Two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion Cruz Pedregon returns to his Southern California roots to compete at the prestigious 65th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Pedregon, who grew up just down the road in Chino, views this event as a homecoming and a special highlight of the racing calendar.
“Our third race of the new season at the Pomona Dragstrip is special to me since it’s in Southern California, close to where I grew up in Chino,” Pedregon said. “I’ve always considered Pomona my home track and have managed to win some big races along the way here even going back to my Top Alcohol days in the late 80s.”
Pedregon’s history at Pomona Dragstrip includes standout achievements such as back-to-back victories in different classes—winning the Top Alcohol Dragster category in 1989 and returning victorious in a Top Alcohol Funny Car in 1990. He also scored an unforgettable Nitro Funny Car victory at the 1995 Winternationals.
“My most memorable victories here were back-to-back Pomona Winternationals wins in two different types of cars,” Pedregon shared. “Then we had a huge win at the 1995 Winternationals in our Nitro Funny Car.”
Driving the Snap-on® Dodge® Hellcat®, Pedregon is confident and eager for another strong performance in front of a robust crowd.
“It’s important to do well here, so we’ll be sure to have our Snap-on Dodge Hellcat ready to rip,” Pedregon added. “Plus, we’ll have great support from our Snap-on double hospitality crowd filled with franchisees and their customers. With all that energy and backing, I feel confident we’re going to be right in the mix.”
Adding to the excitement this weekend, local Snap-on Nitro franchisee Will Atwood will have his name featured prominently on the side of Pedregon’s Makers and Fixers Snap-on Dodge Hellcat. Atwood, who previously worked as a boat technician focusing on power and wakeboard boats before starting his franchise two years ago, is bringing more than 20 family and friends to experience the NHRA excitement firsthand.
When Atwood isn’t engaging with customers or at the racetrack, you’ll find him enjoying off-roading, motocross, or surfing.
This story was originally published on March 26, 2025. 
