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New ride: Leah Pritchett joins Bob Vandergriff Racing

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Leah Pritchett joins Bob Vandergriff Racing
Photo: NHRA.com

NHRA Top Fuel driver, Leah Pritchett just announced that she will be joining the Bob Vandergriff Racing team in 2016 to field a second Top Fuel dragster with the support of Quaker State.     Pritchett, who became a free agent last month when her Dote Racing team lost the Gumout sponsorship, pairs with teammate Dave Connolly, who returns driving the C&J Energy Services dragster for the full 2016 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

This will be Pritchett’s first full season since joining the Top Fuel ranks in 2013.  Leah began her racing career in the Junior Dragster ranks at the age of eight before moving on to a successful Nostalgia Funny Car and Pro Mod driving career.

The opportunity to run a complete NHRA Top Fuel season has been a goal that I have worked towards for a very long time,” said Pritchett. “I am beyond excited for the opportunity to focus on making the countdown next season, competing for a Championship, working alongside Bob Vandergriff Jr., and re-introduce the Quaker State brand back into the NHRA.  This dream is now a reality, thanks in large part to the vision of Bob Vandergriff Jr., as well as the support of great companies and people along my way to this personal and professional milestone, and of course my fans.”

Leah Pritchett joins Bob Vandergriff RacingQuaker State will be the primary sponsor of five NHRA races with associate sponsorships on both BVR Top Fuel Dragsters. Vandergriff is working hard in the off-season to secure more sponsors for the remaining races on the schedule. Quaker State has a long history with NHRA dating back to the ‘80s. The last car they sponsored was Tony Pedregon’s Nitro Funny Car which won the 2007 NHRA Funny Car Championship.

Bob Vandergriff Racing has presented Quaker State with an opportunity to get back into the NHRA, and we couldn’t be more excited for the 2016 season,” said Gita Gidwani, Quaker State Global Brand Manager. “Quaker State is a hardworking motor oil that has great synergies for working with a hardworking and dedicated driver like Leah Pritchett and we look forward to backing her as she continues her impressive NHRA career.”

We have two young drivers with extensive racing backgrounds, so 2016 should be an exciting year for BVR,” added Vandergriff. “Our goal is to put both Dave and Leah in the top 10 and take home the championship this year.” 

 

Check out Marina Anderson at Indy Downtown Marriott

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Marina Anderson PRI displayIf you’re in Indianapolis for the Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) annual tradeshow, you can check out NHRA A/Fuel dragster driver-in-training Marina Anderson and her custom-built dragster at the Marriott Downtown this week.   The display, which started on Sunday and will be in place until Saturday, December 12th.

I’m really excited about the opportunity to have my dragster in the lobby of the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown for the PRI Show. The PRI Show is always a great experience for us to both show appreciation for current partners and meet with potential sponsors. This display is a unique opportunity to expose the Anderson Family Dragster (AFD) brand and our partners to the show attendees and Marriott guests,” said Anderson.

PRI display for AFD Marina AndersonThe AFD dragster has been a four-year long family project for the Anderson family with Competition Fabrications.    They completed most of the chassis fabrication, tinwork, wiring and plumbing in-house, leaving the engine preparation to noted A/Fuel tuner Jerry Darien.   Marina is planning for a 2016 competition debut upon completion of the NHRA licensing process.

After testing the car for the first time this fall, we can’t wait to see what 2016 brings for the team. We learned a lot this year and I appreciate the way other A/Fuel teams have been open to teaching me and evening allowing me to work on their cars. I am also thankful for my team’s hard work to get to this point. I know next year will be a rewarding year because we plan on attending a few of the NHRA regional events.”

The PRI Show opens on Thursday, Dec. 10, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 12. Marina Anderson will be available to answer questions and sign autographs by her car display from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of the show.

Megan Meyer in Top Alcohol Dragster

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Megan MeyerNHRA rising upstart Megan Meyer is following in her father’s big footsteps.   Randy Meyers, driver and tuner of some of the quickest and most successful A/Fuel dragsters in the NHRA’s Top Alcohol Dragster class history, has been grooming his 22 year-old daughter to follow in the family TAD legacy.   After two years of training and a successful regional event debut earlier this year, the NHRA Central Region Rookie of the Year nominee will join her father on the NHRA circuit in 2016 as teammate and driver for a full national campaign.

