NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

"Papa John," the founder of a pizza empire and the sponsor of Leah Pritchett¹s Top Fuel dragster, joined the Don Schumacher Racing driver in Indianapolis for the 62nd annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.  NHRA's Amanda Busick caught up with "Papa John" during his visit to the Big Go.

At the event, Pritchett and "Papa John" engaged in a fun grudge race for charity during Mello Yello qualifying. He put up $10,000, and Pritchett’s car owner, Don Schumacher, matched that number, with the winner of a heads-up race getting to decide which charity would receive the $20,000 purse.

"Papa John" was behind the wheel of his prized gold Z28 Camaro, a car that as a teenager he owned but sold to help fund the family business and which he later was able to recover. The car sports an 800-horsepower LS3. Pritchett drove the ’69 Camaro of local racer Walt Herr, featuring a 565-cid big-block with nitrous.

Pritchett drilled him on the Tree with a .086 light and then powered to victory, 9.966, 138.53 to 10.173, 131.52. She chose Riley Children’s Hospital, one of Don Schumacher Racing’s favorite charities, as the recipient.