FRANK PEDREGON STARTS OWN TEAM

Frank Pedregon will join younger brothers Cruz and Tony as an owner/driver after purchasing a complete Dodge Stratus Funny Car operation. Mark Oswald will serve as team advisor and Scott Graham as crew chief. Pedregon plans on running 10-12 NHRA POWERade events.

"I felt now was the time to go out on my own," the four-time NHRA national event winner said. "Optimistically, we will secure major sponsorship shortly. I am currently working with several Hispanic companies to bring some new sponsors to drag racing." (Jeff Burk photo) [2-9-2005]

JEG'S TO EXPAND SPORTSNATIONALS EVENTS

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JEG'S Mail Order has signed a multi-year agreement with NHRA to become the title sponsor for both NHRA SPORTSnationals events. The second annual JEG'S.com NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals will be held April 22-24 at No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose, LA. The inaugural JEG'S NHRA Northern SPORTSnationals will be held July 28-31 at National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio.

The JEG'S NHRA SPORTSnationals are national events designed to showcase NHRA's sportsman categories exclusively. Competitors in Comp Eliminator, Stock, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street will compete for more than $50,000 at each event in 2005. NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series national event points will be awarded to drivers in all categories except Super Street.

In addition, both JEG'S NHRA SPORTSnationals events will feature NHRA class eliminations, including a Super Stock Hemi Shootout, along with Pro Modified exhibition racing. [2-9-2005]

KUMRE TO PILOT 'FOOTHILL FLYER'

Jerry Kumre Jr. will take over the driving responsibilities on the "Foothill Flyer" nostalgia AA/Fuel dragster beginning this season. Kumre moved up from crewman to driver, finishing 7th in NE1 for 2003 before stepping up to A/Fuel and finishing 11th in the 2004 points running a limited schedule.

The Free Mexican AirForce team plans to debut at the Goodguys March Meet March 11-13 in Bakersfield, CA. [2-9-2005]

'BUDWEISER' BILL COMING BACK?

The Agent hears a rumor that one of his favorite drivers, Bill Hill, is going to be back on the Pro Mod circuits in 2005. The rumor is that Hill may be able to work something out with Larry Jeffers to obtain the '53 'Vette he drove last season. [2-9-2005]