Pedregon to partner with Quaker State in 2004
   

Quaker State Racing has announced a return to NHRA Drag Racing as primary sponsor of reigning POWERade champion Tony Pedregon's new Funny Car, which will make its debut at the historic 44th annual K&N Filters Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., in late February. The blockbuster announcement was made Thursday at the PRI trade show in Indianapolis.

Pedregon's Quaker State Funny Car will pair with the Advance Auto Parts Funny Car of his brother Cruz Pedregon, who won the series title in 1992. Cruz, who formed Pedregon Racing four years ago, carried Quaker State on his hot rod as an associate-level sponsor in 2003.

"This sponsorship is important to Quaker State for several reasons," said James Stone, Director of Quaker State Brand Management. "First, we have tremendous respect for the NHRA and their fans, and are eager to support the continued growth and success of the series. It also gives Quaker State the opportunity to showcase its quality products and demonstrate its commitment to high performance.

"Second, we have the unique opportunity to partner with the Pedregon family, one of the most successful racing families in NHRA history. Not only are they tremendously talented drivers, but they are also terrific ambassadors of the sport outside the drag strip.

"Third, it reinforces the commitment Quaker State has to the Hispanic community. Not only does Quaker State provide high quality products to Hispanic consumers across the country, but Tony and Cruz are strong supporters of Hispanic community efforts, and Quaker State is proud to partner with them in helping reach and improve Hispanic communities across the country.

"These three forces combine to equal a winning recipe for Quaker State."

Tony, who recently announced that respected tuner Dickie Venables will head his side of the operation, was understandably excited.

"On behalf of Pedregon Racing, we are proud to partner with Quaker State," Tony said. "Quaker State is a proven leader both on and off the track and we will strive to continue to do the same. The opportunity to work with such a great sponsor is very exciting for us and we look forward to a high-performance program."

Quaker State's commitment as a primary sponsor will result in further involvement with the NHRA, as well as adding a new, highly-competitive team to the series.

"We are pleased to welcome Quaker State as a primary sponsor in the sport of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing," said Gary Darcy, vice president of marketing for the NHRA. "The addition of a top consumer brand name partnering with a new Funny Car team is a clear indication of the sponsor value and return on investment associated with participation in NHRA and the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series."

Pedregon Racing was formed in 1999, when Cruz achieved a lifelong goal of becoming a car owner and driver in the NHRA series. For the past year, Quaker State Racing has been an associate sponsor with Pedregon Racing and Cruz's Advance Auto Parts Funny Car.

"The talents of my brother, Tony, are undeniable," Cruz said. "Having Tony on board with Pedregon Racing will only benefit this team. And to bring a recognizable sponsor like Quaker State back into the sport is exciting. I couldn't be more anxious for a race season to get started. I am looking forward to many victories and championships in the future."

"Cruz and I racing together is something we have wanted to do since we were children," Tony said. "For years we've been racing as competitors and finally we will race as teammates."

Tony began his career in the NHRA in the early 1990's racing Top Alcohol Dragsters. Since that time he has competed in Top Fuel and Funny Car, earning 27 career victories in Funny Car. His most recent victory came at the ACDelco Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That thrilling victory clinched Tony's first NHRA POWERade championship, after finishing second in the standings four times to his former boss, John Force.