NHRA® Team Report
NHRA Gatornationals – Gainesville, FL
Pre-Race Report
Cruz Pedregon and team have the Snap-on Toyota tuned and ready for Gainesville. “We’re planning on a good string of runs like we’ve had at the Gatornationals as number one qualifier four years in a row,” Cruz says. “It felt great to have a career best 333 mph in Phoenix. Hitting the top speed of the meet has gotten us fired up for the weekend ahead.”
Crew Chief Aaron Brooks says, “It’s satisfying to see the work we’re doing paying off in big speed and helping us go rounds. The Snap-on Funny Car does well in warmer temps, so we’re looking forward to more good numbers this weekend.”
Cruz is busy visiting with Snap-on franchisees and customers leading up to the race. He’s also been active with Snap-on, working on a fan-created helmet from a social media contest held earlier this month and sponsored by Snap-on. Fans submitted personally-designed concepts for a 2018 Cruz Pedregon helmet, with the winner receiving an autographed Cruz prize pack. The winning helmet design will be worn by Cruz later this season. Fans at the track can also have the opportunity to score prizes from Snap-on Tools when they post pictures of Cruz, the team, haulers or the Snap-on Funny Car and use #SnaponCruzin.
On the side of Cruz’s car this week –
If you’ll check the side of Cruz’s car this week, you’ll see the name of Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Tom McCann. Snap-on is somewhat of a family business for Tom since his Dad was with the company for 20 years. Before owning his franchise, he was in the restaurant business, but decided he liked what he calls the “proven business” and independence of his Snap-on mobile tool store. Tom’s a racing fan and says he took his sons to the four-wide in Charlotte to introduce them to the sport. He’ll have sons Thomas and Michael with him at the track this weekend and says, “They can’t wait.”