Cruz Pedregon test summary 2003-03-03

Test session brings good news as team prepares for Gatornationals.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 3, 2003) -- Cruz Pedregon and the Advance Auto Parts Racing Team wasted no time during their latest test session, just after the Phoenix event. Crew members got down to business as they made four attempts down the track, giving the team much needed information as they prepare for the upcoming Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL.

Results from the test session included two passes in the 4.80's (e.t.) with speeds averaging over 300 miles per hour. As crew chiefs Rob Flynn and Dave Fletcher headed up changes, namely to the fuel system, the Advance Auto Parts Funny Car Firebird continued to show improvements. During his last attempt of the day, Cruz Pedregon made a 4.83 e.t/296 mph pass before his planned, early shut down. Strong incremental times predicted a 4.81 e.t. at a speed of 318 miles per hour if he had went the full quarter-mile.

"This was a very productive test session for us -- much more so than in January," stated owner/driver Cruz Pedregon, "We were able to verify some information and get answers to our questions. These four runs were probably the most important runs we will make all season, in terms of getting the car to respond the way we wanted and how we know it should."

With the Gainesville event just around the corner, Cruz Pedregon and the Advance Auto Parts Team continue to be well positioned for winning elimination rounds. As a former Gatornationals Funny Car champion ('98), Cruz Pedregon has high expectations and anxiously anticipates the 2003 national event.

The 34th annual Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals will be held at Gainesville Raceway, March 13-16th, 2003. Professional qualifying will begin at 12:00 pm on Friday, March 14th. Final eliminations will begin on Sunday, March 16th at 11:00 am. ESPN will air qualifying on March 16 from 3-5 am (ET) while ESPN2 will air eliminations from 9:00 to 11:30 pm (ET). For more information on the event, please visit www.nhra.com.

For more information on Advance Auto Parts Racing Team, please visit www.CruzPedregon.com.

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