Event Overview
Friday, May 13 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
Saturday, May 14 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
Sunday, May 15 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
TV coverage on FS1
Notes of Interest
Leah Pruett, Driver of the Mobil 1 Top Fuel Dragster
With two Four-Wide events in the season’s first six races – both of which came in the last three events – has it been a challenge to establish consistent routines because those events are so different?
“It has, especially for someone like me that’s been working on new, systematic practice procedures. I take every competition challenge for what they are, two-wide or four-wide, with weeks to practice and visualize to prepare for anything that comes, no matter what.”
After Virginia, there’s a two-week break before the season really heats up. Does Virginia represent a good opportunity to learn and then apply those key learnings before you begin the summer stretch where you go from the East Coast to the West Coast?
“Richmond is a key race, as we’ve continued to build data and confidence and have a greater spreadsheet. There’s no reason we can’t go deep into rounds and even win this race. It’s key because it shuts the door on the start of the season, our warm up per se, and opens our expectations of delivering results. I’m excited for that because this team is on the right track.”
Mobil 1 doesn’t just adorn your car this weekend in Virginia, it’s inside your car every weekend. In a sport decided by thousandths of a second, how important is it to have the ultimate in both efficiency and protection in not only your engine oils, but in all the oils and lubricants that flow through your Top Fuel dragster?
“Showcasing Mobil 1 on the side of the car is a symbol of the incredible protection and performance it delivers inside the Dodge HEMI. Having a reliable oil eliminates concern for mechanical damage that could be detrimental to the outcome of a race and the health and wellness of our parts. We literally have a well-oiled machine, and I’m proud to showcase that to our fans.”
Matt Hagan, Driver of the Smithfield Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car
After the Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina, do you look forward to getting back to the traditional, one-on-one style of drag racing this weekend in Virginia?
“I’m glad we have the four-wides behind us coming into Richmond and can focus on two-wide racing for the rest of the year because everything we do is repetition. I’m looking forward to running the Smithfield car, which is a new partner and scheme for me. I think the car looks great and I’m proud to carry patriotic colors for Military Appreciation Month. I feel confident coming into Richmond, even though we blew the tires off of it in Charlotte and went out in the second round.”
With two Four-Wide events in the season’s first six races – both of which came in the last three events – has it been a challenge to establish consistent routines because those events are so different?
“There is a lot going on at a four-wide event and it complicates things sometimes. You can be planning to run in a specific lane and at the last minute, lane choice can change. I think part of that is the reason we had the result we did at Charlotte. We can blame it on any factor we want, but at the end of the day, we went home early. I’m looking forward to two-wide racing and things feeling normal again.”
Because you’re from Virginia, does success at a Virginia track taste a little sweeter?
“At the end of the day, both the track and myself are in Virginia, so we want to keep the trophy in Virginia. I think it’s very possible the way I’m driving and the way the car is performing and responding to the changes that Dickie (Venables, crew chief) and the guys are making. I just want to say my guys are doing a great job and I’m really proud of them. I’m going to do a good job on the driving side of things and we’re going to try to go win this race.”