Two-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon is eager to hit the track at Route 66 Raceway for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK. After experiencing a minor explosion and fire during the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, the Snap-on® Dodge® Hellcat Funny Car team has regrouped, rebuilt, and identified key adjustments aimed at securing their first victory of the 2025 season.
“We’ve discovered something in our clutch application program that has been amiss,” Pedregon said. “This discovery should contribute greatly to our consistency moving forward as we work hard trying to get that first win of the season.”
Pedregon emphasized the team’s strong qualifying performances but acknowledged challenges during eliminations. “Our qualifying efforts have been solid as we’ve been clicking off three out of four full, consistent runs down the track. It’s just been on Sundays when the track warms up that have been challenging and causing tire spin. Addressing this clutch issue should make a significant difference.”
Ahead of the Joliet event, Pedregon and his team plan to conduct critical testing runs at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. These tests are set to provide valuable insights as the team seeks greater performance consistency and competitive edge.
The Joliet event is particularly significant for Pedregon and his primary sponsor, Snap-on, headquartered in nearby Wisconsin. “The Joliet racetrack has a great 26-year history, and it’s just down the road from Snap-on’s headquarters,” Pedregon noted. “It’s important for us to do well at this event.”
Adding extra motivation, Pedregon’s Funny Car will feature a tribute to Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Mike Chraponski, who transitioned from the trading floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to a successful 20-year career behind the wheel of a Snap-on van.
“Mike embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and takes pride in representing Snap-on,” said Pedregon. “He’s a true racing fan, and I enjoyed visiting several of his customers’ shops to talk tools and racing before this weekend’s event.”
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This story was originally published on May 14, 2025. 
