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Leah Pritchett

You are here: Home / Archives for Leah Pritchett

Papa John’s Pizza joined Leah Pritchett

August 8, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Papa John's Pizza joined Leah PritchettThe Top Fuel class just got a little more appetizing.   National pizza franchise, Papa John’s Pizza joined Leah Pritchett and her Don Schumacher Racing Top Fuel dragster team at this weekend’s NHRA national event in Seattle, Wash. and will continue on with them on board at the upcoming race in Brainerd, Minn.

Papa John’s Pizza joined Leah Pritchett at the 29th Annual Protect the Harvest NHRA Nationals in Kent, Wash., ranked 10th in championship points in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. She won this year’s second event title near Phoenix.     Pritchett would qualify in the No. 8 position for the event, pairing her first round against Morgan Lucas for Sunday’s opening round of eliminations.

Career-best E.T. leads to first round loss

Sunday morning’s routine for the popular 28-year-old driver from Redlands, Calif., who lives near Indianapolis, was disrupted by a rushed early call for prerace driver introductions.  Race officials pushed the morning schedule ahead in an attempt to beat pending precipitation arriving before scheduled opening rounds of eliminations at Pacific Raceways.

The rain did come, and after about 90 minutes, the sky cleared and track was dried to set the stage for Leah Pritchett to race Morgan Lucas. As the higher qualified dragster, her crew chief, Todd Okuhara, had choice of lanes.
Pritchett beat Lucas to the finish line with her career-best elapsed time of 3.707 seconds at 325.30, but her day unfortunately ended before that when she was disqualified for leaving the starting line prematurely by 33-thousandths of a second and recorded a redlight (false) start.
“It’s going to take a lot more than that to break my spirit,” she said. “We win as a team and lose as a team. My guys have my back and I always have theirs.  The plan today was to leave (the starting line) first and we definitely did that,” she joked. “I know I’m a better driver than that. That (3.70) was the best E.T. of my career, and we have a great car.”
It was her first red-light start in a side-by-side race in four years of driving a Top Fuel dragster.
One bright spot for her on the cloudy day was that she maintained her hold on 10th place in the Top Fuel standings when her closest challenger, Terry McMillen, also lost in the opening round. Pritchett, who won this year’s second event title in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, holds a 19-point lead over McMillen heading into the next event in two weeks at Brainerd, Minn.
“We get to race at Brainerd with Papa John’s, and we continue our chase to get into the Countdown thanks to Papa John’s, FireAde, Mopar and Pennzoil.  Stability is something I’ve been hunting for for a very long time, and Don Schumacher has been able to provide that with our partners.”
 Papa John’s founder, chairman and chief executive officer, John Schnatter, visited DSR headquarters a few weeks ago and got his first experience with nitro when DSR fired up Pritchett’s dragster.
“This means so much to me, our team and the sport of NHRA drag racing,” said the graduate of Cal State San Bernardino. “We are huge fans of Papa John’s Pizza and are confident it will help fuel us to victory,” added Pritchett. “My dream is one day to walk into a location and order a ‘Leah’s Nitro Pizza’ on the Papa John’s menu.  One requirement – it has to be spicy!”
 Schnatter founded Papa John’s in 1984 when he knocked down a wall to a broom closet in his father’s tavern in Jeffersonville, Ind.. He then sold his prized 1972 Z28 Camaro to purchase $1,600 worth of used pizza equipment and began selling pizzas to the tavern’s customers out of the converted closet to help save the business. Today, Papa John’sis the world’s third largest pizza delivery company with over 4,900locations in 50 states and 40 countries and territories.
“I am excited to add another quality ingredient to our Papa John’s team with our sponsorship of Don Schumacher Racing and Leah Pritchett,” said “Papa John” Schnatter.  “Leah’s passion for racing is like my passion for pizzamaking; always looking for ways to improve and get better.”  
 Pritchett’s dragster is a salute to his iconic, gold muscle car that he reacquired and owns today.

