Cruz Pedregon
NHRA – Seattle NHRA Northwest Nationals
Pre-Race Report
Quotes for NHRA – Seattle NHRA Northwest Nationals
Cruz Pedregon, two-time Funny Car World Champion, says:
Seattle marks the midway point of our race season, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Our Snap-on® “Own It” Dodge® Hellcat® is starting to hit its stride. We’re making strong, consistent runs and building momentum. Coming off a top qualifying effort in Norwalk and a semifinal finish, we’re ready to take things even further.
I can’t think of a better place to do that than Seattle. With the track under new ownership and major improvements to the facility, there’s a renewed energy around this event. They’ve even scheduled a late Friday night qualifying session under the lights, which means cooler air, big header flames, and a show the fans won’t forget.
We’d love to be one of the cars that sets the pace that night for the debut of this year’s new “Own It” paint scheme on the Snap-on Dodge. I get to interact with franchisees throughout the season, doing ride-alongs and hosting them in the pit. So, the paint scheme is a shout-out to them and a chance to remind race fans of the opportunity to own a Snap-on franchise.
Seattle, really all of the West Coast races, feels like home to me. Being from Southern California, I always enjoy racing out here. The Pacific Northwest provides great atmospheric conditions for big performance, and the fans here are some of the best. Since they only get to see us once a year, we expect a packed house in the stands and our hospitality area.
We’re focused, confident, and ready to keep climbing. If you can’t catch us live or in person, be sure to check local listings and find us on FS1 or FOX network TV. NHRA.TV is also a great way to catch the action.
Name on the side of Cruz’s car – Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Kevin Hamer
● Featured on the side of Cruz’s Snap-on® “Own It” Dodge® Hellcat® is Nitro Franchisee Kevin Hamer.
● This race weekend will be a first-time meeting for Cruz and Kevin, but Kevin’s no stranger to drag racing. He’s a regular Grudge Racing competitor here at Pacific Raceways.
● Kevin began his career working as an automotive and diesel technician, and he’s been a part of Snap-on for more than a decade.
● He got into the business because the Snap-on franchisee who called on his shop encouraged him to do exactly what Cruz’s “Own It” paint scheme says, and look into owning a franchise for himself.
● As the Nitro Franchisee, Kevin and Cruz will get to talk about all things tools and racing over dinner in Cruz’s pit on Friday after qualifying.