Former five-time NHRA World Champion team owner Jack O'Bannon announced today that his two-car NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team will continue to carry Tequila Patrón as the team's primary sponsor in 2008.  Current drivers Sean O'Bannon and Alexis De Joria will once again be at the controls of the 250 mph Dodge Chargers.

 

This season marked the first year for Jack O'Bannon Racing in the Top Alcohol Funny Car ranks.  After winning five NHRA World Championships with Rick Santos as his driver in Top Alcohol Dragster and finishing second nationally last season with son Sean behind the wheel, the team made the 'full' switch to the Funny Car ranks this year.  The team started the year with intentions of running one car in both categories, but opted to go with a two-car Funny Car team after the season's first event.

 

"I am extremely pleased to know that the great people at Patrón Spirits will continue on with us next year," said O'Bannon.  "This team has come a long way this year and we look at the Pomona race as the first race of our new year.  This is a winning combination and the cars will see the winner's circle next year."

Former five-time NHRA World Champion team owner Jack O'Bannon announced today that his two-car NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car team will continue to carry Tequila Patrón as the team's primary sponsor in 2008.  Current drivers Sean O'Bannon and Alexis De Joria will once again be at the controls of the 250 mph Dodge Chargers.

 

This season marked the first year for Jack O'Bannon Racing in the Top Alcohol Funny Car ranks.  After winning five NHRA World Championships with Rick Santos as his driver in Top Alcohol Dragster and finishing second nationally last season with son Sean behind the wheel, the team made the 'full' switch to the Funny Car ranks this year.  The team started the year with intentions of running one car in both categories, but opted to go with a two-car Funny Car team after the season's first event.

 

"I am extremely pleased to know that the great people at Patrón Spirits will continue on with us next year," said O'Bannon.  "This team has come a long way this year and we look at the Pomona race as the first race of our new year.  This is a winning combination and the cars will see the winner's circle next year."

 

With two semifinal finishes under their belts, the team is pleased with the progress they have made, but far from satisfied.  Team Crew Chiefs Randy Anderson and Sam Shockley have worked relentlessly to put the Tequila Patrón Dodge Chargers at the top of the pack.  The long hours of work started to show signs of progress during a recent test session that has both drivers excited about finishing the year strong and the possibilities in 2008.

 

"We've been fighting a lot of tireshake lately," Sean O'Bannon commented.  "Randy and Sam kept changing things on the car until they found a few things the car really responded to.  Both cars ran some great numbers in testing, so we're really excited about what the future holds for this team."

 

"We've came a long way," added De Joria.  "It's been a struggle at times.  Personally, it was a big jump for me into this class.  Jack put together a great team for me to learn from, and I've learned a lot this year.  That's what this year was all about, for me to learn as much as possible and get seat time.  Hopefully next year we can become more competitive.  Jack O'Bannon and his team have been great to work with and I look forward to working with him next year.  We're all excited about the possibilities next year for this Tequila Patrón Dodge Charger.  The more seat time I can get and the more I can learn, the better."

 

In addition to the Tequila Patrón sponsorship, Sean O'Bannon's car will also receive associate sponsorship from Forest River RV's. The team will finish the year at the season-ending Automobile Club of Southern California Finals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., this weekend.