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Leah Pritchett, NHRA, Sponsors, Top Fuel, Women Racing

Pritchett racing in Charlotte

April 20, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Leah Pritchett Racing in CharlotteNHRA Top Fuel driver, Leah Pritchett, has just confirmed that she will be competing at the 7th Annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, NC.   She will take the seat driving the Nitro Ninja Top Fuel dragster owned by the Lagana family with backing from primary sponsor FireAde 2000.

Pritchett and her entire Bob Vandergriff Racing team were recently released after a retirement announcement by owner Bob Vandergriff, Jr.   This left the recent event winning Top Fuel driver scrambling once again as a free-agent to continue her driving career in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

Since the surprise announcement last Monday, Pritchett was able to coordinate a joint effort between her primary sponsor in FireAde 2000 and longtime partners Bonifante  Friction, Aerodine Composites, and her friends in the Lagana family.  Prtichett racing in Charlotte is, for now, a one-race commitment allowing Leah to continue accruing points, and maintaining visibility on the circuit while searching for a long-term opportunity.

It has been a whirlwind of a week, but continuation of my pursuit to compete in Top Fuel has been made possible by FireAde 2000, with joint efforts of longtime partners Boninfante Friction, Aerodine Composites, and of course the Lagana family. Having partners able to come in clutch at the last moment enables me to enter one more race at this time, and will help me stay relevant in the NHRA Mello Yello Series Championship Point standings,” said Pritchett. “This will also buy me a bit more time to work on sufficient funding for the rest of the season to compete with a readily available team.”

FireAde 2000 joined Pritchett at the beginning of the season as a multi-race sponsor on her BVR dragster for 2016.   Although her run there ended prematurely, the fire safety company has stepped up to support Leah at the 4-Wide Nationals event with the Lagana team.

Just as the FireAde products continue to surpass industry standards, whether fighting blazing wildfires on the land, in the oil fields, or with a can of FireAde 2000 that should be in every garage or household, they continue to exceed my expectations. FireAde is helping me get through this high temperature of a time, and as a dedicated partner, I look forward to representing them as best I can for as long as am I able to.”

Ron Thames, CEO and Founder of FireAde is also excited about this weekend stating, “In a short time Leah has proved to be an incredible ambassador for our company, on and off the track, and we are pleased to be able to continue our partnership with her and support her efforts during this time”.

Pritchett is grateful for the opportunity, and welcomes being surrounded by friends in the Lagana family and even a few of her former crew members at BVR.   Ironically, she will be driving the same dragster she competed against just a few weeks ago at the Gatornationals, driven by rookie Tripp Tatum.   The Nitro Ninja dragster runs on a limited schedule, but are always competitive, headed by crew chief John Stewart.

Beyond working alongside and being close friends with the Laganas, I feel fortunate to bring the proper resources to their operation to compete at this event. Experiencing this portion of my journey with people I know, respect, and trust, makes this quick turnaround of a time, that much more rewarding.  I will even have a couple of my former crew members from my BVR dragster driving down and working on the car with me this weekend.”

Qualifying sessions for the 7th Annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals presented by Lowes Food begin on Friday at 4:30PM and 7:30PM EST.  Television coverage will be on FOX Sports 1 with qualifying coverage on Saturday at 10 PM and eliminations Sunday at 4:30 PM EST.

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Leah Pritchett, NHRA, Top Fuel, Women Racing

Leah Pritchett free agent again

April 11, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

BVRAn announcement by Bob Vandergriff, Jr. delivered a shocking blow in the NHRA Top Fuel pits today – unfortunately leaving Leah Pritchett a free agent again.

Competition Plus reported today that the two-car Bob Vandergriff Racing Top Fuel operation has been shut down effective immediately.   All employees, including Top Fuel driver, Leah Pritchett, were released.

Vandergriff sited a personal decision to retire immediately from NHRA Drag Racing to spend time with his family.   The loss of his friend and primary supporter, C&J Energy’s Josh Comstock, influenced his departure and immediate retirement.

