2020 Wrangler NFR Round 8 Event Program

BARREL RACING SEASON LEADER

Horsepower key to Pozzi Tonozzi’s third world title PRCA ProRodeo file photo The two-time world champion finished first in the WPRA world standings this season after big wins in San Antonio and San Angelo, Texas.

Amember of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association since 2003, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi is well aware of how important a good winter run in the rodeo industry can be to set one up for the remainder of the year. However, never before in the history of the sport was it more important than in 2020 with at least half of the rodeos and virtually all the big summer rodeos being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pozzi Tonozzi, a two-time world champion and a 14-time Wrangler NFR qualifier, jumped out to an early lead in the WPRA world standings with big wins in San Antonio and San Angelo, Texas. The Lampasas, Texas, cowgirl had amassed $59,888 when the world came to a screeching halt resulting in the abrupt cancellation of RodeoHouston. “I had the luxury of not having to go everywhere, so I got to pick and choose,” said Pozzi Tonozzi when talking about the rodeo season fromMay-Sep- tember. “I got to go to some futurities and do some things I don’t normally get to do, so that was nice.” Entering as the top barrel racer is something Pozzi Tonozzi is familiar with. She holds the record in the WPRA for being the first rookie to enter the NFR in the top spot. “It’s always fun going in No. 1,” said Pozzi Tonozzi, one of three women in WPRA history with more than $2 million in career earnings. “It’s an honor, and

I’m definitely proud of that accomplishment, but once you get to the NFR, it’s anybody’s chance. From one to 15, everybody has a chance to win a world title. There is no cushion for going to the NFR first. “It’s going to be a large pattern and a barrel-turning contest. There won’t be any walls. This will be the complete opposite of theThomas &Mack.” While horsepower and horsemanship have always played a role in who found success inside theThomas and Mack, many have suspected that this year’s set-up will shine a brighter spotlight on these two factors. Luckily for Pozzi Tonozzi, she has the experience and has built an arsenal of top-notch horsepower that she hopes will be the key to clinching her third world title. The two-time Wrangler NFR average champion plans to have Babe On The Chase (“Birdie”), KissKiss BangBang (“Mona”) and Ima Famous Babe (“Katniss”) ready to run at any time in Arlington. “I think I’ll have three really cool mares to take,” she said. “These are all horses I raised and trained, so it is extra special for me.” Pozzi Tonozzi’s last world title came in 2009, eight years before she was blessed with her first child, Tinlee, so a golden win in 2020 would be the first in front of her No. 1 fan. – Ann Bleiker, Courtesy WPRA

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO 15