Meyer drove to her first final-round finish in her Top Alcohol Dragster debut at the St. Louis regional event in August.    Pleased with the promising performance, she is now poised for the 18-race schedule in 2016, with 10 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) national events and eight LODRS regional races.

Entering the Lucas Oil national points series is such a dream come true for me. I’ve been looking forward to this my entire life and now that it’s almost here, it seems surreal. After watching my dad take home a national points championship back in 2003 with Alan Bradshaw driving, and getting a first-hand look at what it takes to become a national points leader, I have complete faith our team will be a front-runner in 2016. My dad has instilled the skills of dedication, determination, sacrifice, and hard work in my upbringing, and I believe having him as crew chief of our amazing crew, consisting of my mother and little sister, is going to be the best combination in 2016,” Meyer said assuredly.

Megan Meyer TADMegan Meyer graduates from Kansas’ Pittsburg State University this month, and will hit the road in 2016 across the country.  The Herbalife 24 team will compete at NHRA national events in Gainesville, Charlotte, Houston, Norwalk, Chicago, Brainerd, Indianapolis, Reading, and Dallas.   In addition, Megan will run the full NHRA Central Region schedule, with races in Belle Rose, Tulsa, Topeka, Earlville, and Noble – and the North Central Region events in Chicago, St. Louis and Bowling Green.

I am determined to end up number one or two in the Central Region points series, and would like to win my very first NHRA national event. Also, I cannot wait for the chance to finally race my dad – hopefully in a final round! I still plan on bracket racing my Super Comp dragster next year at a few local E.T. Races with my sister to stay sharp between NHRA races. Finally, I will be launching my own freelance design business offering my services to other race teams,” added Meyer, a graphic design student.

Though Meyer and her father are still finalizing 2016 sponsorship partners, a new apparel company called Racers Evolved has come on board with Megan that will focus on the needs of racers in all types of motorsports.

I am excited to partner with Racers Evolved because it’s created by racers, for racers. As a female racer, I think there is a big demand for certain ladies textiles that aren’t available for drag racing, because it’s a male dominant sport. With Racers Evolved, we will have all sorts of clothing options that are handpicked by me and available to anyone in 2016 to provide the female racers with proper form-fitted garments,” said Meyer.

 

Erica Enders on espnW IMPACT25

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After a record breaking season, two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, Erica Enders was recently named to espnW’s IMPACT 25 list featuring athletes and influencers making big moves for women in sports.

Enders joined many other famous women in sports athletes such as World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, tennis star Serena Williams and UFC fighter Ronda Rousey.  The list was selected by a panel of sports experts and former athletes, split into two categories: Athletes and Influencers.   Honorees were captured in a special commemorative “Super” illustration by Marvel Comics.   Erica’s capture depicted her as Racer XX – a tilt to her double X chromosomes.

Racer XX – Marvel’s Erica Enders Superhero

Racer XX Erica Enders
Marvel Comics “Racer XX” Erica Enders

“It’s a tremendous honor to be on this list of the best athletes in the world,” Enders said.  “Thank you to ESPN and espnW for recognizing the contributions of women in sports, and thank you to the pioneers like Shirley Muldowney and Angelle Sampey for helping to pave the way for other women like me in drag racing.”

Enders has a storied career in NHRA Drag Racing, with 2015 being her most impressive season to date.   She took home nine event wins in 2015,  had 11 final-round appearances, six No. 1 qualifying performances, and made history with three consecutive wins by holeshots, a first for the sport.   Her 2015 dominant World Championship was her 2nd career Pro Stock title.  Her nine wins also eclipsed Angelle Sampey for the most wins by a female in a single season.

