Cruz Pedregon never imagined he’d have a synonymous sponsorship. But here he is three decades later, killing it.
Pedregon’s partnership with Snap-on Tools dates back to 1992, when the two first teamed up, and remained intact, despite a 2001 season where he served as a television analyst for ESPN. He returned in 2002, with full sponsorship from Snap-on, a relationship extended Saturday at the NHRA In-N-Out Finals through the 2026 season.
“I never thought I’d get to this point, and I told John Force the other day, ‘I thought I was going to race you for a couple of years and that would be it,’” Pedregon said. “The fact he and I are the only ones left racing from the early 1990s is a blessing.
“I’m not a real religious guy, but I do think the good Lord has smiled down on me [with this Snap-on deal]. I’m very proud of this. I don’t take it for granted. It’s a lot of work. I remember listening to Kenny Bernstein and his quotes for how to maintain those relationships. You have to underpromise and overdeliver. That’s what I try to do.”
Snap-on Tool has found a perfect fit with Pedregon.
“Racing fans know Cruz as a fierce competitor whose name is synonymous with drag racing. As his team’s primary sponsor, we at Snap-on recognize him for being a champion of our brand since 1992,” Randy Stewart, of Snap-on motorsports, said. “When a partnership like ours spans three decades, we’re fortunate to celebrate so many highlights together from Cruz’s first win in a nitro Funny Car through today, where he is the returning champ of last year’s Finals.
“Snap-on appreciates the work Cruz puts into building a solid, single-car team that consistently finishes each season strong. We’re looking forward to our continued, valued partnership and are proud to support Cruz and NHRA drag racing,” he said.
Pedregon’s racing resume includes two championships and 36 overall Funny Car wins.
