Fans Respond to U.S. Nationals Race (Via Email)
Note: Only positive comments will be approved, negative comments will be reviewed by TPR staff and passed on to Tony if appropriate.
To Tony,
I am a fan of racing. Always have and probably always will. I’ve taken the last few weeks to figure out for myself as to how I (as a fan) take the situation you and your brother were in. I’m not one to jump into instant conclusion about something such as this and I found that my feeling was consistent.
I’m not your biggest fan, and I’m not John Force’s biggest fan. I am a fan of NHRA, and it’s competition. It’s thrilling and to those who can make a living at it, they are truly the lucky ones.
It takes talent to drive your Funny Cars, in as much a Professional Distance runner prepares for competition, is how you do the same in preparing for each round. I get it and appreciate it.
For me to rehash what went down, is irrelevant. I simply want to commend you for standing up. You knew instictively what was wrong and stood up for it. My father taught me from a young age, “The definiton of Honor- is a keen difference in right and wrong.” I saw you exemplify that lesson when you stood up.
I’m not making you a martyr, but I am proud of the example you set. That is what I wish the viewers, especially the young kids got from it. Because you stand for things, your life and career will be fruitful. You will be able to sleep soundly, knowing you are a man of your word.
You need to stand a little taller, knowing that there are those who saw what happened, saw how you stood for something and will know what kind of man, boss, father and friend you are.
If I could sponsor you I would. I’d like to cut you a check for a few Million dollars, and have my name on your car. I can’t do that now. However, my feeling is that your sponsors feel the same way. When they signed on, they placed hope in your talent, your character and your word. All of which you have proved in the eyes of true racing fans and by proxy your sponsors.
I’ll be at Pomona, and hope to see you there.
Stay focused and my best to you and your family.
Jason Rivas
Bakersfield, CA.
My husband and I have been following drag racing for so many years because we love it. Watched todays races at Indy. Thank you Tony for expressing your opinion regarding certain race teams tactics on points, winning etc.
We began to wonder why so much focus on John Force, his team, their winning, their strengths. Was this TV show now NHRA today with John Force and family? Were they the only ones racing? Or the only ones who mattered? Oh please, enough already!
Tony you took a stance and are to be admired for that as it is so true!
You are a fine competitor, a sportsman with integrity. You’re a winner!
I thank someone for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Eva Bradley
Mr. Pedregon,
I just wanted to take a moment to say hello and let you know my thoughts on what took place between you and Mr. Force this weekend. First off, I have always been a John Force fan and admire what he has accomplished in his career. This weekend really put a damper on my opinion of him and raised my respect and admiration for you. I have followed you and Cruz for several years. I grew up in S. California and am quite a drag racing nut.
You proved something to me this weekend about yourself and I wanted to thank you. You have class and integrity and the comments you made really made it apparent that those qualities are not artificial. Before the race, between John and Robert, I told my friend that the race would be thrown and it would not be able to be proven. I think I am right to say that is what happened, prove able or not. I really think it was a screwing for business purposes and unfortunately your team was screwed. I really am pulling for you to kick his buttocks in the points chase, even with his overwhelming number of cars now in the chase. I wish you the best of luck in the overall win.
I have a John Force Jacket I bought in Topeka this year with John and Ashley™ signature on it, Interested in a trade for one with you and Cruz? I really hope to meet you in Dallas on Sept. 26th, 2009. Please continue to upkeep the honesty, integrity and true sportsmanship you did this weekend. You are nothing but TRUE CLASS!
A new Pedregon Racing follower,
Mark McCool
Tony- thank you!!
After waching the U.S.Nationals on tv I would like to thank you for taking the stand you did with John Force! It was very obvious that he manipulated the out come of that race, and the count down to one. Maybe not illegal(but in any other sport would be supended) but very unethical. John gave N.H.R.A. and drag racing a black eye! His attuide is that he is above approach. I am 66 years old, have loved and enjoyed drag racing for50 years. I have been a Snake fan for years, also a Tim Wilkerson fan(I was grew up 40 miles north of Springfield Il. relocated to Sacramento Ca 1987), after this weekend I will be a fan of Your’s and Cruz. you two gentalmen are a credit to our sport.
