Cruz Pedregon Racing changes for 2003

Cruz Pedregon Racing hires Rob Flynn and Dave Fletcher for 2003 season; team operations move to Indianapolis.

Camarillo, CA (November 15, 2002) -- Cruz Pedregon Racing has announced Rob Flynn as Crew Chief and Dave Fletcher as Co-Crew Chief for the Advance Auto Parts Funny Car Racing Team for the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Season. Team operations for Cruz Pedregon Racing will be moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, effective immediately.

Rob Flynn and Dave Fletcher each have an extensive and successful track record within the racing community and have worked for many of drag racing's legends including Kenny Bernstein, Don Prudhomme, and Austin Coil. Their combined experience will have an immediate impact on the overall success of Cruz Pedregon Racing.

"Bringing good people with winning backgrounds to our team is the first step toward achieving our goals," states owner/driver Cruz Pedregon, "Rob Flynn and Dave Fletcher, both excellent Crew Chiefs, have developed a strong working relationship together. I feel that two heads are better than one as it relates to running the car as effectively as possible. On a personal level, I've worked with both -- Rob, from 1992 to 1994 with team owner Larry Minor on the McDonald's Funny Car, and Dave, from 1996 to 1998 with team owner Joe Gibbs on the Interstate Battery Car. I am confident that they will represent our Advance Auto Parts Racing Team well, on and off the track. "

Rob Flynn, whose career in motorsports began in 1977, brings a great deal of expertise and knowledge to Cruz Pedregon Racing. Working his way into the nineties, Flynn has served as a Funny Car Crew Chief for many teams including Del Worsham, Jerry Toliver and Whit Bazemore. From 1996, Flynn has claimed twelve national event wins. Flynn currently resides in Avon, IN, with his wife and two children.

"Dave and I are looking forward to putting together a competitive team so we can go out there and win some races and have some fun," states Flynn "Cruz is an excellent driver and with a competitive car he will do very well."

Dave Fletcher began his racing career in England and came to the U.S. in 1984 to work for Austin Coil on the Chi-town Hustler. Fletcher has also worked alongside Kenny Bernstein, Scott Kalitta and Billy Meyer. One of Fletcher's most recent highlights was claiming the Budweiser Shootout Championship in 2001 with Frank Pedregon, brother of Cruz Pedregon. Fletcher currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and stepson.

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity and challenge of working with Cruz," states Fletcher, "and looking forward to having a great year. Cruz is one of the premier Funny Car drivers out there. It's a great advantage having a great driver."

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.

-cpr-