Cruz Pedregon NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Pre-Race Report, plus images of Team’s Snap-on visit prior to race

Cruz Pedregon

NHRA – Thunder Valley Nationals

Pre-Race Report

Quotes for NHRA – Thunder Valley Nationals

Cruz Pedregon, two-time Funny Car World Champion, says:

One of my favorite times of the year is when we head to the track at Bristol. The unique elevation and atmosphere make it a standout on the schedule. As we get into the warmer summer months, I can tell the Snap-on “Makers and Fixers” Dodge® Hellcat® is well-suited for these conditions.

We’ve made big improvements to our clutch program, and with the momentum we’ve built lately, we’re feeling confident heading into the weekend.

Bristol holds a ton of history, dating all the way back to the mid-70s when it was known as Thunder Valley Dragway. It’s always a special place to race, and this year even more so for the team because we get to visit the Snap-on facility in nearby Elizabethton on Thursday. It will be the first time for several members of the team to see firsthand how some of the ratchets, extensions, and wrenches we use at the track and in the shop are made.

For those of us who proudly call ourselves Makers and Fixers, seeing where and how our essential tools are created is a powerful reminder of the craftsmanship and precision behind every repair and adjustment. It’s always inspiring to connect with the people who make the Snap-on products that help keep us competitive and safe.

Even more exciting, Snap-on associates who create the hand tools and products there will be joining us at the track on Sunday. We’re looking forward to hosting these Makers and Fixers, so they can see the Snap-on tools we rely on in action, and, hopefully, hoist a Wally for them and all the NHRA fans at the end of Race Day.

Name on the side of Cruz’s car – Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Eric Cornelison

·        On the side of Cruz’s Snap-on® Dodge® Hellcat® you’ll see the name of this week’s Nitro Franchisee, Eric Cornelison, who was born and raised a Maker and Fixer – like the design on Cruz’s car. He is a self-taught blacksmith and a member of the American Bladesmith Society. He especially likes making knives.

·        Eric developed an interest in tools at a young age while watching his dad, who was a Maker and Fixer, work in the shop he owned, and a Snap-on franchisee let him tour the mobile store.

·        He started working as an assistant for that now-retired Snap-on franchisee and took over the route earlier this year.

·        He says his favorite thing about owning the business is stopping by the shops and visiting with his customers.

·        Cruz is getting to interact with several of those fellow Makers and Fixers at a dinner in his pit at the track on Friday night.

Follow Cruz and Snap-on on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

To see the latest Cruz news, like his Facebook page, on X, and Instagram. Follow Snap-on Makers and Fixers on Instagram and on the Makers and Fixers website. Be sure to share your story as a Maker or Fixer for a chance to be featured among the professionals who keep the world running.