I’ve missed a lot of things in my children’s lives over the years and the desire to spend more time at home with my family has weighed on me greatly the last few years and when combined with the struggles the oil and gas industry has been facing over the last 12-18 months it seemed like now was the right time to retire,” said Bob Vandergriff, Jr. according to a statement. (Source: Competition Plus)

Speculation about the financial state of C&J Energy, BVR’s primary sponsor, preceded the announcement as annual financial records showed a plummeting loss in 2015 for the publicly traded C&J Energy Services (NYSE: CJES) of $872.3M.  (Source: Market Watch)

Leah Pritchett Free Agent Again

Leah Pritchett Free Agent againNo stranger to free-agent status, Pritchett also encountered the loss of a ride when Dote Racing announced it would not return to NHRA Top Fuel competition after their 2015 partial season.  Hard work and hustle during the off season led her to a late PRI announcement that paired her with Quaker State, FireAde and teamed her with Bob Vandergriff Racing.

Leah Pritchett joined the BVR team at the beginning of the 2016 season.   She earned her first professional victory in the Top Fuel class in just her second event with the team.

With no word on the details of the Quaker State or FireAde agreements, the sudden loss of her BVR team makes Leah Pritchett a free agent again.

 

It is beyond unfortunate, surprising, and a tip of a seahorse to say the least with the retirement news of Bob…

Posted by Leah Pritchett on Monday, April 11, 2016

 

Her back against the wall several times before, we are confident the smart and business-savy NHRA Top Fuel champion will be back soon.

Our best wishes to Leah Pritchett and the entire BVR team as they pursue other opportunities.

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Leah Pritchett, NHRA, Top Fuel, Women Racing

First win in Top Fuel for Leah Pritchett

February 29, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

First win in Top Fuel for Leah PritchettNHRA racer Leah Pritchett earned her first career win in the Top Fuel class this weekend during the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.   The emotional win not only marked the first win in Top Fuel for Leah Pritchett, but the all-female final also had historical significance for women as well.   Pritchett had previously campaigned limited schedules in Top Fuel during the 2014 & 2015 seasons with Dote Racing, before becoming a free-agent at the end of 2015.

First win in Top Fuel for Leah Pritchett

After qualifying in the No. 10 position with a 3.859 second, 314.31 mph effort, Leah Pritchett would begin Sunday’s eliminations facing JR Todd in round one.    She would take the lead off the starting line and never look back, running  4.361 at 245.54 mph to Todd’s losing 4.612 at 168.05 mph.

In round two, she would face former NHRA Top Fuel champion, Antron Brown.    However, this match was over before it began, as Brown left before the tree, handing Leah a rare red-light victory.   Undeterred in the other lane, she ran 3.808 at 322.19 mph to earn lane choice entering the next round.

For the semi-finals, Leah would face Clay Millican, a competitor she had yet to beat in Top Fuel competition.   Maintaining stealth-like reactions on the tree, she was able to defeat Millican with a 3.832 at 317.05 mph to his losing 3.878 at 299.86 mph.     A clean pass, but not enough to secure lane choice.    Pritchett would advance to her second career final in Top Fuel, where she would be facing fellow female racer, Brittany Force.    Last season, Pritchett reached the final round in Atlanta, where she took the runner-up against Antron Brown.

Historic All-Female Top Fuel Final

Leah vs. Brittany in the final
Photo: NHRA

Much anticipation built for the all-female final round.   Both racers were vying for their first career Top Fuel victory, and both had made big changes in the off-season that were making quite a difference in their on-track performances:  Leah having joined the Quaker State/BVR team full-time for 2016, and Brittany’s Monster Energy team forming an alliance with reknowned tuning ace Alan Johnson.    Statistically speaking, Leah had the advantage over Brittany in their previous meetings at 3-1, but Brittany had run consistently in the 3.70 range all day Sunday.   It was anyone’s race to win.

When the tree dropped, Leah’s consistency at the tree would pay off, taking the advantage off the line with a 0.046 second reaction over Brittany’s 0.067.   Both thundered down the track side-by-side, but Leah would hang on for the victory with a 3.775 second, 323.12 mph performance to Force’s faster, but losing 3.774 at 321.35 mph pass.     Her quickest run of the weekend, the hole-shot marked the first win in Top Fuel for Leah Pritchett.

