Cruz Pedregon, the two-time Funny Car World Champion, is set to compete at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals this weekend in Norwalk, Ohio. With a victory already under his belt from the 2021 race, Pedregon is eager to reclaim his title on one of his top five favorite tracks.
“Norwalk is always a highlight for us, not just because of the track itself, but because of the fantastic atmosphere that Bill Bader creates for families and fans,” said Pedregon. “It’s a big event that draws a huge crowd, which makes it all the more exciting.”
The racing event in Northern Ohio is expected to draw large crowds, supported by a rich history of drag racing in the state. Pedregon’s primary sponsor, Snap-on, is capitalizing on this gathering by hosting a double-wide hospitality for its franchisees and fans, promising a week filled with high-speed excitement and community engagement.
“This race is special to me, particularly because of the win in 2021 with my daughter there to witness it. It was a heartfelt moment, and we’re aiming to replicate that success this year,” Pedregon added. Despite the challenges posed by last week’s humidity, the team is confident, citing the forecasted mid-80s weather as perfect racing conditions.
This year, the Snap-on Dodge will carry special tributes, including the name of Clay Tomer, a dedicated Snap-on Nitro Franchisee who has been with the company for ten years. Tomer, along with his family, will witness his name race down the track, a nod to his lifelong passion for drag racing.
Additionally, a memorial decal will honor Dale Suiter, a beloved 30-year Snap-on Franchisee who recently passed away. This tribute symbolizes the enduring legacy of Snap-on’s community of makers and fixers.
Fans are encouraged to follow Cruz Pedregon and Snap-on on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates throughout the event and to share their stories of inspiration on makersandfixers.com.
This story was originally published on June 26, 2024.