Thank you for letting me vent!
Robert Fleming.
Tony, THANK YOU for calling out John on his loss to team mate Robert. As a long time fan I want to see honest racing, not the obvious crap he pulled. So thank you for sticking up for REAL drag racing.
Sincerely,David Bell
I just want to throw my support behind the Pedregon brothers over what they said at the US Nationals yesterday.It is clear,even from a spectators view that John Force and crew manipulate the outcome.and in the confrontation , Tony kept his cool while John completely lost it.
Thanks Tony and Cruz for keeping it real.
Charlie Mack
Tony,
Just wanted to say thanks for saying what everyone knows, but won’t say. By your calm demeanor and Force going off like that, proves your comments and makes him look the fool.
It was clear you had no beef with Ashley’s win and the issue was John’s taking the obvious dive for Hight. I’ll pass on Hight’s subsequent dive for Ashley, so she’d have a shot at the final round, but why stop at one? Like he said, “He did what the sponsors pay him to do.” He never said he didn’t cheat and no one asked him flat out. Maybe the NHRA
should?Sad that NHRA looked at only the tune ups. Dunn nailed it; lane choice and reaction times for both was the proof. Driving out of the groove in the first 6′ was entertaining too.
A sad day for the sport, but you have a few new supporters. Fight the good fight, the truth usually wins out, just takes too long.
Jere E. VanDomelen
My respect for Pedregon brothers has always been high. More so now.
Respect for John Force is in the toilet.
Hearing Mike Dunn’s comments about John losing the race to Robert, using the word “stink”, seems clear Mike feels the same way.
Bob Whalen
cc John Force via comment left at his web site
I am not a Pedregon fan or a Force fan,I am a drag racing fan.I want Tony and Cruz to know that they have ALL of my respect for the way they race. I am not here to bash John Force, but I am here to throw my support to Tony and Cruz for taking a stand. It is their willingness to take a stand, for the good of the sport, that may one day bring honesty and integrity back to the sport.
I have been involved in drag racing since the mid-sixties,so I am not some star-struck kid tuning in to his first drag race. It is the hypocrisy of statements like, “It’s all about winning Indy”, and then throwing it away because it’s actually all about business. To quote Force, it’s actually all about the ‘bottom line’.
I appreciate the integrity of the Pedregon brothers.
Thank you.
Dennis Doubleday
First off i would like to say that i have been watching this sport for the past 5 years, and also have been to Norwalk twice and love every minute of it. I have owned a couple of slightly modified street/strip cars and when i get to the line I focus on whats going on then and there, and I envy the drivers in all NHRA fuel and pro categories, because I would love nothing more to have that as my career and not just a hobby. But i can’t I’m just the little guy looking up, I know the driver’s have a huge responsibility. However, what had happened at the U.S. nationals was pretty ridiculous. For the NHRA to turn the cheek on something that was so obvious is beyond me. Under no way shape or form should Robert have won that race, it was clear as day that, that race was thrown. A .2 reaction time is ridicules, as I said earlier i also race granted i don’t drive a 8,000 hp fuel car my reaction times are not that bad and i am 25. Honestly to me I feel Robert should be removed from the countdown and John kicked out due to his actions. I really wish my opinion mattered hopefully it will at least show that someone noticed the actions that had happened and something should be done.
Thank you
Andy Ebling
I will write nhra and let them know that what I saw was a severe drop in proffessionalism I have come to expect to see in the racing. If I want to see that level of competiveness, I will watch wrestling.
If I had my way, both of those Force cars would be removed from the count down.
My best to Tony.
Bob Whalen
i wasn’t a pedregon racing fan until this years us nationals. thank your husband for standing up to john force. its about time someone had the brass!!!!
dave
My name is Adam Flores, a big fan of the Pedregon brothers would love to see Tony be the funny car champ at the end of the year , and lay all this to rest.
that way there will be no question on who is the best funny car driver is.And Cruz will help Tony do just that by taking out force teams,and others along the way
GOOD LUCK TONY & CRUZ
IM FROM DALLAS TX , I WILL SEE YOU AT THE TEXAS MOTORPLEX
ADAM
Tony
I was so upset at the way they let John Force cheat for the Indy race. Something should be done about the way John is doing everything he can to keep Robert in the points. This is a disgrace to racing and it makes me want to not look at racing if it is almost fixed from the start that John Force would smoke the tires. It is a bunch of shit if you ask me. I am always going to be a faithfull fan of you and Cruz. Best of luck in the next race and as always I say a prayer for you and your family in every race. Hey you had me crying when you got hurt that race.
