Cruz Pedregon, driver of the Advance Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car, and his team are ready to get back in the groove as they head for 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, ” stated 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, August 29 – September 3.
During his funny car rookie season in 1992, Pedregon won the NHRA World Championship. With this accomplishment he became the only racer other than John Force to win the championship in the 90s. In 1997, Pedregon was also the first motorsports athlete to receive the “Premio De Oro, ” the only national award for Hispanic athletes. Born into a racing family, Pedregon’s father, Frank, raced Top Fuel dragsters in the 1960s. Cruz’s brothers Tony and Frank also compete in the Nitro Funny Car ranks. In 1980, Cruz won his first official drag race at the age of 15, driving a 1953 Kenworth truck.
How to Get There: From Cleveland and west-side suburbs, take Route 480 west to Route 10 (Norwalk exit). Follow Route 10 West until it becomes Route 20. Take Route 20 to Route 601. Turn left on 601 and proceed to the gate entrance on the right. From the north, east, and west, take the Ohio Turnpike East (Cleveland) to Exit 118 (Route 250). Head south on Route 250 into Norwalk. Turn left on Republic Street and follow the red directional signs to the track on the left. From the south, follow Route 250 North. At the exchange for State Route 18, follow the green directional sign to turn right; exit immediately using Route 18 and turn right. The track is on the left.
After conquering the NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, the NHRA warriors head to Denver, Colo. for the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, July 13-15, 2007.
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