Countdown to the Championship Ranking: No. 4
2017 Charlotte II Recap:
Qualified third; First round exit (defeated by Wayne Newby in E1)
Last event (Dallas):
Qualified ninth; Quarterfinal finish (defeated Kebin Kinsley in E1; defeated by Clay Millican in E2)
2018 Season Statistics:
29 round wins; ranked fourth in points
Career Statistics:
115 races; seven wins; ten No. 1 qualifiers
Noteworthy:
- Following her Factory Stock Showdown Series title clinch at the previous event, Pritchett will attempt to make NHRA history by becoming the first woman to secure titles in two different categories within the same season as she works towards a Top Fuel championship
Quotable:
“Perspective is everything. The opportunity to be in contention for two world championships at the same time during crunch time is a limited rare segment in life that I will never forget, always cherish, and most importantly, take note of everything that took place leading up to it with both teams. It feels so incredibly great for the Factory Stock Showdown team and Mopar, but you have to check it because we are not done yet. I’d like to think I did a good job of balancing the two teams throughout the year. Even with the Factory Stock championship holding weight at one race, I didn’t feel it was any heavier or took away from Top Fuel because each one of these Countdown races carry championship-caliber weight.
“We are physically halfway through the Countdown, but not technically, given Pomona allocating points-and-a-half. We know the competition on both sides of our standings is strong, but I know my Papa John’s Pizza/FireAde team is steadfast on elevating our performance. I hear and see the changes, upgrades, and strategy, which is why I know although it’s a tough feat, we’re definitely not counting ourselves out, and neither should anyone else. As long as there is a chance, there is a way, and we will endlessly pursue it. It is incredible to have one championship locked up, but that momentum is not stopping there. It is just impeccable timing for it to jump tracks and infuse itself into TF4. I can say that because it is not lack of brain power, effort, or execution, but instead unique scenarios that have held us back, and with us dotting our I’s and crossing our T’s harder than ever, we undoubtedly have a shot. Todd (Okuhara, crew chief) and Joe (Barlam, assistant crew chief) are championship leaders and I am looking forward to the power we can put down this weekend, and tunnel-visioning my focus solely on this team.”
TONY SCHUMACHER
Driver of the U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster
|