Erica Enders has 21 career victories, making her the 39th driver on the NHRA All-Time win list.   She trails Angelle Sampey for 2nd most winningest female driver by 20 wins

Dina Parise on Power Nation TV

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Dina Parise
Photo: IHRA

IHRA Pro Mod World Champion, Dina Parise is set to appear on an upcoming episode of Power Nation TV with her 3,000 horsepower Pro Mod Cadillac CTS-V “Bella” and husband/crew chief Andrew Parise.   Show host Katie Osborne will talk to the newly crowned champion about her transition from Ice Capades star to Drag Racing Champion.

New Sponsors: Lucas Oil and Eastwood Company

Excitement builds for Dina Parise on Power Nation TV as the team recently welcomed new sponsors Lucas Oil and Eastwood Company for the 2016 season, and will be debuting the new additions to the car/team on the show.

Power Nation TV

Erica Enders MOPAR backed in 2016

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Erica Enders/Elite Motorsports Dodge Dart GT

Erica Enders Mopar switch in 2016Two-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, Erica Enders announced today (via NHRA.com) that her Elite team will be carrying the MOPAR banner in 2016.   Enders and her Elite Motorsports teammate, Jeg Coughlin Jr. will be leading the factory backed MOPAR team in the Pro Stock ranks, campaigning a new fuel-injected Elite Motorsports Hemi-powered Dodge Dart GT.

The Mopar brand is excited to announce that two proven champions, Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. will fly the Mopar colors in the NHRA Pro Stock class next season,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service for Mopar.  “We couldn’t ask for greater competitors or brand ambassadors to represent us at the drag strip.”

Enders is fresh off a dominating season that saw nine event wins, 11 final-round appearances, and six No. 1 qualifying spots en route to her Back to Back Championship in 2015.   She bested Angelle Sampey for the most wins by a female in one season with her nine victories.   Erica last competed in a Dodge during her 2006-2007 season, and is excited to chase her third consecutive World Pro Stock title in 2016.

“We’re entering a new era of Pro Stock and it’s going to be awesome to take a new Mopar-powered Dodge Dart into 2016 and beyond,” said Enders.  “We won the last two championships with carburetors and now the goal is to win the first one with fuel injection.  The Dart Pro Stock cars look awesome and I’m already very familiar with Mopar because I’ve driven for them in the past.  It’s an honor and a privilege to represent them moving forward.”  

Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 List

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Drag Illustrated 30 under 30Drag Illustrated Announces 1st Annual 30 under 30 List

Drag Illustrated magazine announced its inaugural ‘30 under 30’ Who Make a Difference list celebrating drag racing’s young talent.   The 30 honorees will be featured in Drag Illustrated’s ‘Tomorrow’ Issue, released at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) tradeshow on Thursday, December 10.

A special press conference to honor the 30 members will be held on Thursday at 1:30PM EST in the PRI media center.   The Tommorrow Issue will be available in the Drag Illustrated booth #3449 while supplies last.

“This has been one of the most exciting projects we’ve ever tackled, “ Drag Illustrated Editor-in-Chief Wes Buck said.  “We set out to reward and celebrate the most talented young people the sport of drag racing has to offer, and I could not possibly be more proud of this first-ever Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 class.”

Ladies of Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30

Seven talented women of drag racing made the inaugural Drag Illustrated 30 Under 30 list out of nearly 5,000 nominations received.

  • Brittany Force, NHRA Top Fuel Driver
  • Leah Pritchett, NHRA Top Fuel Driver
  • Megan Fessel-Schumacher, NHRA Blogger/Social Media, DSR
  • Ashley Sanford, NHRA A Fuel Driver
  • Mia Tedesco, NHRA A Fuel Driver
  • Lizzy Musi, PDRA Pro Modified Driver
  • Tera Wendland-Graves, Nostalgia Driver
  • Audrey Worm, Nostalgia NFC Driver, Business professional

Congratulations to all of these hard-working, talented young ladies!

Melanie Salemi’s rookie Pro Mod season

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Melanie Salemi Pro BoostPDRA Pro Boost racer Melanie Salemi will celebrate the end of her rookie Pro Mod season at the PRI Show this week in Indianapolis, IN.    Melanie and her beautiful G-Force Racing 1968 Pro Boost Firebird will be on display in the Ross Pistons Booth #1801 December 10-12, 2o15 at the racing industry’s largest tradeshow.

