NHRA® Team Report
Thunder Valley Nationals – Bristol
Pre-Race Report
A quarter-final finish is what Cruz and team needed heading into Thunder Valley this weekend. The momentum is moving in the right direction according to Cruz, “We stopped in Indy to take a closer look at the clutch issue that kept us from going past the second round in Englishtown. So, look for us to have a better handle on that in Bristol. We’re seeing the other changes we’ve made throughout the season beginning to pay off, and we’re just seven points away from a place in the Countdown. We’ve really come a long way since the start of the season.”
Crew Chief Aaron Brooks says, “I’m so proud to see the car doing what we know it’s capable of – Cruz and the whole team have worked hard to make it happen. We’ve qualified in the top half of the field three of the last six races, and it’s gratifying to see our work paying off.”
Racing this Father’s Day weekend is meaningful to Cruz as a Dad himself and as a son of one of the sport’s legends, “Flaming Frank” Pedregon. “My brother Tony and I are keeping the family business going with Tony in the booth for FOX and me behind the wheel of a Funny Car,” says Cruz. “Drag racing is something we grew up with and a life and a sport we love sharing with all the great NHRA fans. I’m hoping lots of dads will make it a memorable Father’s Day by coming out to the track and enjoying the race or getting together with family at home to watch the broadcast on TV. It’s a great sport to share with your kids, and I’m sure glad my Dad shared it with me.”
Name on the side of Cruz’s car – Bristol
On the side of Cruz’s car this weekend, you’ll see the name of Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Joey Frazier. Joey grew up in nearby Gray, Tennessee and has owned his Snap-on franchise for the past seven years. He says he enjoys that his work involves something new and different just about every day, and he credits much of his success to his assistant Wayne Hartley. Joey’s had Cruz ride-along with him on his route before, and says Cruz was a big hit with his customers…most of them wanted to tell him about their cars and ask him what it’s like to drive a Funny Car. Joey will be out here at the track and in Cruz’s pit this Father’s Day weekend with his wife, Beth, and children Austin and Ava Kate.