MORRISON — The mountains forged Leah Pruett into the racer she is today.
It’s where she competed as a junior drag racer before winning multiple Top Fuel titles at Mile-High nationals. It’s where she experienced her first wheelie at the halfway point of the track.
Whether Pruett was watching other professional racers, picturing herself in a nitro car, or speeding down the track, Bandimere Speedway has played a role in her career. That’s why she takes pride in competing at the final NHRA Mile-High Nationals at this track.
“For me, Mile-High at Bandimere Speedway is the most prestigious race,” said Pruett, driver of the Dodge Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster. “It’s the most difficult (race) in the most extreme sport on every level.”
A cloud of sadness came over Pruett when she learned that the Bandimere Speedway was closing down. She didn’t want to believe it, and even today, she tries to suppress those emotions.
“I feel like there’s going to be a wave (of emotions) as this event comes to a close on Sunday night,” Pruett said. “Since I’ve bottled them up for months, (the emotions) are just going to flood out.”
For Pruett, the racetrack represented opportunity. Pruett remembers being eight years old and watching the Bandimere family treat the junior national event no different than the NHRA races. Through those races, Pruett was able to create rivalries and friendships with young drivers from across the country.
Pruett recalled staying up until 2 a.m. and her father having to wake her up so she could race.
“I have never been up (that late) at eight years old,” she laughed. “The Bandimeres didn’t know how to run the thousands of cars on the property so it took all day and night.”
Pruett said racing at Bandimere has made her a better driver. Bandimere has taught Pruett to pay close attention to her health so she doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
“This is the most intense schedule I’ll have during the season because of our activities with our partners,” Pruett said. “I have to compartmentalize my duty in the car, my requirements to the team, and also (give) 110% in everything else that’s asked. (Bandimere Speedway) has matured me as a person and a driver.”
Pruett, an 11-time NHRA event winner, has had good luck at Bandimere. She has two career Top Fuel victories in Denver, most recently in 2022 when she defeated Antron Brown, Clay Millican, Justin Ashley and Shawn Langdon.
The win marked her first with the Tony Stewart Racing team.
“Leah makes it look easy up here,” said Matt Hagan, a three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion. “Winning on the mountain is extremely challenging. Not many people have those (Wally awards).”
Pruett said that although being named season champion has been her goal since she started racing, winning on the mountain is just as important.
“This race is important for me and my team,” Pruett said. “The (NHRA) U.S. Nationals is the mecca, (but) I think this is the most extreme accomplishment that I have.”
Pruett admires Bandimere Speedway’s stability, hosting races for 65 years. From racing on the junior level to national stardom, Pruett said Bandimere allowed her to carve herself into the community.
“I thought there was no better place to race,” Pruett said. “(The Bandimere family) really brought the community together. Even if you weren’t a racer, you felt like you were racing or a part of a team. I know that’s something I’m going to miss.”
Pruett hopes there’s another Mile-High National in the future. For now, she’s focused on carving another moment in the mountains in Morrison.
“Everybody wants to win this last one,” she said.
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