Apparently, the experience of watching drag racing from outside the car is better for Fernando Cuadra Sr. 

The Mexican drag racing champion has announced this weekend’s NHRA Fout-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, NC., will be his final event as he plans to retire. The elder Cuadra has been waiting on a new car, which he will race this weekend. 

“It’s all perfect timing. With the businesses, it’s in the by-laws. It’s no surprise; we’ve been preparing. My boys will be taking over,” said Fernando Sr. of his sons taking over the responsibility of 34 factories and 12,000 employees as well as partnerships around the globe. “Each of the boys will have equal say in the company. They will have to unanimously agree on decisions. They’ve been involved for a long time; this is just the next step.”

The family will line up in Friday’s qualifying for one last run together. It will be the second and final time (providing elimination rounds; don’t pair them). Cuadra Sr., Fernando Jr., Cristian, and David have all been on the track simultaneously. 

Even when Cuadra came to Gainesville in March, he hinted his time behind the wheel was winding down. He turns 65 on the same day Cristian and David turn 25.

I have to tell you and confess, I have a lot of fun by watching them out of the seat,” Cuadra admitted. 

The retirement from the business was planned, but the racing departure was not so much. 

“It’s a good way to ‘go out,’ as they say. Lining up with my family, it’s important to me. This whole sport is important to us,” Fernando Sr. said. “Pro Stock is special; Elite Motorsports is special. What I’ve learned, what my boys have learned and are able to part of, it’s been amazing. Having Erica, a six-time champion, mentor and teach them. This whole thing is a blessing. We are happy to be here, we are happy to compete and we are happy we get to do it together.”