Pedregon to compete with NASCAR stars to raise money for charity
KENOSHA, Wis. – June 1, 2011 –
Cruz Pedregon is hoping the fifth time is the charm as he competes in the 2011 “Prelude to the Dream,” a dirt track race for charity, on June 8 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Pedregon will drive the No. 75 Snap-on late model dirt track car as he and his fellow all-star drivers race to raise money for children’s hospitals in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas and St. Louis.
“I always look forward to this time of year, because it’s almost time for the Prelude,” said Pedregon. “This is my fifth year and I love being a part of it. Not only is it a fun event, but it also raises money for some great charities. It’s nice to race against the best drivers in the world and have two drag racers, Ron Capps and myself, hold our own. I had a disappointing run in 2010 but I’m looking forward to a top 10 finish this year.”
Pedregon will be one of 24 world-renowned drivers battling in the dirt while raising money for the children’s hospitals. Like last year, the field will be broken up into four teams of six drivers with each team representing one of the hospitals.
Each hospital will receive a donation based on how their team finishes. The lowest team score wins and only the top five drivers from each team will be scored. The winning team receives 30 percent of money raised through television subscriptions. The second-place team receives 25 percent, and the third and fourth-place teams each receive 20 percent. The six previous “Prelude to the Dreams” have collectively raised more than three million dollars.
“It is a great privilege for Snap-on to be involved with this worthwhile cause,” said Rick Secor, director of marketing communications for Snap-on Tools. “It is a testament to Cruz’s popularity as well as his respect among the other drivers that he is one of the few non-NASCAR drivers invited to participate. We know Cruz will do a tremendous job in the Snap-on Dirt Car but, more importantly, we know he will do a wonderful job helping raise money for this great cause.”
The all-star dirt late model race will be presented live on HBO Pay-Per-View with proceeds from the telecast supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Pedregon will be racing for team “Levine” along with his teammates, Bill Elliott, Ray Evernham, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and David Reutimann.
In addition, Pedregon will make a donation to Indianapolis-based FUSE (Families United for Support and Encouragement). In the event that Pedregon’s team wins the Prelude, an additional amount will be donated to the cause on behalf of Pedregon. FUSE provides information, resources and support to Indiana families raising children with special needs. For more information, visit www.fuseinc.org.
For more information about the race, visit www.eldoraspeedway.com/dream.html. To learn more about Snap-on tools and its racing program, visit www.snapon.com./racing
About Snap-on Tools
Snap-on Tools is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions which are used by technicians and professionals at vehicle dealerships and repair centers and in the marine, power sports and aviation industries. 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. Snap-on Incorporated, which was founded in 1920, is a $2.6 billion, S&P 500 company located in Kenosha, Wis. with operations throughout the world. 　
