Cruz Pedregon Captures Ninth-Qualifying Position

NHRA 2005 NOTES & QUOTES

Mid-South NHRA Nationals
Memphis Motorsports Park ­ Millington, Tenn.
Advance Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car  - Pedregon Racing
NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series
 
Cruz Pedregon Collects Ninth Position In Memphis
The Advance Auto Parts Car Locks Up Skoal Showdown Appearance

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (Aug. 20, 2005) ­ Cruz Pedregon, driver of the Advance
Auto Parts Nitro Funny Car, grabbed the ninth slot for tomorrow¹s running of
the Mid-South NHRA Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park.

His effort, a 4.993-second elapsed time at 301.20 mph, also locked Pedregon
a place in the prestigious Skoal Showdown, slated for the upcoming U.S.
Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park in two weeks. The California resident
recalled his final qualifying pass today, which was a consistent 5.04
seconds.

³The car laid down a little on that run and I could have shut it off,²
Pedregon said. ³But I thought there was a shot at a mid 4.90, which might
have allowed us to move up a little more. I think the crew chiefs will be
playing a big role in tomorrow¹s race because the conditions are pretty
difficult out here.²

Pedregon was happy with his team¹s effort towards making this year¹s Skoal
Showdown.

³It¹s a great accomplishment for the Advance Auto Parts team,² Pedregon
said. ³You really have to earn your position, which is why it¹s such a great
event. It¹s always been a personal goal of mine to win that race at least
once in my career.²

Pedregon will take on John Force in the first round of eliminations.

-PedregonRacing.com-

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