I look forward to seeing you in Richmond. Hey my friends and I will bring the bologna (smile). I have not seen a race in Richmond for the past few years due to me having three back surgeries but I am not going to let it stop me this year. Your kids are really growing. Before you know it they will all be grown. Well good luck to you and I am going to see you with your trophy in Pamona !!!!!Gail Hawkins-Carey
I agree with what I heard you say (on TV) and what I saw on TV when John Force ran his employee in the semis. In my opinion, John Force and John Force Racing is a cancer in the NHRA Funny Car field. Your brother and you, are the top shelf racers of the sport.
–
Mark Harrison
I have been a big Cruz fan since his days with Mcdonalds and also of Tony when he was back with John Force Racing. ( I loved the footage of when Cruz used to race diesel trucks) I have to take my hat off to Tony for standing up to John. His ability to articulate his feeling’s to John and to see John just totally lose it was actually amusing. You know that John was lying through his teeth on what he did to alter the outcome of his race with Robert.
The thing that really upset me and my wife is when John used religion. How could he say God knew what he was doing? I was waiting to see a lightning bolt zap him. Well I have totally lost all respect for John Force and will never, ever visit his pits or cheer for one of his Fords.
I wish the best of luck to Tony in his quest for the World Title and am sad that I cannot make the races in Dallas due to moving to a new job and not able to take that weekend off.
GOOO PEDREGON RACING!!!!!
Andy Colunga
To everyone at Pedregon Racing,
As a fan of NHRA, I have had a very difficult time with multi car teams. A few years back we saw DSR loading up in all classes. When I first went to Baylands Raceway in the horse and buggy days, drivers raced drivers. Granted everything has progressed over the last 50 years, but we now have mega teams racing mega teams. There is no place for a family race team anymore. Look at Joe Hartley this year. Busting ass to make all 23 races. And all on the family dime. Then on the other side we have egomaniacs like John Force. I won’t take anything away from his contribution to the sport. But he is also detracting
from the sport. All the press he gets on ESPN, as well as DSR cars. And then there are the one and two car teams. And does ESPN care about them? Not hardly. Does NHRA care about the little guys? Not hardly. We as consumers can send a very loud message to NHRA and ESPN for that matter. We can stay home and watch on TV.I understand that two cars help one another out. Swapping information back and forth. The Pedregon brothers showed us what class was in Brainard. Racing head to head, racing balls out. This is what we want to see, this is what we pay to see. Not some egotistical SOB making a right turn at the green light. If Castrol and Auto Club of California need to win that bad, they don’t need my business.
So Quaker State, and Advance Auto here I come.
Tony and Cruz showed true class in Indy, while John Force showed no class.
Thank you Tony and Cruz.
Ed King
Mr. Pedregon,
Good for you! Speaking up for what is the right thing has always been
my moto. As far as what Force did at the top end of the track, he
should have been disqualified. I would like to commend you and Cruz
for stepping up to the plate and speaking out.There are usually three things that motivate some people. Greed, Power
and Ego. And lastly Fear. Fear being the factor that either I am not
greedy enough, not powerful enough, or my ego is bruised.When the next race comes up, I hope that you end up on the top of the ladder.
JT Hart
Monterey Bay, California
Hey Tony,
Just wanted to say that I’am so very glad that you confronted john force because we all knew what was going to happen and some one had to say something about it to him and the only reason he got so pissed off was because he knew it was the truth. I have to applaud you and cruz for the honest racing that you two do when you face another and that is the way it should be. john force is treated above the rest of the drivers in the sport because of who he is and he should be treated like everyone else I have no respect for some one that cheats like him and gets away with I hope that you and cruz can kick their ass the rest of the season and keep the championship in your family where it belongs. that’s all and good luck the rest of the season and in the future.
thanks gary tyler
I been a member of NHRA since 1991 I watch all events in TV and go to 2 or 3 national events in my area a year. I must tell you that in the last 3 to 4 years I been turn down for the way that John force fix his races and is it is getting just worse every year. To the point that is so obvious and ridicules that this year I did not wanted to go to a race and watch some events in TV.
