Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 | 10:12 a.m.
One of the worst kept secrets in the NHRA pits was made official on Thursday when reigning NHRA Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon announced he would partner with his brother Cruz for the 2004 season.
Tony Pedregon will join Pedregon Racing and campaign a Funny Car with sponsorship from Quaker State. Tony Pedregon spent the past eight seasons with John Force Racing and won his first NHRA Powerade Funny Car championship this season after four times finishing second to Force.
"Cruz and I racing together is something we have wanted to do since we were children," Tony said. "For years, we've been racing as competitors and finally we will race as teammates."
Cruz Pedregon, who formed his own team in 1999, is the only driver other than Force to win an NHRA Funny Car championship in the '90s.
"The talents of my brother Tony are undeniable," Cruz said. "Having Tony on board with Pedregon Racing will only benefit this team. And to bring a recognizable sponsor like Quaker State back into the sport is exciting.
"I couldn't be more anxious for a race season to get started. I am looking forward to many victories and championships in the future."
Tony Pedregon clinched his first NHRA Funny Car championship with a victory at the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October. It was Pedregon's eighth victory of the season.
In eight seasons with John Force Racing, Pedregon won 27 national events and finished in the top 6 in points every year.
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