After First ADRL Win, Pittman Plenty Thrilled Heading Into Bristol

Celebrating isn’t something new for Alan Pittman.

But, as far as meaningful wins go for the longtime successful driver, his first in the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) ranked near the top in his career.

After jumping into the Extreme 10.5 ranks midway through last year, Pittman has quickly taken to the unique class.

He took the next leap last month in Houston, winning CarSafe Dragpalooza VIII and he could barely contain his excitement.

Pittman went 4.045 at 192.88 miles per hour to beat Dan Myers in a match-up of first-time ADRL finalists, giving the team that also features Pro Extreme driver Terry Leggett plenty of momentum heading into this weekend’s ADRL Spring Drags III at historic Bristol Dragway.

“This means the world to me. I can’t even hardly explain it,” Pittman said. “In the ADRL, you’ve got your work cut out over here. It’s the fastest cars in the world and the best of the best. The names here just blow you away, so I just couldn’t be happier. This really does mean a great deal to me.”

“I love the ADRL and their program and it’s just great to be in the winner’s circle.”

The win clearly meant a huge deal to Pittman, who immediately becomes one of the favorites in the class heading into Thunder Valley.

In Houston, Rick Thornton set a world speed record in the class, going 206.51 mph, but nobody could contain Pittman, who qualified No. 2 and went as quick as 3.976 during eliminations.

With more favorable conditions expected in Bristol, those times could go into the low 3.90s and Pittman might be able to reach the 3.80s for the first time in his short Extreme 10.5 career.

That he’s in the points lead heading to track not far from his Greenville, S.C. home makes it just another “pinch-me” moment for Pittman, who has garnered success at a number of different doorslammer levels.
Still, he remains overjoyed with his success in the ADRL.

“It’s just amazing how much we’ve progressed,” Pittman said. “Last year we came to qualify and maybe go a couple rounds, and now this. It’s just amazing and I’m tickled to death.”

Racing a 2009 Mustang that once competed in Pro Extreme, Pittman and the Leggett team put the car on a significant diet in the off-season.

The results were immediately noticeable, though the car quickly took to the Extreme 10.5 class last year as well.

In Houston, Pittman and Billy Glidden were the only two cars to get into the 3-second range and Pittman proved to be the most consistent driver throughout the weekend.

When Glidden fell in the semifinals, Pittman became the favorite and he easily advanced to the finals with a blistering 3.97.

Just as thrilling for Pittman was getting to share the victory with a close-knit team, leaving everyone more than ready to race this weekend in Bristol.

“We just didn’t get a lot of time in the car in the class last year,” Pittman said. “We only raced in the last four events, but over the winter, we did some things to get the car ready and we got off to a great start.

“I’m just thinking about everyone involved with this team and how special this is for all of us. I’m happy for the whole team and just grateful for this opportunity.

“I want to thank Terry Leggett and his wife Gretta for giving me the chance to drive for them and Darrell Makins for giving me a consistent race car. Todd (Tutterow) and the crew have done a spectacular job and I couldn’t be happier.”

(Photos by ADRL/Richards)