Rookie Sensation Gary Pritchett Secures Victory at Norwalk’s Night Under Fire Event

Randy Meyer Racing delivered a spectacular performance at the Norwalk Night Under Fire event, securing a monumental victory in front of a sold-out crowd of over 40,000 fans. This prestigious two-day event featured an array of top-tier racing categories, including Top Fuel dragsters, nitro Funny Cars, Pro Mods, and Jet Dragsters. For the first time, it also served as an NHRA regional points race for Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car.

Driving the OTG Dragster, Gary Pritchett qualified third with an impressive 5.314 seconds at 273.61 mph, while teammate Hunter Green clinched the top qualifying spot with the quickest pass of the event, clocking in at 5.198 seconds at 276.52 mph.

Both drivers advanced past the first round of eliminations with thrilling performances. Pritchett ran 5.332 seconds at 272.56 mph, defeating Angelle Sampey, who posted a close 5.334 seconds at 275.11 mph. Green, displaying impeccable skill, achieved a perfect 0.000 reaction time and ran 5.258 seconds at 274.44 mph to overcome Brandon Grecco’s 5.334 seconds at 270.10 mph.

The semi-finals saw an intense match-up between teammates, with Pritchett and Green vying for a spot in the final round. Green’s bid was cut short by a red light start, giving Pritchett the win with a 5.371-second pass at 273.88 mph.

In the final round, Pritchett faced off against Tony Stewart for the third time this season. Stewart had won their previous two encounters, but this time, Randy Meyer made significant adjustments to the clutch and engine, ensuring peak performance. Pritchett crossed the finish line first with a blistering 5.251 seconds at 276.69 mph, edging out Stewart’s 5.267 seconds at 274.66 mph.

This victory marks Gary Pritchett’s first Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Wally in his third final round appearance, all of which have occurred this season against Stewart.

Reflecting on the win, Pritchett said, “I still can’t believe we won that race. It was super special. Winning my first Wally at the Norwalk Night Under Fire in front of 40,000 people was a dream come true. We had a very close race in the final against Tony Stewart. This time it went our way. I couldn’t have done it without Randy and the team, as well as all of our partners. Never give up on your dreams, no matter what.”

Randy Meyer Racing extends its heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, partners, and fans for their unwavering support. The team looks forward to continuing its pursuit of excellence in the upcoming races.

This story was originally published on August 7, 2024.

The post Rookie Sensation Gary Pritchett Secures Victory at Norwalk’s Night Under Fire Event first appeared on Drag Illustrated.