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NHRA: Dunn, Pedregon, Penthouse Magazine Ready for Phoenix Event

24 February 1999

Phoenix, Ariz. - - It was about one month ago, at the pre-season test session in Phoenix, that Frank Pedregon, 36, was named the permanent driver for the Jim Dunn-owned, Penthouse Magazine- sponsored Pontiac Firebird Funny Car. This week the Jim Dunn Racing Team returns to Firebird International Raceway, just outside Phoenix, for the Checker/Schucks/Kragen Nationals. Professional qualifying begins Friday, with final eliminations on Sunday.

With just the season-opening AutoZone Winternationals completed , Dunn foresees a wide-open event at Phoenix. "Our pre-season testing at Phoenix confirmed that the track is capable of holding big numbers by the fuel cars. I think there are about eight funny cars that will run consistently in the 4.90s. Of those, you can look for (John) Force, (Ron) Capps and Cruz (Pedregon) to be exceptionally strong. Well try to qualify the Penthouse Magazine Funny Car in the top half of the field, then look for consistent rounds during eliminations," said Dunn.

Frank Pedregon, who drove 11 events for Dunn in 1998 - - winning two, is pleased with the teams progress after one event this season. Seventh in the NHRA Winston Funny Car point standings entering this weekends competition, the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., driver has reason to be confident. He said, "We didnt hurt a lot of parts at Pomona (site of the AutoZone Winternationals) and the car seemed to have more left. Jim (Dunn) is getting a handle on the new fuel and blower systems, which should make us stronger as the season progresses."

Right from the start Jim Dunn knew Frank Pedregon had what it takes to win. "I wouldnt have gone to the opening event in Pomona last year if I didnt think Frank could do it," said Dunn. "After two wins last season, I have confirmed my instincts. With the addition of Penthouse Magazine, this season (1999) should be even better.

"Frank (Pedregon) wants to go racing. Hes making straight runs. His attitude is one that says I want to do well and win races. He is ready for what I can throw at him. Well keep adding a little bit each race. We think this Penthouse Magazine Funny Car is capable of winning any race we enter," adds Dunn. "Winning an event is only a matter of time."

As part of its 30th anniversary, Penthouse Magazine is sponsoring the Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car Team for 1999. Bob Guccione founded Penthouse Magazine in London in 1965. In 1969 he launched Penthouse in the United States. Globally, Penthouse Magazine is published in 16 foreign editions. At the beginning of its fourth decade, Penthouse is a clear market leader on newsstands as well as in the new electronic publishing fields. Penthouse Magazines web site for motorsports can be visited via internet at www.penthouseracing.com. General Media Communications, Inc., is headquartered in New York City.