Now for John force everything is about making Ashley win no matter what,” screw the Fans”
I think that there are a lot of fans that feel like me and I do not understand why NHRA lets john force get away with all that bull crap, cheating and lying is so OBVIOUS. I feel very much for the Fans that travel and expend all the money they can afford to go to the races to see john force play this kind of game, it is unbelievable!
Yesterday I did cancel my Vegas trip for this fall race.
I hope all the funny car teams boycott john force racing until he plays a far game and I hope NHRA stands up and do their JOB
Sincerely,
Javier Saldivar
San Antonio Texas
Hello Pedregon Brothers,
I just want the Pedregon brothers no that I seen what happen on TV. with john all I can say is you go TONY. I’m the lady that you met at snap-on plant in Elizabethton after you raced in Bristol. Tony I was surprised that you knew I didn’t come over see you guys at Bristol when you seen me at snap-on that was one of the thing you said to me was I didn’t see you at Bristol. I told you that was because I knew you were coming to the plant on Mon. I wish that I could be at the race this weekend just didn’t have the money for tickets. I would love to be there just one day. I will be in front of the TV. Sayings lets go Tony. I have your shirt on today. You both take care and be SAFE!
I’ll see you next yr. in Bristol.
Lora Duke
Snapon-Elizabethton,TN.
Tags: Indy, NHRA Funny Car, Tony Pedregon, US Nationals
To Tony, I am of course a drag racing fan or I would’nt be writing this! Watching the coverage of the NHRA nearly every time Cruz makes a pass, They respond with “Let’s go onboard with Cruz”, and we get a veiw from inside the cockpit!!! If all of the cars were ruled to have this equipment we would no doubt have been able to see the MOUTH steer the car out of the groove, RIGHT? I just think the blatant manner that the MOUTH threw the race could have been proven this way. Just a thought!! I respect your cander and your courage. Drive it out the back door Tony and pull a few castrol bumpers OFF!!! Big fan Bob Driggs
Tony,
All I want to say is Thank You…I have loved you as a driver since I started going to races and watching. I respect that it doesn’t matter who you are racing you always give it your all, even if it means Cruz doesn’t take the win. That is what I love the most about you. A TRUE racer.
This is the best sport ever and all drivers need to have their priorites in check like you..
Thanks for being the one who stands up for TRUTH in this day and sport.
Hi Tony,
I can’t tell you how much I respect you and your brother. You two treat the fans and the sport with honor and integrity. NHRA and John Force Racing do not, its down right shameful. Keep fighting the good fight. No matter what happens going forward. You will be the winner. I wish you and your brother the very best.
You team, and your sponsors will have my full support for as long as you are in a race car.
Best Regards,
George Knish
Broomfield, CO
Thank You Tony
You Stood Your Ground, no racer should be allowed to cheat like that! I am so sick to think that NHRA allowed him to have 14 Championships! NHRA should put a stop at 3 or 4 and let someone else win. You Tony acted like a true ambassador for the sport of Drag Racing.
Bob Nielsen
Studio City, CA
Cruz Brothers, As a drag racing fan,I was very disapointed at the actions of John Force. I was at the races and everyone there knew he was going to throw the race. I know he is just looking out for his team and sponsors, but as he put it Hight had the faster car, he should have let him prove it. By the way i am a John Force fan, but with many doubts to his team practices. You guys got screwed, bottom line…
Tony,
I commend you for taking a stand. I have been a Force fan for years. As I watched the drama unfold I realized that Mr. Force was at fault by his reaction to your comments. Thank you for keeping the sport honest and best wishes to you and your brother. Keep the Snap On racing spirit alive!
