Drag Racing Action Online  Phil Hutchison

Images Phil Hutchison and David Smith

Anybody perusing the entry list for the upcoming Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection and checked out who is entered in Top Dragster, as usual, most of the racers were local D7 and racers West of the Mississippi. But one name jumps out. East coast racer Jessica Eastburn’s. Eastburn, who now calls Elkton Maryland home after growing up in Delaware, has had an unbelievable season behind the wheel of the Hoopes Fire Prevention Inc. dragster and hopes to add to her points total with both the Vegas race and the season ending NHRA World Finals in Pomona CA.

The saying ‘Go West Young Man” was originally used to encourage young people to move west to find opportunities and Eastburn is following that advice.

Lucas Oil divisional wins at Norwalk, Numidia, Brainard, and Cecil County have the 37-year-old driver on the cusp to claim the Lucas Oil World Top Dragster Championship in only Eastburn’s second year in the quick class and she’s making the best of it.

“I’m heading to Vegas and Pomona to finish out the season and chase the dream of a world championship,” Eastburn said. “It’s the dream every racer has, and after the highs and lows of the season, it feels special to have the chance to compete out west. These last two races mean a lot — not just for points, but for everything my family and I have put into this.”

“We’ve spent countless nights in the garage, traveled all over, and shared so many memories together through this sport. To be able to close out the year on that kind of stage feels like a full-circle moment.”

Eastburn’s winning dragster is basically a hand me down. A 2011 Undercover car that Jessica’s brother Josh, ran in Super Comp. “I’ve spent the year turning into something cooler and quicker. We tore it apart over the winter for new powder coat, wiring, paint, and a new combo.

“It’s got a 540 from Jeff Taylor, who has been an incredible mentor, an 8-71 DMPE blower, and a single APD carb.” My fiancé Gary (Pritchett), my dad Jeff, and our good friend Chris Krajewski have put so many hours into it throughout this season, fine-tuning our whole setup. It’s a combination that’s really come together over time.”

Jessica is not traveling solo on her historic run for a championship. After nearly two decades of travel with Pro Top Fuel teams Gary Pritchett, her fiancé is wheeling the truck and trailer out west.

“Gary’s been incredible,” Eastburn adds. “After 17 years traveling with the Capco team, he thought his days of long hauls were behind him — but here he is, driving our rig all the way out west for me.

“Thankfully, his buddy Tripp Tatum volunteered to ride shotgun for the trip.”

Jessica’s dad Jeff, owner of Hoopes Fire Prevention Inc and her primary sponsor said about his daughter’s dream season, “I’m extremely proud of Jessica for her accomplishments in drag Racing. To be in contention for the NHRA national championship in Top Dragster is absolutely amazing. Our engine builder Jeff Taylor always says ‘The will to win is not as important as the will to prepare to win’.

“What a year we’ve had so far and we are not done yet”

Brother Josh and dad Jeff keep an eye on Jessica as she stages her quick dragster

Finally, Jessica says, “This season reminded me how lucky I am to be part of the Division 1 family. This Top Dragster group is full of not just great racers, but great people. Racing against guys like Al Kenny, Vince Musolino, and Brandon Miller pushes you to be better every weekend, but they’re also the first to lend a hand when you need it. I’ll never forget Chuck Krepela crawling under my car past midnight in Virginia to help me get ready for the next day. My good friend Michael Handras has also been a huge help and supporter this season, and I’m so thankful for that. It’s that kind of sportsmanship and friendship that makes this division feel like home.”

Jessica gets her Wally at Cecil from D1 director Mark Dawson