{"id":13426,"date":"2017-10-23T19:58:42","date_gmt":"2017-10-24T00:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=13426"},"modified":"2017-10-23T19:58:42","modified_gmt":"2017-10-24T00:58:42","slug":"top-fuels-leah-pritchett-striving-for-more-to-end-2017-season-on-even-better-note-at-nhra-toyota-nationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2017\/10\/23\/top-fuels-leah-pritchett-striving-for-more-to-end-2017-season-on-even-better-note-at-nhra-toyota-nationals\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Fuel’s Leah Pritchett striving for more to end 2017 season on even better note at NHRA Toyota Nationals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA<\/em><\/p>\n

LAS VEGAS \u2013 After winning four times and advancing to six final rounds during the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series<\/a> season, Leah Pritchett<\/strong> could have been content in what has already been a standout year. But the Top Fuel star wants to end the year in impressive fashion, and that means there are two races left to leave an even more noticeable mark.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Leah Pritchett. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

The first comes at this weekend\u2019s NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the penultimate race in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Pritchett is currently fifth in the points standings, but a late-season victory in Vegas, while also showcasing a Pennzoil livery on her 10,000-horsepower dragster, would do wonders for a team looking to end their season on a high note.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do think there\u2019s more to be gained,\u201d said Pritchett, who also has six No. 1 qualifiers this season. \u201cIf you would have told us all the accomplishments \u2013 the No. 1 qualifiers, the wins, setting the national E.T. record \u2013 before the first race in Pomona, we would have said, \u2018sign us up.\u2019 That\u2019s amazing. But we are competitors and while we are excited about that, we wouldn\u2019t be the racers we are if we didn\u2019t think we could go for more. We want more because we know we can do more.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Leah Pritchett. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Shane Gray (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year\u2019s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), including live final eliminations coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Oct. 29. It is the 23rd of 24 races during the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, and Pritchett has enjoyed seeing the continued excitement from her team this late in the season.<\/p>\n

Falling in close races early in the Countdown to the Championship has been difficult for the team but there is still plenty for Pritchett to race for to conclude the season. She started the year in remarkable fashion, winning three of the first five events, adding another victory in Brainerd, and finishing strong in Vegas and Pomona would provide a strong carryover for the 2018 season. It would also take away the playoff frustration that has included only three round wins thus far.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think these last two races are important on multiple levels,\u201d said Pritchett, who has five career wins. \u201cFor our team, for our morale, which is already high, going through all these highs and lows together, I couldn\u2019t ask for anything more. I believe we\u2019re ready. This season has been a learning season, specifically what it takes to maintain a championship-caliber level, but (a win) would create a lot of momentum. We have the mentality of nothing to lose and everything to gain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pritchett set a then E.T. record in Brainerd, running a 3.64, one of many highlights during her first full season with Don Schumacher Racing. Getting a fifth win would be an ideal topper, though it won\u2019t be easy. Torrence is after his first Top Fuel world title, holding a 57-point lead over Brittany Force and a 76-point advantage against Doug Kalitta. While it\u2019s been a learning experience competing against the Top Fuel elite, Pritchett and her team have made impressive strides.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat this season has forced me to do is find that balance between having confidence in my abilities, and also pursuing new ways to improve,\u201d Pritchett said. \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve done a good job of exploring that and hopefully these last two races will be the product of conquering that. The team is working hard, and we\u2019re all excited for these last two events to hopefully finish well. But I know we\u2019re going to stand up there on stage and know we gave it all we\u2019ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Funny Car, Ron Capps is trying to track down his second straight world title, but holds a slim 24-points lead against Robert Hight, who won the most recent event.<\/p>\n

Greg Anderson is after a fifth world title in Pro Stock, and will likely have to hold off a KB Racing teammate to do it. Bo Butner is 15 points back, while reigning champ Jason Line is 30 points out.<\/p>\n

Pro Stock Motorcycle points behind leader Eddie Krawiec will try to inch closer to a fourth world title in Vegas, and currently leads LE Tonglet by 107 points.<\/p>\n

