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CHANDLER, Ariz. – Following a strong test in Bakersfield, Calif., NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Sean O’Bannon and the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV’s team are looking forward to this weekend's Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series opener at Firebird Raceway just outside of Phoenix. After fighting severe tireshake at the season opening CARQUEST Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., the team spent several days testing, producing a best of 5.64 seconds out of the Jack O’Bannon Racing Dodge Charger.
O’Bannon, 29, of Ontario, Calif., and the Sam Shockley lead team are looking forward to the weekend as a way to bounce back from their first round loss in Pomona.
“We had the car coming around in Pomona, its just that we were about a run behind and had to run Manzo in the first round,” said O’Bannon. “That’s usually a good way to end the weekend early. That’s the level we’re trying to get this team to, and we’re committed to getting there. We’re very encouraged with the way the car ran in the test in Bakersfield. The car responded favorably to the changes we made to it. Hopefully we can go out to Phoenix this weekend and make a good showing for Tequila Patrón and Forest River RV’s.”
After finishing second nationally in 2006 in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, O’Bannon made the switch to the ‘floppers’ in April of last year. Sean’s father and team owner Jack, won five Top Alcohol Dragster World Championships with Rick Santos as his driver from 1997 to 2001. Sean has two national event wins to his credit in the dragster, but has yet to win in the Funny Car.
“It’s always a tough field out here in Division 7,” explained O’Bannon. “There are so many good cars, if you’re off your game just a little bit, you won’t make the field. Hopefully we can go some rounds this weekend and maybe put this Tequila Patrón Dodge Charger in a winner’s circle.”
The team will test at the track on Thursday, and qualifying will begin on Friday for the alcohol cars. Qualifying will continue on Saturday with two sessions, and final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday.
Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón is the world’s No. 1 selling ultra-premium tequila. From the finest, most expensive Weaber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the signed, handcrafted glass bottles, Patrón is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Imported and marketed by Las Vegas-based The Patrón Spirits Company, brands in the portfolio consist of Patrón Gran Platinum, Patrón Anejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café (tequila and coffee blend), and Patrón Citrónge (extra fine orange liqueur), Ultimat Vodka (80 proof, Black Cherry and Chocolate Vanilla), as well as Pyrat Pistol, Pyrat Cask, and Pyrat XO Reserve Caribbean rums.
To find out more about the Jack O'Bannon Racing Team, visit their website at www.jackobannonracing.com
To find out more about Jack O'Bannon Racing's quality partners, visit these websites:
The Patrón Spirits Company - Find out more about the world's number one tequila - Tequila Patrón.
Forest River : Producers of RV's | Cargo Trailers | Boats | Commercial Vehicles - Find out more about America's largest producer of towable RV's and Cargo Trailers
Hoosier Racing Tire -- Tires Designed For Champions - "Tires Designed for Champions"
Lubrication Engineers,® Inc. - Welcome. - Lubrication Engineers - "Leaders in Lubrication"
After strong test, O’Bannon fired up about Phoenix
CHANDLER, Ariz. – Following a strong test in Bakersfield, Calif., NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Sean O’Bannon and the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV’s team are looking forward to this weekend's Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series opener at Firebird Raceway just outside of Phoenix. After fighting severe tireshake at the season opening CARQUEST Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., the team spent several days testing, producing a best of 5.64 seconds out of the Jack O’Bannon Racing Dodge Charger.
O’Bannon, 29, of Ontario, Calif., and the Sam Shockley lead team are looking forward to the weekend as a way to bounce back from their first round loss in Pomona.
“We had the car coming around in Pomona, its just that we were about a run behind and had to run Manzo in the first round,” said O’Bannon. “That’s usually a good way to end the weekend early. That’s the level we’re trying to get this team to, and we’re committed to getting there. We’re very encouraged with the way the car ran in the test in Bakersfield. The car responded favorably to the changes we made to it. Hopefully we can go out to Phoenix this weekend and make a good showing for Tequila Patrón and Forest River RV’s.”
After finishing second nationally in 2006 in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, O’Bannon made the switch to the ‘floppers’ in April of last year. Sean’s father and team owner Jack, won five Top Alcohol Dragster World Championships with Rick Santos as his driver from 1997 to 2001. Sean has two national event wins to his credit in the dragster, but has yet to win in the Funny Car.
“It’s always a tough field out here in Division 7,” explained O’Bannon. “There are so many good cars, if you’re off your game just a little bit, you won’t make the field. Hopefully we can go some rounds this weekend and maybe put this Tequila Patrón Dodge Charger in a winner’s circle.”
The team will test at the track on Thursday, and qualifying will begin on Friday for the alcohol cars. Qualifying will continue on Saturday with two sessions, and final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday.
Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón is the world’s No. 1 selling ultra-premium tequila. From the finest, most expensive Weaber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the signed, handcrafted glass bottles, Patrón is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Imported and marketed by Las Vegas-based The Patrón Spirits Company, brands in the portfolio consist of Patrón Gran Platinum, Patrón Anejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café (tequila and coffee blend), and Patrón Citrónge (extra fine orange liqueur), Ultimat Vodka (80 proof, Black Cherry and Chocolate Vanilla), as well as Pyrat Pistol, Pyrat Cask, and Pyrat XO Reserve Caribbean rums.
To find out more about the Jack O'Bannon Racing Team, visit their website at www.jackobannonracing.com
To find out more about Jack O'Bannon Racing's quality partners, visit these websites:
The Patrón Spirits Company - Find out more about the world's number one tequila - Tequila Patrón.
Forest River : Producers of RV's | Cargo Trailers | Boats | Commercial Vehicles - Find out more about America's largest producer of towable RV's and Cargo Trailers
Hoosier Racing Tire -- Tires Designed For Champions - "Tires Designed for Champions"
Lubrication Engineers,® Inc. - Welcome. - Lubrication Engineers - "Leaders in Lubrication"
