Two-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon is heading into Seattle’s NHRA Northwest Nationals with confidence – and a car that’s starting to show real teeth. Coming off a top qualifying effort and semifinal finish in Norwalk, Pedregon is eyeing a big weekend at Pacific Raceways as the 2024 season hits its halfway mark.
“Seattle marks the midway point of our race season, and it couldn’t come at a better time,” said Pedregon. “Our Snap-on® ‘Own It’ Dodge® Hellcat® is starting to hit its stride. We’re making strong, consistent runs and building momentum.”
This weekend will mark a return to one of Pedregon’s favorite parts of the tour. With Pacific Raceways under new ownership and recent upgrades to the facility, the event has a fresh buzz surrounding it – including a fan-favorite Friday night qualifying session under the lights.
“They’ve scheduled a late Friday night session, which means cooler air, big header flames, and a show the fans won’t forget,” said Pedregon. “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.”
That paint scheme carries more weight than just good looks. It’s a nod to the Snap-on franchisees Cruz interacts with throughout the season – many of whom join him in the pit for meet-and-greets and race weekend hospitality. One of those franchisees will be right at home this weekend.
Featured prominently on the side of Cruz’s Dodge Hellcat is Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Kevin Hamer, a local Pacific Northwest tool man and a regular in the region’s grudge racing scene. Though this weekend will be Cruz and Kevin’s first time meeting in person, Hamer’s story fits perfectly into the theme of the “Own It” campaign.
“Kevin got into the business because the Snap-on franchisee who called on his shop encouraged him to do exactly what the car says – own it,” Pedregon explained. “Now he’s been with Snap-on for over a decade, and we’re pumped to have him out here with us.”
Pedregon and Hamer are expected to link up after Friday night qualifying for dinner in the pit – where the conversation will no doubt revolve around tools, tuning, and the shared love of racing.
“Seattle, really all of the West Coast races, feels like home to me,” said Pedregon, who grew up in Southern California. “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.”
Fans who can’t catch the action in person can find coverage all weekend on FS1 or FOX, as well as streaming on NHRA.TV.
“We’re focused, confident, and ready to keep climbing,” said Pedregon.
This story was originally published on July 14, 2025. 
