Frank Pedregon enters two cars in 2006
03/24/2006


IHRA
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 24, 2006) - After a 14-year absence, Nitro Funny Cars made their return to competition on the eMax Drag Racing Series circuit as Cruz Pedregon, Camarillo, Calif., claimed the provisional #1 qualifying spot at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and the San Antonio Express-News at San Antonio Raceway.

Pedregon, the only driver other than John Force to win an NHRA Funny Car world championship in the 1990's, used a 4.765 ET at 321.12 mph pass to wrestle the top Torco Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car seed away from his brother, Frank, heading into Saturday's action. Frank Pedregon led the pack after the early qualifying session when he clocked a 4.892/297.16. Frank Pedregon did not attempt a run during Friday's evening qualifying. Bob Gilbertson, Charlotte, N.C., is provisionally in the #3 position with a 5.027/300.06.

After claiming the provisional pole, Pedregon had nothing but praise for the surface at San Antonio Raceway.

"This is huge, it's big for us," Pedregon said of the strong number. "It's a credit to IHRA, the race track and (track owners) Todd and Judy Zampese. It also says a lot about what this class will be. People across the country will read an NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver ran a 4.7 in San Antonio, and you can't run 4.7s at just any track. The track condition was phenomenal and that is what people will see. The car doesn't know what track we're at. we set it up and as long as the track is good it will run. Lots of times we come to a new race track and aren't confident to push it too much. We set this up, tuned it down just a little bit and it ran a great number."

Despite being on top after the first day, Pedregon knows his race team will have work to do if they hope to stay in the top spot.
"Our goal is to run as hard as we can. We're not going to look ahead, we'll go one round at a time," he said. "There are a lot of good cars here so you don't know what can happen."

Frank Pedregon enters two cars in 2006
Racing series IHRA
Date 2005-11-21

Frank Pedregon Announces Addition of Second Car to Run IHRA Nitro Funny Car Class

FONTANA, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 21, 2005: Frank Pedregon announces plans to add a full, second Mopar Funny Car team to his team in order to compete in the new IHRA Toro Racing Fuels Pro Nitro Funny Car class. As an addition to his current operation that is scheduled to run the entire NHRA POWERade series in 2006, Pedregon says a search is underway to identify a driver for the new team.

"I'm taking email applications from interested drivers who can bring substantial funding as part of their deal," Frank Pedregon said. "I am providing a car that is a proven contender - the same car I ran 4.70s in this year. I'll also provide a crew chief and team to attack that series - with the plans of taking home the first championship of the IHRA's new Funny Car Series."

Interested parties can contact Pedregon through SuperHero Productions, a Phoenix, Arizona-based agency. The email address for inquiries is: fpedregon@SuperHeroPro.com. Pedregon stated that inquiries would only be accepted by email.

"This in no way affects what I am doing in the NHRA," Pedregon emphasized. "I am scheduled to compete in all 23 races this year and I expect to finalize the sponsorship deals for my team any day now." Pedregon began the 2005 season with plans to run an abbreviated schedule, but was able to secure sponsorship from Toyo Tire Company to finish his season. After a brilliant runner-up finish at the US Nationals in Indianapolis, Pedregon maintained his successful racing, proving to be a challenge to every driver he faced.

"I loved what we were able to accomplish in 2005 - it was a great season. I want to grow this operation and continue to offer opportunities to minorities as well as seasoned drivers. The IHRA will be a perfect place for someone to get their feet wet in this amazing class, and I know our car will be the one to beat," he said.

"The guys at SuperHero are going to manage the driver application process and assure that everything works smoothly. They are top-of-the-line professionals, and I'm glad to have them as a part of our team.

"2006 will be an exciting year for Frank Pedregon Racing. From NHRA to NASCAR and now IHRA - we're definitely going to be making things happen," he said.
-fpr-