Ed
I do understand Tony and Cruz being upset about the incident between John Force and Robert Hight which put Cruz out of the Countdown. What I don’t understand is that back in 2007, at Reading, the exact same scenario happened between Del Worsham and Jeff Arend when they were driving the CSK cars, and nothing was said by anyone. Can someone explain to me why it is okay for that team to throw a race but there’s so much being said when the Force team does it. I remember being really angry at the time of that race in 2007. I enjoy drag racing and attend the races each year at Reading and Richmond, and don’t have a favorite team or driver. While I disagree with John Force’s actions at Indy, I also feel what is acceptable for one team should be acceptable for all teams. I know my comment will most likely not be posted because it is not deemed positive, but it is a true comment.
Hey, Tony.
Despite the outcome of the event, I believe that the Pedregon brothers have put the 2009 U.S Nationals in the victory column. It proves that you are both true champions. When a competitor cheats, it scars the sport if the officials that oversee the competition do not take action. You had the courage to state the ridiculously obvious and it is the respoonsibility of the NHRA to correct the problem. Fans want heads-up racing which you and Cruz have always delivered.
John Force seems to be dazzled by himself and his antics. He sold out to his sponsors, and those who are still his fans now just seem to be a cult (note the amazing number of posts on multiple racing websites from his former fans who have defected after his Indy “performance”). ESPN2 even appeared to be under the spell with all the JFR coverage and bias they were loading in their broadcasts–that is, until Mike Dunn had the courage to call the obvious. I sure hope the other teams will show some brass and speak up on this. If Force wants to be a celebrity, he should go back to reality TV. (The “crying” on camera after Ashley’s final round was REALLY bad acting.) The JFR team should now be called SKUNK RACING.
Let’s get back to drag racing!!!
Carol Stungis
Middleburg, FL
(Gator Country)
TONY
I been a dragracing fan for a long time, 30 years to be exact. I have seen the ups and downs of drag racing. I do believe that the nhra does not care about who wins or loses the races. All they care about are the corprate bucks. The people that race and watch dragracing are fans that take this sport very serious.But then you get these guys that got all the bucks in the world. The little guy does’t have a chance. I do believe that nhra will allow John Force and family to continue their dirty deeds.People that think they are above the rules of the game are dead wrong, I mean dead wrong. Take JOHN he claims to have found religon after his crash,people that do this should be ashamed of theirselves.HIs additude clearly shows it, no class .We all have to pay the pipper sooner or later. Well I hope that this incident does’t hurt the sport.But if anybody knows how JOHN FORCE is you do.I am glad you and Cruz spoke up , But I hope this incident doesn’t hurt the sport.Dragracers have to much class to be acting this way.I guess you’ll have to show them the true champion that you really are. Gods speed and good luck.
Mr. Pedregon,
Because of the history you have with John, you know more about the in’s and out’s that the average person could ever know. It is also very apparent that you love John and his family. That is because you are like family. Sometimes it takes a family member to make the hard calls. If it had been someone else, well it could have been written off as them being a bad sport or being jealous. You know John, his wife, their children, their team, and you care about them. This whole thing is way bigger than you standing up for your brother Cruz. I believe that you are standing up for the sport and for what’s right and the truth. Ultimately what you have done will be good for the sport, good for your team, the other teams, and yes, the Force team, also. The price for taking a stand is often great.
I want you to know that you and Cruz expressing your appreciation for the fans and their support for the sport is a testament to the fact that you get it. As the fan support goes, so also goes the sponsors that make the sport of drag racing we love possible. You and Cruz get it. We the fans get it, too.
We are living in tough times indeed. Adversity and pressure bring out two things, that being the best and the worst in people. We just have to look back at 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina for a perfect example. Our Country is going through tough times right now and we are seeing the best and worst come out in the political and financial arenas, too. Those that stand up for the truth will prevail. The truth will always prevail.
There will come a day that you and John will be interviewed together concerning this whole thing and you will be able to express your friendship again. That happens when folks come to realize that the truth and love are greater than the individual or their agenda. Now abides these three, faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love. Sometimes the best love is one that makes the hard calls, the folks familiar with it know it as tough love.
I will look forward to seeing you in Dallas (Ennis).
