GAINESVILLE, Florida – The Pedregon Racing team is looking forward to a successful weekend in Gainesville, Florida, at the 43rd Annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals presented by NAPAfilters.com. Driver Tony Pedregon says the track itself is one of his best.

“I am confident that we are once again building a winning combination. The team is solid and the car is showing much needed consistency," said Driver Tony Pedregon. "I am thinking Gainesville will be a great weekend for the American Racing Toyota funny car!"

Tony Pedregon had a very solid weekend at this event in 2008. He secured the pole position and took that all the way to a victory. He also won at the Gainesville track in 2002, and took his first pole the next year.

After two races so far in the season, Pedregon is well within striking distance of the Top 10, currently in 13th place in the points. Teams will celebrate the start of the race events with a kick-off party Thursday, March 8th, and will qualify and compete through Sunday, March 11th.

At the most recent round in Phoenix, Pedregon had a high-flying first lap, as his American Racing Toyota Camry went 4.142, putting him second overall with two bonus points. He put in a consistent series of runs to qualify in the 11th spot. On Sunday, although Pedregon had the second fastest reaction time in the class, he was defeated in the first round by Jack Beckman in a close race.

The team's title sponsor in Gainesville is American Racing. With roots dating back to the golden era of hot rodding in the mid-1950s, American Racing has a long and respected history in aftermarket performance, and the vehicle carries a special Rat Rod themed wrap that pays homage to early hot rods of the 40?s, 50?s, and 60?s. The wheel company is the title sponsor on Pedregon's funny car for four races in 2012.

Coverage of the NHRA Gatornationals airs March 11 on ESPN2, check local listings.

SOURCE: http://www.tonypedregon.com/

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