Leah Pritchett reunited with Quaker State for NHRA race in Houston
Leah Pritchett's see-saw ride, more commonly referred to her 2016 season, is on the upswing again.
Pritchett has confirmed she will be reunited with the team she had at the beginning of the season and also won the Carquest NHRA Nationals in Phoenix, Ariz. It was also the same team which was disbanded earlier this month when team owner Bob Vandergriff abruptly retired from drag racing.
"I'm so grateful to have growing relationships with sponsors like Quaker State and FireAde that stand behind us, share common goals, and work hard with me to keep in the game," said Pritchett, whose team will be led at Houston by the return of veteran crew chiefs Mike Guger and Joe Barlam who guided her to the Phoenix title.
"I'm also beyond stoked to have my crew back together for Houston. There is a unique, seamlessly misfit, yet professional bond among us that I love. To be reunited, even if it is for just this one race. I'm pumped to the max to hunt down that Spring Nationals Top Fuel Wally together."
Pritchett remains in the top ten of Top Fuel point earners for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
"Right now I'm focusing at a pace quicker than my 320-mph dragster on locking in one race at a time," Pritchett said. "That is the immediate goal."
Despite losing her ride, Pritchett never missed a race thanks to a one-race deal with the Lagana Family team.
"Competing at back-to-back races while finding and creating proper funding has undoubtedly brought an elevated level of difficulty to the mix, but a shout out of thanks is in order to all of the business professionals in our drag racing community that have shown support and been open to exploring opportunities with my partners to keep me on the track," Pritchett added.
"It has definitely been an interesting turn of events this last month, but a journey I am embracing and growing from. For now, this BVR-owned and supported operation is hitting the road, and we're headed for Houston."
Bobby Bennett is the Publisher/Editor of CompetitionPlus.com, a leading independent online drag racing magazine, since 1999. For the latest in dragster news worldwide, visit www.competitionplus.com or follow on Twitter @competitionplus
