In a move that was widely anticipated, Dote Racing has announced that Leah Pruett will drive their Top Fuel dragster in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. The versatile driver began the Top Fuel crossover licensing process in late 2012 with Dote Racing, and will complete her licensing requirements at the PRO Winter Warmup later this month. The team plans to run a partial schedule consisting of 13 races mostly in the Eastern part of the country, but it will kick off with stops at the WinterNationals and the Arizona Nationals. They are actively seeking sponsorship for 2013 and beyond and hope to expand their limited schedule into a full season.

Although she is just 24 years old, 2013 will mark Pruett’s 17^th consecutive season competing in the NHRA. Her resume includes driving and winning with some of the most challenging vehicles, from Nostalgia Funny Cars to wild and wacky Pro Mods. Some of her accolades include an NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series championship and three NHRA Pro Mod national event wins.

“We are excited to add Leah Pruett to our team for the 2013 season,” said Connie Dote, manager and co-owner of Dote Racing.”She brings with her a youthful approach and,despite her youth, she has demonstrated an untapped talent successfully driving nostalgia funny cars, as well as her breakthrough performance in the pro modified class. We believe and expect she will be a solid force in this highly competitive category and will represent herself, Dote Racing, and our current and future sponsors extremely well.”

“I’m beyond thrilled,” said Pruett. “I truly enjoyed testing the Dote Top Fuel Dragster in St. Louis last season and am very anxious to complete my cross over license, and lay down some fast times at PBIR, not to mention competing in the most prestigious class in all of drag racing. I’m sure everyone can’t wait to get nitro back in their veins, but I assure you, no one is more ready and hungry for it than me.” stated Pruett. “I have the utmost appreciation for the opportunity the Dotes are giving me to expand my driving capabilities into Top Fuel, and I intend on making crew chief Doug Kuch and the entire Dote Racing team proud of their decision to hire me.”