Mopar Express Lane NHRA Midwest Nationals Presented by Pennzoil
Event No. 8
World Wide Technology Raceway
Madison, Ill.
October 2-4, 2020
LEAH PRUETT
Mopar Dodge Top Fuel Dragster
Qualified: No. 9 (4.310 E.T. at 249.07 MPH)
The Results:
E1: 3.676 E.T. at 328.38 MPH defeated Pat Dakin 11.187 E.T. at 70.73 MPH
E2: No time, broke. Defeated by Tony Schumacher 3.750 E.T. at 291.13 MPH
Race Recap:
Leah Pruett entered the NHRA Midwest Nationals ranked third and focused on gaining traction in the Top Fuel point standings. After advancing to the semifinals or better at the last four events, Pruett who returned to the familiar blue-and-white Mopar livery this weekend, had her sights set on the St. Louis trophy.
From the ninth seed, Pruett ran a blistering 3.676-second pass in the opening round of race day to easily defeat her opponent who struggled to get past the starting line. The run held up to be low E.T. of the event and she took her win light into the quarterfinals with lane choice over teammate Tony Schumacher. Her quest for a first St. Louis Top Fuel Wally was cut short in round two when halfway through the race, Pruett’s dragster broke in two and sent the speedster on a wild, airborne ride before coming to a stop. Pruett exited her vehicle unaided and unhurt, but understandably disappointed. She remains in third heading into the final three races of the season.
Leah's E2 Run:
From Leah:
That was the most intense round of competition I’ve ever had and the wildest ride I’ve ever had, that’s for sure. We’re still taking time to process and look at the parts and put a plan together for how to move forward. For me, my body is fine. My mind is fine. The DSR chassis and Impact safety equipment did everything it was supposed to. As a drag racer, this is what we do. There’s a risk. I think the quicker you can get back on the track, the better. Let’s not ever do that again. I thank the Lord, my team, the chassis shop, Don Schumacher, and everybody that helped. Not a great start to October and that was an early Halloween surprise. That’s for sure.
Source: Don Schumacher Racing
Photos: Mark J. Rebilas Photography