Jim Christian – Atlanta, TX
Tony, thank you for standing up for the “little guy” as you pointed out in your interview. This is the stuff True champions are made of. Point blank,FORCE CHEATED, you called him on it, Cruz got the shaft. I have tossed any Force stuff from the walls of my NHRA room. He does not deserve wall space in this house. My family will be pulling for you and Cruz the rest of the season in hopes you end up with the BIG WALLY at Pomona. Go show J.F.R. how its really done. Keep the rubber side down, Bill Hutchisson, Toledo, OHIO
Sorry for the losses. Kudos for taking the stand.
When teams are allowed to participate in sports, it should be no surprise when they play for the team and not for the individuals.
The problem here is partly the fact that the Countdown exists in the first place. Had Scott Kalitta not bought the farm, we’d not have the 1000-foot track distance and probably not the countdown.
Work hard, win more and keep smiling. You and Cruz continue to contribute classy action to a truly exciting sport.
Tony,
Just like most of the emails I have seen posted, I also commend you on the stand that you took against the obvious fix that went on at Indy in the US nationals . I am a fan of Hight and Ashley , But have said time and time again this year I hope you pull Number One this season. You have really had a great year. The biggest problem in my mind about this whole situation is where all the people involved go from here. You spoke out against obvious wrongdoing and have to live with your stand. Ashley won the show but wonder how deflated that experience could be with what went on before her win. Hight In my opinion is a good racer who is just having a rough season. And in my mind again he is also put into a dirty situation because of a business type decision on his father inlaws part. Your brother Cruz is put out of the points and also has to speak out. This whole thing is ugly and I hope that the stain that was left can somehow be smoothed over to where people who love this sport can feel good again. A race between John and Robert straight up would have made me happy , and I think whatever the outcome , fans , racers and all concerned would feel better today. The Brothers Pedregon have my respect.
Thanks for your time,
Luke Marquith
Tony,
It was nice to meet you and your family at Indy, thanks to cousin Dan S /Herzog. We are new to NHRA.
That was so unfair what Force did to your brother! We didnt get to stay on Monday for the race, but watched it all on TV. It was obvious he cheated. He was so defensive because he knew he cheated, and he knew you were right! What a loud mouth he is. Thanks for signing my T-Shirt also! Good Luck to you and Cruz!
Jeff & Mary Ann Market
Tony, This is my first year being a NHRA fan. the US Nationals was my third event to attend. Where as I am not up on all the rules of drag racing it really annoys me that every race seems to be centered on John Force. Evan as a amateur to this sport it was so obvious on the manipulation of the race that we were taking bets up in the stands on if he would actually to it. AND HE DID ! I lost all respect for him at that point. I admire the way you spoke your mind and handled yourself as a gentleman. Top fuel has been my race of choice but I now have a new favorite. Best wishes and sincere respect to the Pedregon Brothers.
Tony,
I’m a big fan of yours and use nothing but Quaker State oils and lubricants in my cars, lawn equip., and motorhome, because in part of you and Steve Kinser. I’ve thought about this all week and have never commented in public about any races I’ve seen or attended. I have to say I appreciate John Force for doing everything he possibly can to get all his teams and sponsors in the countdown. I understand Indy was a huge race. The fact remains that he took a dive for the benfit of his sponsors and teams, in doin so he gave up his chance to win a huge race , and I’m thinking that will come back to haunt him at some point. What really upsets me is the fact that the NHRA by allowing this has become nothing more than and sports exibition/traveling circus, in the same realm as proffesional wrestling. The difference is we all knew wrestling is fake.
Tony,
I am glad to see, you and Cruz honoring your parents by your acts of class and integrity.they have done a great raising you all.I know he is looking at you with the biggest smile and saying to himself “those are my boys”. A huge part of the blame should fall on the NHRA for constantly looking the other way. (ie; failure to stop by inspections,illegal number of testing sessions).
Keep doing your thing because trophy or not you and Cruz are “champions” with racing fans.
Vaya con Dios.
I like many people were correct when john lost the race to robert and then robert lost to ashley. I think the sponsors should helping a racer that is out there racing on the up & up instead of cheaters. if the winners of the races are going to be preselected by certain teams, it won’t be worth attending, watching on tv or using a sponsors product. John thinks because he has the money and sponsors he can do what he wants. and that should not be allowed by the NHRA.