It is the happiest day of my life, besides getting married, of course,” said Pritchett. “This is what dreams are made of.”

The win pushes Leah Pritchett and her Quaker State/ BVR team to the No. 5 position in championship points so far this season, after she was eliminated in the first round at the season opener in Pomona.

I feel like I just won the Super Bowl, even though it’s only the second race and it’s not the U.S. Nationals. For me, it’s an incredible personal and Professional victory to be able to compete with the team that I’m with.”

The first win in Top Fuel for Leah Pritchett placed her name in the record books as the eighth female driver to win in the Top Fuel category, and the 16th woman to win a Mello Yello Series race.  Leah and Brittany’s match-up marked the first all-female Top Fuel final since Shirley Muldowney defeated Lucille Lee in Columbus, Ohio back in 1982.   It also marked only the forth all-female professional class final in the Mello-Yello series history, with the last coming when Angelle Sampey and Karen Stoffer battled it out in Pro Stock Motorcycle last season in Norwalk, Ohio.

Category: Featured, Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Leah Pritchett, NHRA, Top Fuel, Women Racing

Ladies strong in Nitro Spring Training

February 7, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Brittany Force Nitro  Spring Training Preseason testing Phoenix AZ
Photo: Ron Lewis

The ladies looked strong in NHRA Nitro Spring Training, a successful four days of NHRA pre-season testing at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

Brittany Force and the Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster team led all Top Fuel dragsters on Saturday’s final day of Nitro Spring Training, with a 3.721 second pass at 319.07 mph.   Force posted the 5th and 6th quickest runs of the four day test session overall.

I am definitely glad we are here in Phoenix testing. We were here for four days and I needed every single run that we made to make me feel more comfortable. Teaming up with Alan Johnson and Brian Husen as my crew chief has been great,” said Force. “They have made a lot of changes to this Monster Energy dragster. They run a whole different system that what we used to run. It takes some time to adjust to that and I am learning the car. It is starting to feel like home. We ran a couple of 3.72s and I am ready to get to Pomona.”

Leah Pritchett in Nitro Spring Training, Phoenix AZ
Photo: NHRA.com

Leah Prichett and her new team at Bob Vandergriff Racing worked on getting comfortable together.  The team ran well, and Leah felt comfortable in the seat with new crew chiefs Mike Guger and Joe Barlam at the helm.

It’s going OK.  It was running low-.70 numbers on the early-shutoff runs we made this week. I’m extremely comfortable in the car. It drives smooth. Mike and Joe are phenomenal to work with. We have high expectations that we’ve placed on ourselves. We have something to prove this year,” said Pritchett (via NHRA.com).

Courtney Force Nitro Spring Training Preseason Testing
Photo: Ron Lewis

Courtney Force driving the Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car ran her career best ET 3.890 at 323.89 mph. The first two days of testing were uneventful for Force who struggled to get her Funny Car down the track. The team began to hit their stride on Friday.

We struggled a little the first couple of passes but then we got it figured out. That is why you go to testing. I am really excited to be working with Ronnie Thompson and Danny Hood as my crew chiefs. This whole Traxxas Chevrolet Funny Car team did a great job here in Phoenix. We made my quickest run ever and I feel really comfortable heading to Pomona,” said Courtney Force.

Saturday NHRA Nitro Spring Training Leaderboard

TOP FUEL

  1.  Brittany Force– 3.721, 319.07
  2. Clay Millican – 3.739, 288.87
  3. Doug Kalitta – 3.745, 325.53
  4. Brittany Force – 3.747, 322.81 
  5. Richie Crampton – 3.748, 319.22
  6. Brittany Force – 3.758, 317.64
  7. Antron Brown – 3.768, 297.88
  8. Shawn Langdon – 3.770, 316.08
  9. Antron Brown – 3.791, 320.13
  10. J.R. Todd – 3.802, 325.69
  11. Leah Pritchett – 3.839, 272.72
  12. J.R. Todd – 3.882, 251.67
  13. Terry McMillen – 3.916, 256.75
  14. Troy Buff – 3.929, 255.00
  15. Terry McMillen – 3.935, 306.05
  16. Troy Buff – 4.123, 242.19

