'm very proud of her. She's polite and gracious and just a joy to be around, and she's getting better."

When reached by phone Tuesday morning, Klement declined to comment further on his decision. Calls to Llewellyn were unanswered.