Cruz Pedregon hires Richard Hogan as consultant

Current ESPN analyst and Former National Hot Rod Association Funny Car World Cruz Pedregon his newly appointed consultant for the Advance Auto Parts race team.

CAMARILLO, CA--Racing toward his goal of another NHRA championship, Advance Auto Parts Funny Car team owner and driver Cruz Pedregon announced Thursday he has hired Richard Hogan as full-time team consultant to crew chief Ted Fasching.

Hogan has an extensive and successful track record and has worked for many of drag racing's legends including Kenny Bernstein, Don Garlits, and Don Prudhomme.

"Richard Hogan is a great fit for our team," stated Pedregon. "I've watched him over the past year, while in the booth, and was impressed with his attitude and success on the track with the Alan Johnson Funny Car team. He brings added experience and knowledge that I feel will be a great compliment to Ted and the rest of our crew."

"I'm still in drag racing because I love it and I'm looking forward to working with a proven winner like Cruz and the Advance Auto Parts Race Team," Hogan said. "I have a lot of respect for Crew Chief Ted Fasching's abilities and his mechanical talents. I feel those talents will be very important in keeping the race team competitive."

Hogan's love of racing started early as he cheered on his father, the drag racing legend Charlie Hogan (aka King Hogan). Richard Hogan first rose to meet the challenge of the racetrack in 1982 as one of the only paid crewmembers for Big Daddy Don Garlits. All 3 years he worked for Big Daddy the team ended up winning the Championship.

The thrills found at the drag strip kept Hogan coming back. He served as engine builder for the legendary Kenny Bernstein Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car. As well as returning to Don Garlits as crew chief in 1992. Hogan has also served as assistant crew chief for Don Prudhomme's Top Fuel Dragster and most recently as crew chief for the Alan Johnson Racing Team's Funny Car.

- www.cruzpedregon.com.