rebelracewriter Posted March 7, 2007 Report Share Posted March 7, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Travis Reynolds (419) 706-8631 travisreynolds@livenation.com Media Contact: Mike Perry (419) 660-4213 mikeperryihra@livenation.com CRUZ PEDREGON RETURNS TO IHRA COMPETITION IN SAN ANTONIO NORWALK, Ohio (March 7, 2007) – Cruz Pedregon has announced he will compete at the Nitro Jam™ season-opening Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway, March 23 – 25. Pedregon, a former NHRA Nitro Funny Car world champion, was a fan-favorite at this event in 2006. "San Antonio Raceway is a good track and they always put on a good show for the fans," stated Pedregon. "We set the track record last year with a 4.765 run and I am looking to improve on that this year. I also have a lot of family and fans in Texas so I am certainly looking forward to seeing everyone at this event." In 2006, Pedregon drove his Advance Auto Parts-sponsored Nitro Funny Car to No. 1 qualifier during the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. He holds the track speed and elapsed time records at 321.12 mph, 4.765-seconds. After defeating Bob Gilbertson in round one, Pedregon lost to event-winner Gary Densham in the semifinals. "Cruz was there in 2006 to help us welcome back the Nitro Funny Car class to IHRA competition," IHRA President Aaron Polburn said. "He was a huge draw in the market and we are thrilled to see this former world champion returning to race with us again." During his rookie season in Funny Car 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. His 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. San Antonio Raceway is located off Interstate 10 (Exit 597), west of Seguin, Texas, 15 minutes from the I-410 beltway. For more information, please log onto www.ihra.com, www.sanantonioraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com. For additional information regarding Cruz Pedregon, please visit www.cruzpedregon.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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