amanda_brahler 's avatar
Author:
Amanda Brahler
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
  • Related Photos
SPEEDtv.com Store
Grand National:America's Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing, by Joe Scalzo
Joe Scalzo’s book captures the spirit of the Golden Age of motorcycle racing.
Our Price: $39.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Ferrari Red Classic Hat
100% cotton twill. Ferrari shield embroidered on front, piping on the peak and Ferrari logo embroidered on back strap adjuster.
Our Price: $30.00 ($27.00 Member)
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
NHRA: Pedregon Mindful As Tour Heads To Ohio
Written by: Amanda Brahler
Go2Geiger.com   http://www.go2geiger.com
06/26/2009
Porter, TX
 
Tony Pedregon enters this weekend's Norwalk race as the Funny Car point leader after sweeping the last two events. But concerns over the racing surface at Summit Motorsports Park now weighs on the two-time champion's mind.
NHRA Funny Car point leader Tony Pedregon has concerns over the racing surface at Summit Motorsports Park. (Go2Geiger.com) ยป More Photos

"I’ve raced Norwalk probably more than anybody except of John Force," said Pedregon, who has run a myriad of special events at the track. "It's pretty close to the event for this track drainage problem to rear its head again, but I do know the Bader family (track owners) very well and I have faith that by the time we get there, any problems they may have had will be fixed. They'll have it ready to go."

Last Sunday, track officials re-paved the racing surface after water seepage issues became a factor during a recent Super Chevy event at the facility.

Uncertainty has become the norm for the NHRA this season with rain falling at eight of the first 11 races. The water seepage issue just seems to be another the sanctioning body will have to clear.

While he tries to figure out how to keep his Quaker State Chevrolet Impala SS out front, regardless of the conditions he faces, Pedregon must also keep an eye on his pocketbook. Just last week, Chevrolet announced major cutbacks across the board, including its support in motorsports.

"I’m subjected to the same things as the other teams, probably on a smaller scale then what the NASCAR guys are facing," said Pedregon, who co-owns and operates the two-car Pedregon Racing stable with brother Cruz. "I prepared myself for about a year. We’re efficient. We always have been. We’ve had to operate on less than most teams in the top 10. The silver lining is that there is still some involvement."

With plans to continue steering a Chevy Impala down the track, one thing that has changed for Pedregon is the branding on his Funny Car. For years, Pedregon has been the face of Quaker State within NHRA but this year the company's logos have been swapped
out for some other sponsors, like Nitro Fish, Herzog, and the Jimmy Johnson Foundation.

"I continue my involvement with Quaker State, they’ve just allowed me the benefit of bringing in new partners to compliment our program," Pedregon said. "Quaker State, Snap-on Tools, and Herzog are companies we’ve been involved with through all the years that I’ve owned a team. You see more incorporating on the car due to the economy. Companies are still wanting to market in the sport but they have challenges just like we do.

"We all have to figure out how to do it for less. We hope things stabilize a little bit. For now, my goal is just to get through these times. It’s a never-ending quest to bring up programs, keep Quaker State here, and continue to promote the brand."

Although he already has a lot on his plate as a racer and businessman, Pedregon will still find time this weekend to promote a charity auction to benefit Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children with medical hair loss issues brought on by auto immune conditions, severe burns, and radiation treatments.

After changing his many hats and job duties, Pedregon’s ultimate goal in Northern Ohio is to maintain the point lead, which he hopes to secure with a third straight win.

"Momentum in racing is relative," he said. "We had two good weekends and I think that was due to a lot of work and effort. We took some lumps along the way. It’s so competitive with all of the top 12 cars.

"I think we feel confident that the car is more predictable then it was the first few races. We don’t have a big lead but we’re willing to put the work in."
View All Comments