Tony,
The character and poise you showed at Indy is just another indicator of the type of man you are in this world. I first met you in 2008 at the World Series of Drag Racing in Cordova Illinois. You went out of your way to take pictures with my family and even went as far as to retrieve some gifts from your trailer for my daughters. From that moment my family has been faithful followers of your accomplishments. Your stance against Force was clearly stated with facts and class. You have our support and I know there will be loyal NHRA fans who will, if not already, become fans of Pedregon Racing.
Good luck in your pursuit of the Championship!!
Eric Snoke
Tony,
It took a lot of courage to stand up to John Force. You did it in a respectul way. I feel that he munipulated that race and that NHRA let him get away with it… It is really sad. I have lost all respect for him. He should really be ashamed of himself. Racing is a sport, not a reality show. He already had his chance at that. At the end of the day it is not about how much money you made or how many trophies you received, it is about being honest, ethical, courageous, and a role model to young race fans. You and Cruz are both champions on and off the track.
Tony: You and Cruz are absolutely right about Force. He manipulates the outcome of races. He gave his daughter her first win, when he smoked the tires in that Atlanta final on what was on a very tight race track. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind what Force did at Indy, and he should be ashamed of himself. Robert Hight can’t be proud, either.. I have been a drag racing fan all of my life, but this B.S. with the Force teams has soured my enthusiasm for the sport. N.H.R.A. should really look in to limited the number of pro teams, but how could they do it? Force is the Dale Earnhardt of drag racing. Force is a manipulator, but at the same time he is N.H.R.A.’s biggest draw. He really needs his ass kicked on national T.V. Finally, ESPN2/Paul Pages’s love affair with the Force team has made it painful for me to watch pro drag racing on T.V. Things need to change for the better in the T.V. booth, too. The best of luck in the Countdown, or whatever they call it… Wouldn’t it be great if Force is shut out from here on out? Your newest fan, JMC
I’ve been a drag racing fan since I was a kid and saw my first race on ABC’s Wide World of Sports sometime in the early ’70s. I had also been a NASCAR fan since then. I stopped following NASCAR because of the “mega teams”. No longer could I watch this type of “racing”. I got tired of watching the same team win over and over because their drivers knew how to block. Thankfully someone (you) has come out to voice to the NHRA what real drag racing fans already know. Hopefully the NHRA won’t go the same direction that NASCAR has. Drag racing is grassroots! It’s about one on one competition! Multi car teams spoil what is left of that. How I wish the days of the driver doing everything from driving the car hauler to tuning was back! How I wish the cars had nicknames painted on the side rather than sponsers. How I wish the uniforms the crews wore consisted of a white t-shirt and Levis. It seems that John has forgotten what you had done for him when he said that you “…were no longer my friend!” He apparently has forgotten that you (by being as successful as you were) allowed him to even start a third and fourth team! Oh well. Good luck in countdown and let’s hope for a Force team meltdown!
Tony P even in an emotional rage, you are a tempered, eloquent, well spoken man. Force was flying off the handle and looked like a silly eight year boy caught shoplifting a bag of potatoe chips. Tony, Flamin’ Frank would be proud of you.
NHRA, the fans deserve more than a sanctioning body more dedicated to the super funded teams like Force’s than to the fan’s. NHRA you have it all upsidedown. Fans want competition. We want to root for the bucks down guy, like Tony’s father, Frank. We don’t want the favorite to win every event. What’s more boring than the Army fueler winning every event? Its all too predictable and formatted.
Hats off to Tony and Cruz, also to Mike Dunn for calling it like it is. Love seeing those So Cal boys hanging together.
Castrol and Auto Club, thanks to Force, your image is forever tarnished.
What’s the memory of Indy 09??? Force cheating. Who won funny car? Who cares. There was no true competition and Americans respect fair competition.
IHRA, you need to start taking over NHRA strips as you give the fans drag racing.
NHRA all you got in the professional categories are rolling billboards driven by clowns that spend 90% of their TV interview time, listing all their sponsors.
Tip to NHRA TV watchers: Tape or TIVO the events. Blow through the commercials and blow through the interviews.
Notice how the NHRA’s website has nothing listed of the Force cheating scandal! It’s like they want to ignore it happened as they obviously plan on letting Force do whatever he wants.
