Cruz Pedregon Going For 300th Round Victory
Fifth Annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Bristol Dragway Bristol, Tennessee Advance Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car - Pedregon Racing NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Bristol, Tenn. (April 21, 2005) Cruz Pedregon and the Advance Auto Parts Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car head to Bristol to compete in the fifth annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. The Bristol Dragway may be the place where Pedregon crosses the 300-round victory barrier. Only two other active Fuel category drivers can claim to have surpassed that threshold, Pedregonıs brother, Tony, and veteran driver John Force. After reaching the semifinal round at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Pedregon will arrive at this weekendıs NHRA national event with 299 round victories under his belt. So far this season, Pedregon has completed 12 rounds and qualified in the top half of the field in Pomona, Calif., and Phoenix. Bristol Dragway holds unique memories for Pedregon. It was there Pedregon made his debut as team owner and driver in 1999. A few years later, Pedregon is reassured the Advance Auto Parts team has a strong car and help of experienced crew chief, Wes Cerny. ³In 1999, Bristol was the first race for me as team owner and driver so itıs a special place for me,² said Pedregon. ³Weıve come a long way since then and it would be nice to pull out the victory. The performance is there and the car is getting more consistent every race.² Bristol Dragway, a state of the art Burton Smith-owned facility, is a favorite among drivers and fans that marvel at the echo produced by the roaring car engines. ³I have always liked racing in Bristol. It is one of those tracks that bring back some good memories for me,² said Pedregon. ³I went there when I was in my mid-teens and got fascinated with the Thunder Valley Nationals. Bristol Dragway is nested between two mountains, and thereıs nothing like it. Anybody that has been there does not forget it. ³Itıs a phenomenal facility as well, very hi-tech, and the fans in Bristol are very enthusiastic. It is also the closest race to the Advance Auto Parts headquarters (Roanoke, Va.); therefore we get a lot of employees coming out to the race.² During last yearıs race, Pedregon qualified in the number-two spot. After five races this season, Pedregon sits in the fourth spot in NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series points. ³I have not won in Bristol yet, but it gives me an extra incentive to want to get into the winnerıs circle there, and celebrate the 300-round mark,² concluded Pedregon Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is based in Roanoke, Va., and is the second largest auto parts chain in the nation. With over 2600 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Additional information about the company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the company's web site at www.advanceautoparts.com <http://www.advanceautoparts.com/> . e