FUNNY CAR

  1. Tommy Johnson Jr. – 3.874, 318.47
  2. Robert Hight – 3.885, 329.34
  3. Courtney Force – 3.890, 323.89
  4. John Force – 3.914, 327.35
  5. Courtney Force – 3.915, 323.74
  6. Ron Capps – 3.919, 320.66
  7. John Force – 3.927, 323.66
  8. John Force – 3.930, 328.14
  9. Robert Hight – 3.931, 323.43
  10. Matt Hagan – 3.962, 326.79
  11. Alexis DeJoria – 3.972, 320.51
  12. Jack Beckman – 3.982, 289.57
  13. Del Worsham – 3.983, 320.81
  14. Ron Capps – 3.987, 319.29
  15. Alexis DeJoria – 3.993, 322.58
  16. Del Worsham – 3.999, 320.97
  17. Cruz Pedregon – 4.008, 273.94
  18. Brian Hough – 4.015, 316.01
  19. Del Worsham – 4.070, 273.39
  20. Jim Campbell – 4.153, 252.24
  21. Matt Hagan – 4.211, 225.60

Top 10 overall | Nitro Spring Training

TOP FUEL

  1. Tony Schumacher – 3.683, 325.37
  2. Dave Connolly – 3.714, 330.15
  3. Doug Kalitta – 3.716, 327.35
  4. Tony Schumacher – 3.718, 320.58
  5. Brittany Force – 3.721, 319.07 
  6. Brittany Force  – 3.721, 318.54
  7. Doug Kalitta  – 3.727, 322.88
  8. Steve Torrence – 3.729, 326.08
  9. Steve Torrence – 3.731, 326.48
  10. Shawn Langdon – 3.733, 315.49

FUNNY CAR

  1. Tommy Johnson Jr. – 3.874, 318.47
  2. Jack Beckman– 3.880, 325.77
  3. Robert Hight – 3.885, 329.34
  4. Courtney Force – 3.890, 323.89
  5. Jack Beckman – 3.894, 327.03
  6. Jack Beckman – 3.895, 325.06
  7. Courtney Force – 3.904, 318.54
  8. John Force – 3.912, 324.20
  9. Robert Hight – 3.913, 326.16
  10. John Force – 3.914, 327.35

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Alexis DeJoria, Brittany Force, Courtney Force, Leah Pritchett, Women Racing

FireAde signs on with Leah Pritchett and BVR

February 4, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Leah Pritchett FireAde Bob Vandergriff RacingNHRA Top Fuel driver Leah Pritchett has just announced a multi-race deal in which her Bob Vandergriff Racing top fuel dragster will feature FireAde 2000 as primary sponsor at select events in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series,  and serve as an associate sponsor throughout the rest of the season.

Ron Thames, owner of Fire Service Plus which makes the Fireade product and I starting discussing ways we could work together last October,” said team owner Bob Vandergriff Jr. “We’re both excited we were able to put together a program that will benefit both sides, they make a great product and it’s been very well received at every level we’ve introduced it.”

FireAde manufactures innovative, user friendly and environmentally safe fire extinguishers. Their products are made from 98% organic compounds, so they contain no hazardous chemicals and are biodegradable. FireAde is used by the NHRA Safety Safari and their extinguishers can be found in retailers all around the world.

When you think of B2B and creating opportunities I kept hearing one name, Bob Vandergriff and BVR,” said Ron Thames. “Since creating this partnership our company has already had doors opened for us at both the retail level and in the oil fields sector. I’m looking forward to growing this program and we’re off to great start already.”

This is Pritchett’s first season with Bob Vandergriff Racing and her first full-season behind-the-wheel of a top fuel dragster. FireAde joins Quaker State as the second major company to team up with Bob Vandergriff Racing to support Leah Pritchett this season. Pritchett finished #14 in points last year after only competing in 16 out of 24 races. With the backing of BVR, she is focused on earning her first win in Top Fuel and competing for the championship title.

The 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Series season will begin at the 56th annual Circle K Winternationals in Pomona, California on February 12 – 14.

