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Leah Pritchett thrown a career lifeline

Top Fuel race winner Leah Pritchett, who was left stranded when Bob Vandergriff Jr. abruptly closed down his team just over a week ago, has found a ride for this weekend’s Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte.

Leah Pritchett

Leah Pritchett

Aries Media

Top Fuel winner Leah Pritchett, Pro Stock winner Jason Line, Funny Car winner Tim Wilkerson
Leah Pritchett
Top Fuel winner Leah Pritchett
Leah Pritchett, 2016 NHRA WInternationals
Leah Pritchett

Pritchett will continue to compete in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series driving the Nitro Ninja Top Fuel Dragster owned by the Lagana family.

After scoring her first-ever Top Fuel win in Phoenix at the end of February, Pritchett was as shocked as anyone when Vandergriff Jr. announced his retirement from the sport and she was left seeking a new ride.

However, sponsor FireAde 2000 has stuck by Pritchett, as have longtime partners Boninfante Friction and Aerodine Composites.

“It has been a whirlwind of a week,” Pritchett admitted, “but continuation of my pursuit to compete in Top Fuel has been made possible by sponsors and, of course, the Lagana family. 

“Having partners able to come in 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. This will also buy me a bit more time to work on funding for the rest of the season to compete with a readily available team.”

Ron Thames, CEO and founder of FireAde, a fire extinguisher company, stated: “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 added: “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.” 

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