Melanie Salemi’s Rookie Pro Mod Season

Melanie Salemi wins Dragstock XII in Pro BoostMelanie took on the tough competition all season long in the PDRA’s Pro Boost class, earning her first win in just her second start in the class at the Dragstock XII event in Rockingham, North Carolina.   Salemi qualified #3 at the event, before running consistent 3.86 second elapsed times through the eliminations rounds, taking out Anthony Disomma in the final to become the first woman to earn a professional victory in the PDRA’s Pro Boost class.

It’s been an awesome experience to say the least. I know it’s cliché but my team is so great. I don’t really feel that there is another team as versatile as ours. Every aspect of this car is built and maintained under our own roof. Engine, chassis, tuning, maintenance and management, It really is a one stop shop.  Without the effort from my entire team this just wouldn’t be possible. I feel it’s huge advantage and has all of us very excited for 2016 and beyond”, stated Salemi.

Melanie Salemi G-Force 68 Pro Boost FirebirdSalemi plans for 2016 season

The Melanie Salemi Racing team isn’t sitting idle during the off-season.   They plan to switch their combination to an electronic fuel injection system with the support of Fueltech USA to maximize engine efficiency and allow them better tuning control and management on the track.   They plan to begin on-track testing in January with the new combination after they conclude extensive dyno testing on their in-house engine dyno.

Shirley Muldowney resigns from B.R.A.K.E.S.

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Shirley MuldowneyNHRA legend Shirley Muldowney recently announced her resignation from the Board of Directors at B.R.A.K.E.S., a North Carolina-based charity that promotes safe driving among teenagers.    The four-time world champion moved to the Charlotte area from her longtime home in Michigan to assist with the foundation, formed by fellow Top Fuel drag racer. Doug Herbert after the tragic loss of his two sons.

“An opportunity has come up with another entity that will be a really wonderful deal for me personally, so I have resigned from B.R.A.K.E.S. effective immediately,” Muldowney said.

Shirley, who also was linked to a proposed Streamliner Land Speed record attempt project with Doug Herbert, said that her new schedule and 2016 plans will not allow her the time to participate in the program going forward.   Though she didn’t elaborate on her 2016 plans, she did announce that she will be present at more NHRA races throughout the season, and will even launch a new Shirley Muldowney apparel line with PiranaZ through her new public relations team at Geiger Media.

I appreciate and cherish the time I had with board members Wanda Miller, Dave Dobson, and Mickey Aberman and I believe in the mission of B.R.A.K.E.S.   I’m thrilled about the future, which has many possibilities that I will be at more NHRA races throughout the year. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with my wonderful fans, and the chance to see more of them has me very excited. Stay tuned for more good news coming very soon.”

Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal

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Over the weekend, Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal to become racing’s newest power couple.    The NHRA Funny Car driver and her new Indycar husband, tied the knot in a stunning beachfront ceremony at Rancho Dos Pueblos in Santa Barbara, CA.

Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal
Instagram: Graham Rahal/Courtney Force

Courtney Force Weds Graham Rahal at Rancho Dos Pueblos

Details of the Force-Rahal Wedding plans were kept tight-lipped, but many expected it to follow shortly after the conclusion of the NHRA racing season.    As expected, the nuptials took place just days after Courtney finished her 2015 Mello Yello NHRA Drag Racing season in 11th place for the Funny Car division.

Courtney Force's Bridesmaids
Sisters Ashley and Brittany and Adria were among Courtney’s bridesmaid court.

Graham proposed to Courtney Thanksgiving weekend in 2014 during a beautiful evening gondola ride in Venice, Italy.  The pair met in 2013 during the NHRA races outside Chicago, and a whirlwind romance ensued.   Rahal, who is based in Indianapolis, logged many frequent flier miles between his home and Courtney’s  California residence.    The pair would meet between their busy racing schedules, texting and skyping when they couldn’t be together.

The Reception location where Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal
The Reception location where Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal Photo: Soigne Productions
Courtney Force weds Graham Rahal in this beautiful beach ceremony location
The beachfront ceremony scene for the Force – Rahal Wedding.
Photo: Soigne Productions

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Graham Rahal!