Wow! Here’s some news that is surely the tip of the spear when it comes to racing announcements during this 2015 PRI Show week. 

Leah Pritchett has joined Bob Vandergriff Racing and has brought Quaker State oil with here as an associate sponsor of the top fuel dragster she will drive. She will occupy the seat that Larry Dixon had last year. Dave Connolly will continue in his role as a driver for the team. Dixon is expected to stay on but in a different capacity.

Here’s the announcement! 

Bob Vandergriff Racing will once again field a two-car Top Fuel dragster team in 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Dave Connolly will be driving the C&J Energy Services dragster with new teammate, Leah Pritchett, driving a dragster backed by Quaker State.

It will be Pritchett’s first full NHRA Mello Yello season since joining the Top Fuel ranks in 2013. Pritchett began her racing career at age 8 in Jr Dragsters before moving on to a successful Nostalgia Funny Car and Pro Mod driving career.
“The opportunity to run a complete NHRA Top Fuel season has been a goal that I have worked towards for a very long time,” said Pritchett. “I am beyond excited for the opportunity to focus on making the Countdown next season, competing for a Championship, working alongside Bob Vandergriff Jr., and re-introducing the Quaker State brand back into the NHRA. This dream is now a reality, thanks in large part to the vision of Bob Vandergriff Jr., as well as the support of great companies and people along my way to this personal and professional milestone, and, of course, my fans.”
Quaker State will be the primary sponsor of five NHRA races with associate sponsorships on both BVR Top Fuel dragsters. Vandergriff is working hard in the off-season to secure more sponsors for the remaining races on the schedule. Quaker State has a long history with NHRA dating back to the ‘80s. The last car they sponsored was Tony Pedregon’s Funny Car, which won the 2007 NHRA Funny Car Championship.

“Bob Vandergriff Racing has presented Quaker State with an opportunity to get back into the NHRA, and we couldn’t be more excited for the 2016 season,” said Gita Gidwani, Quaker State Global Brand Manager. “Quaker State is a hardworking motor oil that has great synergies for working with a hardworking and dedicated driver like Leah Pritchett and we look forward to backing her as she continues her impressive NHRA career.”

Dave Connolly returns to BVR to drive the C&J Energy Services Top Fuel dragster in 2016. In Connolly’s first season in Top Fuel he went to the finals three times and finished tenth in points. Connolly is definitely excited for what 2016 holds for BVR. “I think this team continued to grow as the year progressed and even though we didn’t get that first win this year for Bob as a team owner, I know it’s coming in ’16. February can’t get here soon enough.”

“We have two young drivers with extensive racing backgrounds, so 2016 should be an exciting year for BVR,” added Vandergriff. “Our goal is to put both Dave and Leah in the top 10 and take home the championship this year.”

Larry Dixon, who drove for Bob Vandergriff Racing in 2015, is expected to remain with the team in a new capacity.