Gary Pritchett celebrated his first career Top Fuel victory at the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series season opener, igniting flames off his dragster as he crossed the finish line. The Elkton, Maryland racer defeated Jasmine Salinas in a dramatic final round, achieving a competitive .063 reaction time and a winning pass of 3.080 seconds at 274.00 mph. Despite mechanical hiccups, Pritchett maintained consistency throughout the event, showcasing years of dedication and hard work in the sport. His triumph marked a significant milestone in his career, one built on the foundation of being a crew member before becoming a driver.

By the Numbers
  • Pritchett recorded a winning pass of 3.080 seconds at 274.00 mph.
  • Jasmine Salinas had the fastest time of the weekend with a low ET of 3.004 seconds.
State of Play
  • The IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series is currently in its 2026 season, continuing with events at Virginia Motorsports Park.
  • Pritchett aims to validate his win by performing consistently in upcoming races.
What's Next

Pritchett's team will focus on building on their success by refining their strategy and performance for the next season event at Virginia Motorsports Park, aiming to prove his initial victory wasn't a one-time achievement.

Bottom Line

Pritchett's victory is a testament to perseverance and the importance of teamwork in motorsport, reminding competitors that dedication and experience play a crucial role in achieving success.