For the first time since 2010, Cruz Pedregon will be returning the biggest indoor dirt racing event in the country, the Chili Bowl. Although, this trip will see the two-time NHRA champion attending the famed event as an owner, with San Diego, California driver A.J. Bender set to pilot the #6A midget with Glenn Styres Racing on board, as the primary sponsor.

“We’re very excited about announcing our return to the Chili Bowl after several years away. We’re bringing my own car along with driver A.J. Bender from California.”

Pedregon is coming off of a successful year in the NHRA Nitro ranks posting two wins and a bid for the championship, bringing home a 4^th place finish in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series for the Nitro Funny Car division. Bender is also coming off a successful season, topped off by winning the USAC West Coast Sprint Car event at Ventura Raceway during the famous Turkey Night Grand Prix.

“I’m watching the Saturday night of the Turkey Night Grand Prix and A.J. wins the sprint car portion of the show. He did a great job coming from the middle of the pack and passing some really good cars to win it” said Pedregon who is also a native to California. “I looked at the TV and I told my girlfriend Melissa, that’s our Chili Bowl driver right there, this guy’s got long hair and looks like he just got off a surf board.”

While Bender’s long flowing locks may catch plenty of attention, it was ultimately the San Diego driver’s dirt track success and diverse driving background that helped him get noticed by Pedregon.

“The other thing I like about AJ is he’s got an extensive background,” said the NHRA veteran. “If you look at his background he comes from flat track motorcycle racing, and he runs the non-wing 410 sprint cars out west and he wins.”

You can catch Bender aboard the Cruz Pedregon Racing #6A with Glenn Styres Racing on board, at the 36^th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals at the Tulsa Expo Center January 10^th thru January, 15^th. You can find all event updates at www.chilibowl.com, The Chili Bowl Nationals will be streamed on FloRacing, Monday Jan 10^th thru Saturday Jan 15^th until coverage shifts over to MAVTV and MAVTV Plus for opening ceremonies on Jan 15^th.