Drag Illustrated Issue 174, January / February 2022 | Page 111

{ SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR }
{ SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR }

Leah Pruett

Leah Pruett never set out to become an influencer . But in the midst of becoming a standout in the Top Fuel ranks and taking her fans along for the ride via her social media channels , Pruett has also become one of the top ambassadors in the sport .

She ’ s detailed her search for sponsors , dealings in day-to-day affairs , a rigorous workout schedule , an even more rigorous travel schedule when it comes to sponsorship meetings , appearances and more , and given fans a thorough peek into the life of a professional racer .
It ’ s certainly not all glamour , but Pruett hasn ’ t been afraid to show the ups and downs , whether it ’ s moments in the pits after a victory , a crushing firstround loss or an early-morning cross-country flight .
But it ’ s part of the reason Pruett is recognized on such a national platform and it ’ s also paid dividends for the Top Fuel star when it comes to significant sponsors and fan support .
Along with major partnerships with the likes of Dodge , Sparking Ice , cbdMD and more , she also has built a significant following on social media . Pruett has 300,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 250,000 on Facebook , a tribute to her dedication to push her brand and see it as an avenue to live out her lifelong dream on a major stage .
JUSTIN SWANSTROM , ALEX TAYLOR , CLAY MILLICAN ,
AND ALEX LAUGHLIN
“ If I was going to go actual pursue a career in racing , I was going to need big support ,” Pruett wrote on social media . “ Beyond the dream to race was the dream to represent some of the largest and most badass companies in the world . So I dedicated my education in business and communications to that goal – all for drag racing .
“ Representing companies that share the same values , believe in racing , and supporting the racing community through our efforts on and off track is what makes me proud to be an ambassador for them . Just as every element of what makes a car haul ass down the track , none of it could happen for me or my team without the brands and fans that back us . We are all influenced by each other every day , some just pour their influence into a fuel tank and send it .” – JOSH HACHAT DI
PHOTO : PIXELREZ
January / February 2022 DragIllustrated . com | Drag Illustrated | 111