• The NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, located just southeast of the state capital in Concord, hosts the eighth event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ 22-race calendar. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) brings its two full time entries – one in Top Fuel for nine-time event winner Leah Pruett and one in Funny Car for three-time Funny Car champion Matt Hagan.
• The NHRA New England Nationals will mark Pruett’s 179th career Top Fuel start and her seventh at Epping.
• Pruett is looking for her first victory at the New England Nationals. She has two No. 1 qualifiers at Epping, which came in 2017 (3.673 ET at 328.86 mph) and 2018 (3.742 ET at 324.51 mph). Her 2017 run made Pruett the current track record holder for elapsed time at Epping, a mark she set on June 3.
• DYK? Organized drag racing in the New England area begun in 1950 at various public and military airports in the region. In the mid-1960s, a group of shareholders purchased land in Epping and New England Dragway opened for racing on Sept. 11, 1966.  The drag strip began hosting the NHRA New England Nationals in 2013.

From Leah:

Is there an added confidence racing at New Hampshire with two No. 1 qualifiers and the Top Fuel track record at New England Dragway to your credit?

I would love to say our record there adds a huge amount of confidence, but the makeup of the Top Fuel field has changed so drastically from when we set that record, including the team and people that made that happen, with the exception of Neal (Strausbaugh, crew chief). Coming into New Hampshire, my confidence level isn’t necessarily based on earning the track record and capturing multiple No. 1 qualifiers, but more on knowing what this team is capable of, and are due for, which is having a qualifying low and a successful Sunday.

What is your main strategy going into New Hampshire?

Testing and continuing to run laps in various conditions. We tested after Richmond, a race that had some very challenging conditions for us to have a solid package around. Through testing, we increased our theoretical ‘GEARWRENCH toolbox of race applications’ and we feel good about our package for Epping. I can’t share what we found, but I’m glad we tested, and love where Neal ‘sand Mike’s (Domagala, co-crew chief) minds are at.

The New England Nationals will mark the completion of the first half of the regular season, prior to the Countdown. By the end of the weekend, teams will have established their routines, so how will that help you and your crew carry momentum through the second half of the regular season?

It will make our anticipated, long-sought-after, and deserving success that much more enjoyable and appreciative when that time comes. And once it does, we’ll be in a place to continue to do the work wholeheartedly, and let momentum do its work. This team is made up of talent, heart and faith, and we are ready to have our best weekend yet in front of our New Hampshire fans.

Source: True Speed Communication on behalf of Tony Stewart Racing

Contact: Ashley Wilson, (303) 594-8147, Ashley.Wilson@TrueSpeedCommunication.com