Leah Pritchett scored the Top Fuel win in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season opener Sunday at Pomona. Photo: NHRA Media
Leah Pritchett, a Redlands, California native, earned the second Top Fuel victory of her career at the 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals on Sunday at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, her home track.
Matt Hagan (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) also had wins in their respective categories at the first event of 24 on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Pritchett, who was also the No. 1 qualifier of the event, piloted her dragster to a 3.711-second pass at 324.98 mph to defeat Doug Kalitta’s 7.630 at 103.85 after smoking the tires at the start.
“This definitely is taking delivery from the momentum from last year,” Pritchett said. “What just happen is the best thing that has ever happened for me professionally in my career. In my opinion, right now, we have the perfect group of people, partners, sponsors, a car that is reacting. This thing is ‘A+’, Grade A, perfect kid in school type of situation and we’re taking advantage of it right now.”
Pritchett defeated Steve Torrence and Tony Schumacher en route to the finals. Kalitta, who was in his third consecutive final at Auto Club Raceway, bettered Terry McMillen and Antron Brown.
Hagan raced to his 23rd Funny Car victory with a 3.875 at 330. He defeated Courtney Force, who ran a 3.901 at 326.95 in the final, for his second win at the Winternationals.
“It’s a real special race for me, a lot of stuff happened over the off season, with losing my brother,” said Hagan, who came into eliminations as the No. 1 qualifier. “We came out motivated. My lights have been great, the car has been great and my team has been great. We just have got a real powerhouse team right now. We just have to keep some of this momentum going.”
On his way to the finals Hagan powered past teammates Jack Beckman and Ron Capps. Force took out J.R. Todd, who was racing in his first event in a Funny Car, and father and team owner John Force.
In Pro Stock, Line started his championship defense with a victory over teammate Greg Anderson. Line ran a 6.568 at 211.10 for his 46th career victory and 14th consecutive season with at least one win. Anderson ran a 6.579 at 211.56.
“It’s a good way to start the season,” Line said. “Anytime you come to Pomona and win it’s great. I’m very excited, very happy and a little bit relieved. Just a great day for KB Racing and the Summit Cars. To be able to come here and qualify one and two and finish one and two and have three cars in the semis. That’s just a big deal.”
On his way to victory, Line, who has five victories at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, took out rookie Tanner Gray and KB Racing teammate Bo Butner, while Anderson faced veteran Jeg Coughlin, Jr. and Erica Enders.
The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues February 24-26 at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.
These ingredients are check out over here buy levitra online specially formulated to have a positive result on erection. Hugging is one of the first techniques in the love act and ejaculating within one or two minutes of penetration into her vagina. sildenafil for women So, the same working medicine will be found in cheap canada viagra online at your doorstep. Why choose prescription free levitra over all the other stuffs.
NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona – Pomona, CA
NHRA Winternationals – Feb. 12, 2017
Sunday’s Final Results
Top Fuel — Leah Pritchett, 3.711 seconds, 324.98 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 7.630 seconds, 103.85 mph.
Funny Car — Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.875, 330.07 def. Courtney Force, Chevy Camaro, 3.901, 326.95.
Pro Stock — Jason Line, Chevy Camaro, 6.568, 211.10 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.579, 211.56.
Point Standings (Top 10)
Top Fuel
1. Leah Pritchett, 122; 2. Doug Kalitta, 105; 3. Antron Brown, 79; 4. Tony Schumacher, 70; 5. Brittany Force, 57; 6. Troy Coughlin Jr., 54; 7. Steve Torrence, 53; 8. Terry McMillen, 48; 9. (tie) Scott Palmer, 32; Shawn Reed, 32.
Funny Car
1. Matt Hagan, 119; 2. Courtney Force, 99; 3. John Force, 80; 4. Ron Capps, 77; 5. Jack Beckman, 53; 6. (tie) Tommy Johnson Jr., 52; J.R. Todd, 52; Del Worsham, 52; 9. Robert Hight, 36; 10. Alexis DeJoria, 35.
Pro Stock
1. Jason Line, 126; 2. Greg Anderson, 103; 3. Bo Butner, 77; 4. Erica Enders, 75; 5. Vincent Nobile, 58; 6. (tie) Jeg Coughlin, 56; Shane Gray, 56; 8. Tanner Gray, 52; 9. Chris McGaha, 33; 10. (tie) Matt Hartford, 32; Deric Kramer, 32; Drew Skillman, 32.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.