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Leah Pritchett, NHRA, Top Fuel, Women Racing

Most Improved Woman of the Year 2015

December 30, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

The Most Improved Woman of the Year category received 49 nominations and 285 votes for the Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.    Another close race that came down to the wire, deciding a winner by just FOUR votes.

2015 Most Improved Woman of the Year – Heather Carter

2015 Most Improved Heather Carter
(Photo Credit: Sam Davidowicz)

Horsepower & Heels is proud to announce the winner of the 2015 Women of the Year Most Improved category – Outlaw 632 racer, Heather Carter!

Miss Behaving Racing and Florida resident, Heather Carter campaigns a black 1968 Camaro in the Outlaw 632 class.  She continues to improve in the class, running a series of personal best in her last outing – the Snowbird Nationals in Bradenton, FL.

Heather is looking forward to an exciting 2016 season.

Most Improved Woman of the Year 2015Runner Up – Leah Pritchett

Top Fuel Drag Racer, Leah Pritchett was your Most Improved Woman of the Year Runner-Up for the 2015 Horsepower & Heels Women of the Year Awards.

Most Improved Woman of the Year Nominees

  • Janette Thornley
  • Brittany Force
  • Haley James
  • Jamie Elrod
  • Kathy Fisher
  • Dina Parise
  • Jenna Haddock
  • Kat Moller
  • Erica Enders
  • Lizzy Musi
  • Kassidy Kreitz
  • Michele Abbate
  • Kayli Barker
  • Amy Tate
  • Mia Tedesco
  • Angelle Sampey
  • Alexis DeJoria
  • Audrey Worm
  • Courtney Force
  • Nellie Kitterman
  • Ashley Sanford
  • Emily Shapiro
  • Kenzie Ruston
  • Danica Patrick
  • Simona De Silvestro
  • Journee Richardson
  • Sarah Koeth
  • Kali Nguyen
  • Karen Stoffer
  • Madelyn Marconi
  • Cassie Simonton
  • Shayle Bayde
  • Tiana Berkeley
  • Akyra Salemi
  • Valerie Clements
  • Ashley Tidrick
  • Kayla Morton
  • Paige Polyak
  • Alex Taylor
  • Randy Lynn Shipp
  • Cassie Gannis
  • Michela Cerruti
  • Yara Shabaly
  • Ana Carrasco
  • Georgina Polden

 

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Heather Carter, Leah Pritchett, Most Improved, Women of the Year

Sports Minded | Female Racers

December 27, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Competitiveness is a wonderful thing harnessed by strong, capable ladies in the sports world. Many women in motorsports were also athletes in other sports before they began their racing careers.

These sports minded female racers drew on the experiences they gained in other sports to help them in the racing world.

Sports Minded Female Racers : What sports do/did you play?  How did it help you in Motorsports?

Leave us a comment below with your sport and experiences!

Category: Horsepower & Heels BlogTag: Ashley Keller, Dina Parise, Erica Ortiz, Journee Richardson, Leah Pritchett, McKenna Haase, Shannon Mudro, Women Racing

Ladies of Racing PRI 2015 PHOTOS

December 11, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

It’s time for the 2015 Performance Racing Industry tradeshow, and the women of motorsports are out working the business side of racing, networking with contacts, and showing support for their sponsors.

Check out these cool social shares of photos from the ladies of racing working the show floor at PRI 2015!  

This Gallery is from Day 1…. stay tuned tomorrow for highlights from Day 2!

[SOURCE:  Facebook/Twitter]

Ladies of Racing PRI 2015 Photos – Day 1 Gallery-

Category: Heel ClicksTag: Ariel Biggs, Ashley Sanford, Harli White, Julia Landauer, Katie Hargitt, Leah Pritchett, Mandy Chick, Molly Helmuth, Pippa Mann, Sara Burgess, Shannon McIntosh, Shea Holbrook

New ride: Leah Pritchett joins Bob Vandergriff Racing

December 10, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

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.” 

 

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Drag Racing, Leah Pritchett, NHRA, Top Fuel, Women Racing

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