Championship Drag Racing

Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals
Norwalk, OH
(June 28-July 1)

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Driver Profile

Cruz Pedregon Snap-on Toyota

Norwalk, prerace: Cruz Pedregon, driver of the Advance Auto Parts Funny Car, and his team are ready to get back in the groove as they head for inaugural Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, the 11th event on the $50 million, 23-event NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national tour.

The POWERade Drag Racing Series will make its first appearance at this new venue. The track was founded in 1963 and purchased in 1973 by the Bader family, which continues to make improvements. Last year, the facility underwent a $4 million improvement project that included luxury sponsor suites, a state-of-the-art media center, track paving in the professional pit area, and tower renovation.

Pedregon is familiar with this race venue. “I’ve raced several times at the “Night Under Fire” event,” said Pedregon, a 27-time NHRA national event winner. “The crowds are huge. It’s like our weekend crowds out on the NHRA Drag Racing Series events.”

Pedregon has his sights set on becoming the first to visit the Winner’s Circle at this new NHRA setting. “We are working hard to find that consistent combination,” said Pedregon. “I’m familiar with the track, but it will be a fresh start for everyone. We’ll be looking to make a move up in points at this event.”

At the ProCare Rx NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown last weekend, Pedregon took advantage of the cool (87 degree) track conditions during Friday’s 2nd round of qualifying and rocketed to the No. 11 qualifying position with a 4.811 ET at 318.62 mph. In the first round of Sunday’s Final Eliminations, Pedregon was paired up against his brother and teammate, Tony Pedregon. Tony took the win in a close race and went on to a Final Round appearance.

Pedregon is currently 12th in Countdown to the Championship. The Countdown to 4, the first round of the new playoff format, begins with the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Aug. 29 – Sept. 3.

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