Tony Pedregon Qualifies Fifth in Memphis
Quaker State Racing Funny Car Pedregon Racing NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series OıReilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals Presented by Pennzoil Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park Final Qualifying Notes & Quotes Tony Pedregon Streaks to Fifth in Memphis Quaker State Racing Team Earns Another Top-Half Qualifier MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Aug. 21, 2004) Tony Pedregon, driver of the Quaker State Racing Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car, drove to the fifth position to close out qualifying for this weekendıs OıReilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil at Memphis Motorsports Park. Pedregon lapped the Memphis quarter mile in 4.892 seconds at 296.11 mph, which sets up a first round match up with veteran Jim Head. The heat and humidity played a role in qualifying today. ³Even in the heat, we were able to adapt to the conditions,² Pedregon said. ³Thereıs no doubt in my mind this car would have set low elapsed time tonight. Just three and a half seconds into the run, the tires weıre way loose. That really scrubbed a lot off our elapsed time. But, itıs been a very encouraging weekend overall. ³I feel good about our chances,² Pedregon added. ³I think the key for us is focus. We know we have the performance out there. And I think thereıs going to be a lot of attrition. Weıre going to have different weather conditions, so the time is now. I donıt think thereıs any reason weıre handicapped going up against any competition.² Quaker State Racing Notebook: MEN FROM BOYS: Memphis Motorsports Park is known for its narrow racing grooves. For Tony Pedregon, who wields the Quaker State Racing Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car, he feels itıs an advantage. ³This track has no groove and thatıs always a factor,² Pedregon said. ³I think it separates the good drivers form the bad ones. I think you have to be very precise out there, and I think that works a little bit in my favor. You have to pay extra attention in everything you do, from staging the car to the finish line and everything in between. Itıs going to be important and who can negotiate that will get a competitive edge.² TOP QUALIFIER: Tony Pedregonıs fifth-place position this weekend marked the third-straight race heıs qualified in the top half of the field.