Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Shatters Arena Record, Wins Reno

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and "Benny" made a run for the history books this past weekend in Reno, Nev at the Reno Rodeo. Running a blazing pattern of 16.70 seconds in the Short Round, the duo shattered the previous arena record and secured the Silver Spurs.

Pozzi Tonozzi gleamed with excitement as she recounted the moments after her historic run, "I looked at the clock and thought it couldn't be right. But, when everyone went wild, I knew it must have been."

The 16-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and two-time World Champion Barrel Racer has won nearly every large title--except for the Reno Rodeo. History was made this past weekend on a chilly, high-desert night when the Texas native clinched the ominous title in record-breaking style. The duo won their first set of coveted Silver Spurs in style, running three quick patterns for an aggregate time of 51.35 seconds, narrowly beating out World Champion Hailey Kinsel by one-one hundredth of a second.

"It's fun to be excited." explained the 20-year veteran. "After doing this for 20 years, it can sometimes feel like a grind, but wins like this are super special".

Photo Credit Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi on Facebook

Reno Rodeo also marks the beginning of a pivotal period of the PRCA season. Better known as "Cowboy Christmas" athletes will travel across the nation in hopes of qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo and competing under the bright lights of Sin City come December.

During the Summer run, athletes will travel thousands of miles, and with the help of drivers, planes, and supporters, reach as many rodeos as possible. For Pozzi Tonozzi, the past week has been full of exciting runs and long travels.

"This past week has been kind of crazy. We started the week running in Reno and during the week we traveled to Springdale, Ark. (Rodeo of the Ozarks), Greeley, Colo. (Greeley Stampede), Santa Fe, NM (Rodeo de Santa Fe), and Pecos, Tex (West of the Pecos Rodeo) before coming back to Reno for the Finals."

The World Champion explained this win has provided her with great confidence and momentum heading into the busy season. Earning over $11,000 in Reno alone, the veteran now sits within the top five of the WPRA World Standings.