Gainesville: Tony Pedregon Friday summary

Tony Pedregon Looking Towards Gainesville
Past Victories are Good, But the Goal is to Win 'Today'

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 17, 2005) -- Tony Pedregon knows he is leaving behind an impressive legacy of wins and accomplishments, but he is keeping his sights on the present - the Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals.

Pedregon, Gainesville Raceway winner in 2002, knows that his 'Q' Racing Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car is ready to make it all the way to victory lane.

"To win in Gainesville is a big accomplishment because this is one of the big races, it is known as a fast track and it comes on early in the season," said Pedregon. "At this track, the teams that are better prepared are going to have the best chance to win. And our goal is to win 'today.'

"It's key to qualify as close to the top as possible and this year, so far, we have qualified first twice. We also have two, new elapsed-time records (Pomona and Phoenix) as well as Gainesville (March 1999); but what my team, crew chief (Dick Venables) and I want is to get to the late rounds. And I feel we're very capable of doing that," added Pedregon.

This is the second year Pedregon comes to Gainesville as an owner (with brother Cruz) of his own team. Last year Pedregon proved his car could perform, but this year he wants to prove they can be consistent no matter what the track or climatic conditions may be.

"The car is good, we've proven it can perform well and now we're working on consistency; the burden to attain it is on us," said Pedregon. "The weather in Florida is going to dictate how the cars perform, the temperature may be a little bit warmer (than in previous races) but we are ready for it.

"Also, Gainesville is at sea level, which paired with a good track surface, has made this raceway known as a 'fast track,'" explained Pedregon. "But it is a track I am familiar with and I have won on it before, I feel that gives us a little of an edge."

Tony Pedregon no se duerme en los laureles, does not fall sleep in past glories; he looks forward and sets expectations high.

"Anytime you can join the caliber of drivers that have won on this raceway, you are in elite company. Now, I'd like to join the multiple time winners."

-www.PedregonRacing.com-