Even thought any points Cruz Pedregon earns during the final six races won't count towards an NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car Championship, it doesn’t mean he can’t take away a few from those in the title hunt.

Pedregon drove his Advance Auto Parts-sponsored Toyota to the provisional pole position on Friday evening at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, NC. His efforts earned him three bonus points. Three points any one of the ten drivers in the Countdown would have wanted for themselves.

“We didn’t come out here and plan to take points from anyone,” said Pedregon whose second round loss in Indianapolis combined with a Robert Hight second round victory eliminated him from championship contention.

Even thought any points Cruz Pedregon earns during the final six races won't count towards an NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car Championship, it doesn’t mean he can’t take away a few from those in the title hunt.

Pedregon drove his Advance Auto Parts-sponsored Toyota to the provisional pole position on Friday evening at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, NC. His efforts earned him three bonus points. Three points any one of the ten drivers in the Countdown would have wanted for themselves.

“We didn’t come out here and plan to take points from anyone,” said Pedregon whose second round loss in Indianapolis combined with a Robert Hight second round victory eliminated him from championship contention.

“We’re just out here trying to salvage our season. We just kind of didn’t get things going early enough in the summer and we’re out here just trying to perform at a high level. It’s unfortunate that we missed the Countdown by just a little bit … we had a car that was capable.”

Pedregon needed a good first day at Charlotte to compensate for the week following the controversial NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

“My week was a bummer; I’d be lying if I told you it didn’t affect us,” Pedregon said. “It was really hard getting out of bed in the morning because you work so hard on these things all year. Ashley Force said it best and very classy in an interview when she commented on the pushing and yelling and everything. Everybody’s out here working hard with the blood, sweat and tears.”

Despite rumors that have questioned whether his performance in the Countdown will dictate his chances of racing next year, Pedregon said it has no bearing.

“We won the championship last year and lost money and sponsorships,” Pedregon said. “It’s one of those things where we live in a tough environment now and the economy is tough, I think it’s coming around and it’s coming back. Our contracts and our business are predicated on racing and finishing the year. Luckily it’s not about how you do.

“Kenny Bernstein said about 20 years ago that if your sponsorship is predicated on winning then you’re going to be in trouble. Winning is a bonus and winning is something you have to enjoy. You have to enjoy the fruits of winning and the agony of losing.” 

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