Leah Pritchett has proven that she is driven to win and her tireless efforts to succeed came to fruition when she won her first Top Fuel event title near Phoenix in the second race of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

Despite the unexpected retirement of team owner Bob Vandergriff Jr. three weeks later, she remained undaunted in her pursuit of an NHRA Top Fuel championship and has been enabled to bring the Bob Vandergriff Racing team back together for one more race so she can compete this weekend in the NHRA Spring Nationals near Houston, the home of Quaker State, one of her primary sponsors.

“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 is ranked 10th in Mello Yello championship points.

Before competing at the 29th annual NHRA SpringNationals, she will participate Thursday in the NHRA Fanfest and Press Conference that is open to the public beginning at 11 a.m. at Hermann Square Park at City Hall in downtown Houston for NHRA Day. She will have the dragster and hauler on display while she meets Shell 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 in the Four-Wide Nationals near Charlotte, qualifying 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."

“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.”