NHRA® Team Report
NHRA Midwest Nationals – St. Louis
Pre-Race Report
After making his historic 600th race start and sitting firmly in the Countdown standings, the eye-on-the-prize Cruz Pedregon and team want extends far beyond the track. Cruz and his sponsor Snap-on will debut a new Socket to Breast Cancer car design to support the Pink Fund® in the U.S. and Kelly Shires Foundation in Canada to further their work helping breast cancer patients meet non-medical expenses while they are undergoing treatment.
Cruz’s sister Dora is a breast cancer survivor, so turning his Funny Car pink is meaningful for him and the entire team. "Dora is several years out from her diagnosis and is doing well, but she is still grateful for the guidance and information she received from the Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald when she was facing treatment," says Cruz. "So, I guess you could say we have our eye on two prizes -- to win this race, since we’ve not won St. Louis before, and to let our loyal NHRA fans know about these organizations. They’re unique because they can provide real help with transportation, utilities, the things of life that keep going even when patients may be out of work during breast cancer treatment. So far, Snap-on and its franchisees and customers who participated in sales promotions over the past seven years have donated more than $815,000 to support these organizations and their important work.”
"The Pink Fund's partnership with Snap-on and the beautiful paint scheme on Cruz's car brings so much energy and awareness to the important work we do in providing real help when breast cancer patients need it most for real-life, non-medical expenses. And, with Snap-on's help over the past seven years, we've provided more than $5M in direct financial assistance to creditors for transportation, housing, utilities, insurance, and more to help more than 2,200 breast cancer patients and their families," says MacDonald, the founder and CEO of the Pink Fund. "It's so rewarding to see our logo on Cruz's car and know all these great NHRA fans here and others watching from home are finding out about the help the Pink Fund can offer those impacted by breast cancer. After the race, I hope everyone will visit PinkFund.org to learn more."
On the side of Cruz’s newly pinked-out Dodge you’ll see the name of Nitro Franchisee TJ Zach. TJ was a mechanic before deciding his 6’ 7” frame needed a break from the shop, and he decided to invest in a Snap-on franchise. He says his favorite part of his work is interacting with his customers. TJ made tickets to this weekend’s race for his customers a priority, so more than 50 of them will be enjoying NHRA racing live and in person over the weekend.
Follow Cruz and Snap-on on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
To see the latest Cruz news, like his Facebook page, where you can also check out his Vlog “Kickin’ It With The Cruzer.” Follow Cruz on Twitter and Instagram.
About Snap-on Tools
Snap-on Tools is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, including aviation and aerospace, agriculture, construction, government and military, mining, natural resources, power generation and technical education. Snap-on Tools is one of the largest non-food franchise companies in the world, selling its products and services through franchisee, company-direct, distributor and internet channels. Snap-on Incorporated, which was founded in 1920, is a $4.25 billion, S&P 500 company located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with operations throughout the world. For additional information, visit http://www.snapon.com.
