NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Three weeks after the unexpected retirement of team owner Bob Vandergriff Jr., Leah Pritchett remains undaunted in her pursuit of an NHRA Top Fuel world championship and has been enabled to bring the Bob Vandergriff Racing team back together for one more race so she can compete this weekend at the NHRA SpringNationals near Houston, the home of Quaker State, one of her primary sponsors.

Pritchett’s tireless efforts to succeed came to fruition earlier this season when she won her first Top Fuel event title near Phoenix at the second race of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

“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 in Houston by 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, seemingly 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 SpringNationals Top Fuel Wally together.”

Pritchett is ranked 10th in Mello Yello championship points.

Before competing at the 29th annual NHRA SpringNationals, she will participate Thursday in the NHRA Fan Fest and press conference that is open to the public beginning at 11 a.m. at Hermann Square Park at city hall in downtown Houston during NHRA Day. She will have the dragster and hauler on display while she meets Shell employees and other downtown employees, fans, public, and the media.

“Right now, I’m focusing at a pace quicker than my 320-mph dragster on locking in one race at a time. That is the immediate goal.”

She aligned herself with Lagana Racing to drive last weekend at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals presented by Lowes Foods near Charlotte and qualified for the unique four-lane event.

“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," said Pritchett.

“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.”

More on Leah Pritchett:

Pritchett relives her breakthrough first Top Fuel win earlier this season in Phoenix.