Leah Pritchett Challenges Her Sponsor “Papa John” to Charity Drag Race at NHRA’s Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals

Papa John’s and Don Schumacher Racing donate $20,000 to winner’s charity of choice, Riley Hospital for Children

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“Papa John” Schnatter raced his prized gold ’71 Camaro against Don Schumacher Racing’s Leah Pritchett, driver of the Papa John’s dragster, on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016 at NHRA U.S. Nationals for the winner’s charity of choice. Papa John’s and DSR put up $10,000 each for Riley’s Hospital for Children, adding $20,000 to funds already raised through pizza sales earlier in the day.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--()--“Papa John” Schnatter, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) faced off against Don Schumacher Racing Top Fuel Driver Leah Pritchett in a “Charity Challenge” race at this year’s National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.

Days earlier, Pritchett challenged Schnatter over social media to put his famed Camaro to the test against her speed driving skills. They upped the ante by creating a $20,000 purse for charity, with the winner earning the right to pick the charity of their choice.

John raced his 1971 Camaro Z28, the same car he bought for $1,600 when he was 15 years old from money he made washing dishes at Rocky's Sub Pub in his hometown of Jeffersonville, Indiana. He eventually sold it to keep his dad out of bankruptcy and start the very first Papa John’s pizzeria. In 2009, he was reunited with his prized Camaro.

While both drivers brought their “A” game, Leah pulled out the victory, proving why she’s the professional driver and “Papa John” is the proud new sponsor. Leah selected Riley Hospital for Children as her charity of choice.

“I never like to lose, but I knew Leah would be tough to beat. Racing my prized Camaro against one of the best in the business was a thrill. While Leah may have crossed the finish line first, the real winner is the Riley Children’s Hospital, whose lifesaving work is an inspiration and priceless gift to so many children and their families,” said “Papa John” Schnatter. “I admire Leah’s determination, passion and commitment to always getting better. I am excited to follow what is sure to be her impressive racing career.”

“Some people may think it’s not wise to beat your sponsor. But John respects the fact that like him I’m a car lover who dreams big and always plays to win,” said Leah Pritchett. “When I lost my ride recently, Papa John’s stepped up and gave me a shot to race in the U.S. Nationals. John has never forgotten the people who helped him along the way. And now he’s helping me live my dream.”

Pritchett maintained her 10th position at the NHRA U.S. Nationals while competing in her 10,000-horsepower, black and gold Papa John’s dragster, a salute to “Papa John” Schnatter’s iconic, gold Camaro. Leah will go on to compete in the NHRA “Countdown to the Championship”.

About Papa John’s

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company. For 15 of the past 17 years, consumers have rated Papa John's No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John's is the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League and the Official Pizza of Major League Baseball. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at www.papajohns.com. Also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PapaJohns, Twitter at http://twitter.com/PapaJohns, YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/papajohns, Instagram at instagram.com/papajohns, Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/papajohnspizza, and Vine at vine.co/papajohns. Looking to be a part of something Better? Learn more about franchising with Papa John's at www.papajohns.com/franchise.

Contacts

Papa John's International, Inc.
Peter Collins, 502-261-4233
Senior Director, Public Relations
peter_collins@papajohns.com

Contacts

Papa John's International, Inc.
Peter Collins, 502-261-4233
Senior Director, Public Relations
peter_collins@papajohns.com