The NHRA Toyota Nationals will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series as well as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. After Nitro qualifying, watch the spectacular Muy Caliente Racing jet dragsters sponsored by Lucas Oil, along with the eye lighting Black Pearl Jet Funny Car from Douthit Motorsports. Known for their exciting pre-run flame shows and after burner pops, jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines.<\/p>\n

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they\u2019re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. Fans also will want to visit NHRA\u2019s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 1:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-644-4444 or 702-644-4444. Tickets also are available online at www.lvms.com. Kids<\/a> 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more info, visit www.nhra.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WHAT:<\/strong> 17th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals, the 23rd of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the fifth of six playoff races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Drivers in four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – earn points leading to 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.<\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/strong> The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas. Track is located approximately 15 miles north of Las Vegas off I-15.<\/p>\n

COURSE:<\/strong> Championship drag strip; Track elevation is 2,100 feet above sea level; Track direction is south to north.<\/p>\n

WHEN:<\/strong> Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 26-29<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE:<\/strong> THURSDAY, Oct. 26 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying<\/p>\n

FRIDAY, Oct. 27 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying
\nNHRA J&A SERVICE PRO MOD SERIES qualifying at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, Oct. 28 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations
\nNHRA J&A SERVICE PRO MOD SERIES qualifying at 3:00 p.m. Round 1 of eliminations at 5:30 p.m.
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, Oct. 29 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10:15 a.m.
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

TELEVISION:<\/strong> 
\nFriday, Oct. 27, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) will televise one hour of live qualifying coverage at 6:00 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, Oct. 29, FS1 will air one hour of qualifying coverage at 3:00 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, Oct. 29, FS1 will televise three hours of live finals coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. (ET).<\/p>\n

2016 EVENT WINNERS:<\/strong> 
\nSteve Torrence, Top Fuel; John Force, Funny Car; Shane Gray, Pro Stock; Jerry Savoie, Pro Stock Motorcycle.<\/p>\n

MOST VICTORIES:<\/strong> 
\nAndrew Hines, PSM, 5; Greg Anderson, PS, 7; John Force, FC, 8 Tony Schumacher, TF<\/p>\n

TRACK RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.689 sec. by Steve Torrence, Oct \u201816 and 332.67 mph by Shawn Langdon, Oct. \u201915.
\nFunny Car – 3.867 sec. by Courtney Force, April \u201917 and 331.94 mph by John Force Oct. \u201816
\nPro Stock – 6.559 sec. and 210.28 mph by Erica Enders, Oct. \u201915.
\nPro Stock Motorcycle – 6.852 sec. by Jerry Savoie, Oct. \u201915; 196.56 mph by Eddie Krawiec, Oct. \u201911<\/p>\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.631 sec. by Clay Millican, Sept. \u201817, Brainerd; 333.66 mph by Brittany Force, May \u201817, Topeka, Kan.
\nFunny Car – 3.793 sec. by Robert Hight, Aug. ’17, Brainerd; 339.87 mph by Robert Hight, July \u201917, Sonoma, Calif. 
\nPro Stock – 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March ’15, Charlotte, N.C.;  215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May \u201814, Englishtown N.J.
\nPS Motorcycle – 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct. \u201912, Reading, Pa.; 199.88 mph by Hector Arana Jr., March \u201915, Charlotte, N.C.<\/p>\n

TICKETS:<\/strong> For tickets call (800) 644-4444, or visit www.LVMS.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA LAS VEGAS \u2013 After winning four times and advancing to six final rounds during the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, Leah Pritchett could have been content in what has already been a standout year. But the Top Fuel star wants to end the year in impressive fashion, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13430,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[45,6,334,509],"class_list":["post-13426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-leah-pritchett","tag-nhra","tag-the-strip-at-las-vegas-motor-speedway","tag-toyota-nationals"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Pritchett_Leah_Action_2017.jpg?fit=2250%2C1500","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-3uy","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13426"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13426\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13431,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13426\/revisions\/13431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}