Cruz Pedregon hires Bob Brooks as Crew Chief

Camarillo, CA (September 25, 2002) -- Cruz Pedregon Racing is pleased to announce the addition of Crew Chief Bob Brooks to the Advance Auto Parts Racing Team, effective immediately. Brooks will assume duties beginning at the Craftsman 75th Anniversary NHRA Nationals held this weekend in Joliet, IL and will be on board for the remainder of the 2002 season. In efforts to build upon team success, Brooks will be working alongside the leadership of racing veteran Bill Schultz, Team Consultant. Former Crew Chief Ted Fasching, as well as crew members Gene and Troy Fasching, amicably parted company with Cruz Pedregon Racing after the Memphis event, also effective immediately.

Bob Brooks, a native Californian, brings over 40 years of knowledge within the Drag Racing community along with many proven success stories. Throughout the years, Brooks has partnered with Dale Armstrong to work for many drag racing legends, including Kenny Bernstein and Don Prudhomme. Brooks also played an integral role in tuning Jerry Toliver's Funny Car teams. Most recently, Brooks served as Technical Advisor for the Jim Dunn owned K&N Filters Funny Car, driven by Frank Pedregon.

"The team is very excited about Bob Brooks coming on board," stated Pedregon. "This is a positive change for us; there will be adjustments for the team, but I have every bit of confidence that the racing experience Bob brings with him, as well as Bill's knowledge, will prove to be a winning combination. Bob has an experienced track record at all facilities, which is key to our success at this point."

"I have known Cruz for a very long time and am thrilled that this opportunity has presented itself," stated Brooks. "I was working with Dave Settles quite a bit when he was with Cruz during the McDonald's days, which indirectly gave me a lot of exposure to Cruz as driver. He's very driven and ambitious, which creates a winning environment. I've also known Bill Schultz for many years and look forward to working with him as well."

Brooks is also the owner/founder of Applied Friction Techniques (AFT) that specializes in complete clutches and clutch management systems. Brooks and his associates provide many racers, from Pro Stock to Top Fuel, the expertise needed for clutch management. Founded in 1986, Brooks spends most of his time at his AFT shop located in Orange, CA.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is based in Roanoke, Va., and is the second largest auto parts chain company in the nation. With approximately 2,400 stores in the 38 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the Company's website at www.advanceautoparts.com

For more information on Cruz Pedregon, please visit www.cruzpedregon.com.

-cpr-