BROWNSBURG, Indiana – At speeds of over 320 mph, Leah Pritchett may very well drive the fastest pizza delivery car there is.
The NHRA Top Fuel driver is being sponsored – the second of a two-race deal – during this weekend’s Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals by Papa John’s Pizza.
It’s been a pretty eventful weekend so far for Pritchett on three fronts:
* She’s currently 10th after the first three rounds of qualifying, with the final two rounds of qualifying set for Sunday.
* She finished runner-up in the prestigious Traxxas Shootout in Top Fuel Saturday, falling to Don Schumacher Racing teammate Tony Schumacher.
* But Pritchett has already reached victory lane, coming off Friday’s “grudge match” race win against Papa John’s founder John Schnatter.
Schnatter drove a mint condition and classic 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28, while Pritchett drove her own classic, a 1969 Chevy Camaro Z-28.
While Pritchett crossed the finish line first, the real winner was Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, which received $20,000 from the grudge match: Schnatter put up $10,000, while Pritchett’s boss, Don Schumacher, put up the other $10,000.
“I wanted her to win, but I wanted a close race,” Schnatter said. “She’s just too good. I said, ‘Leah, the kids are going to win. That’s all that matters.’”
Added Pritchett, “To run against (Papa John) was exhilarating. I think it’s really awesome to have John be so integrated and for me somewhat of a mentor.
“He made Papa John’s out of absolutely nothing, from a dream. And this is a dream he is helping me get to live.”
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