News

Charlotte, NC (March 25, 2015) – Snap-on sponsored NHRA Funny Car driver Cruz Pedregon and Snap-on sponsored Team Penske driver Joey Logano swapped racing roles today when Pedregon got behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup Series car and Logano powered a Cobra Jet during the “Snap-on Seat Swap.” The event offered Pedregon the opportunity to “take turns” at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Logano runs down the quarter on the neighboring zMAX Dragway prior to this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. 

“This Snap-on Seat Swap challenge demonstrates a passion for the sport of professional racing,” says Yvette Morrison, vice president of marketing, Snap-on Tools. “We are familiar with the enthusiasm professional drivers have for motorsports in general. This event provided a rare opportunity for two leaders in their sport to showcase their driving talents in completely different equipment and track venues. As a sponsor of both drivers, it is exciting that we can share this challenge with motorsports fans everywhere.” 

Pedregon, who comes from a family of drag racers, walked Logano through the car before heading to the pit to fire up the Cobra Jet and go through the steps of making a pass. Pedregon and Logano made several practice runs in a side-by-side Cobra Jet before the Daytona 500 winner took three drag racing runs on his own. The session ended at zMAX with Pedregon, a two-time Funny Car champion, making a solo run before lunch.

Logano followed by walking Pedregon through the garage area at Charlotte Motor Speedway, giving him the rundown of a Sprint Cup Series car. Pedregon rode with Logano around the 1.5 mile oval, before making three solo runs.

Each driver held a friendly debriefing to evaluate the other’s performance behind the wheel. “There’s nothing I love more than drag racing,” Pedregon said. “But I got my start racing a truck, and I really like any professional opportunity that allows me to get behind a wheel and put my racing expertise to the test. Joey’s got the skills and intuition that far exceed his years, and I had a lot of fun turning left for a day.”

“It was a pretty awesome experience for sure,” said Logano. “I’ve been to several NHRA drag races and had the chance to stand on the starting line and feel the power those cars have. So to get a chance to take a couple of passes in the Cobra Jet was intense. I can only imagine what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a race-ready Funny Car or Top Fuel Dragster. Those of us who compete in a form of motorsports always wonder what it’s like to drive another type of car. Hopefully, Cruz got that experience today. I know I did for sure.”

Both drivers said the Snap-on Seat Swap was a great example of the collaborative spirit that exists in motorsports and between sponsors, drivers, teams and tracks.

About Snap-on

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.  Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $3.3 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  For additional information, visit www.snapon.com.

About Team Penske

Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 400 major race wins, over 450 pole positions and 27 National Championships. The team has also earned 15 Indianapolis 500 victories in its storied history. Team Penske was also recently recognized by the Sports Business Journal as a finalist for the publication’s prestigious annual Professional Sports Team of the Year award. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.

About Charlotte Motor Speedway

For more than 50 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard for motorsports entertainment for fans of all ages.
Charlotte Motor Speedway is the only race vacation destination where fans can immerse themselves in the heart of NASCAR country. Visitors can attend one-of-a-kind race spectacles such as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500; take behind-the-scenes speedway and race shop tours; explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame; and drive an 800-horsepower stock car.
In 2008, zMAX Dragway opened, becoming the NHRA’s only four-lane, concrete drag strip. The premier facility hosts two national events each year, including this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.
For tickets, camping or more information, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call the speedway’s ticket office, 1-800-455-FANS (3267).