Wally Parks would be ashamed of the corporate clowns running NHRA now.
Good luck Tony. If you don’t win the funny car championship against all these odds, I’m done with NHRA.
Force if you win, big deal you just proved the NHRA is not legit and is solely “drag racing mania”.
Oh I’ve been a crazed drag racing fan since 1964!!! Orange County, Lion’s, Irwindale, Pomona . . . .
hey tony,
i’am so glad that you stood up to john force we all know how much he cheats and gets away with it we very much knew before john and robert raced what would happen and the nhra should of been able to see all this go down and DQ both john and robert not only from the race but also from the countdown and put cruz and matt hagan in the countdown because neither of them would cheat to win like john does and also john is the only one able to get away with the cheating because nhra has put him above any one in the sport and iam just glad he got fined for bumping the offical but the fine should of been a lot more and also he should of lost some points in the countdown for his actions.
thanks for leting me vent
gary tyler
Hey Tony,
I have been a huge fan of yours since your days back with the Force team, but when you left so did my following of the Force Team. I love to watch all the racers, but I feel you really care about your fans and take the time to speak to them and sign for them. I do not stand for hours anymore at the Force line waiting to see if he cares enough to sign for his fans. I have spoken to you while you were out riding with your son or when you were standing by the sales trailer and you really seem to care about your fans. I hate that this has come to be a black eye on dragracing, but someone had to finally stand up to him and I think that an owner should only be able to have 2 cars in a field. Keep up the good work and go for the win!!!! Always a loyal fan! Rhonda Arnett
Hey Primo just dropping you another line from Tejas. I’m so happy for you my friend. From the time I first met you in Dallas driving that other Oil. To me asking you if you would take a pic with my wife Sheryl and allowing her behind the rope meant the world brother. I feel such an Honor to read all the wonderful comments you and The Cruzer have been getting. For all of the fans that have not had the chance to meet Tony and Cruz take the time to have a word or two. I only wish I could have met Flammin Frank. Hopefully someday we see your brother Frank back in a car also. To Quaker State and Advance Auto Parts listen to the Drag racing fans you have one hell of an opportunity here. Pedregon Racing + Integrity = Voice of the people for the people.
Stay Wicked Quick Bro and lets go Back to Back To back,
Lauro Treviño
Canyon Lake Tx.
I never really cared for John Force but now I really really dont care for him. I know in every sport there is going to be contraversy but he was way over the line. He just proves my point for the reason in why I dont like him. He is COCKY and Toni is right. Its all about the fans and head to head racing. He is materialistic and cocky. I cant stand him. He is not a true racer he is a liar and a cheater. He should be penalized.
Tony,
I’ve been a drag racing fan since the mid 1960′s. I’ve seen a lot of changes. There is one thing that should never change–FAIR RACING.
There is no doubt in my mind that John Force manipulated the outcome of the race. How much proof does the NHRA need? So his tune-up was the same–DUH! He’s not stupid, he knew they would have to throw the race without changing that. Mike Dunn called it before it happened and he was right-on!
I used to like watching John Force, but the more I see the less I like. He seems to think he can do whatever he wants. He said during the altercation that they are his teams, he’ll run them the way he wants to. I guess we now know that means win by any means as long as you get away with it. I have no respect left for him after this and the way he approached you about your comments.
Tony, you and Cruz have gained a lot of ground with me and I’m sure others. In the end playing it straight usually wins out one way or the other. I hope you and Cruz and all the other HONEST racers take down Team Force totally. It’s time for the John Force NHRA Show to end and the new age of honest racing to come back into play.
Best of luck to you and Cruz. Too bad other racers don’t have the guts you have to tell it like it is–even if it’s about the “great” John Force.
Keep the pedal to the metal.
See ya in Dallas.
Hey Tony,
I have been a fan of drag racing since the late 50s. It’s appeal has been the “mano a mano” purity and integrity of the sport. John Force has been blatant about the fact that he is no longer a “racer”. He is constantly saying, “this is what my sponsers pay me to do”. He has no integrity. It has been obvious for years that he will do anything for the sake of the sponsors. It was particularly bad when he threw the final in Atlanta to make sure that Ashey won, even though she clearly had the better car. I wonder how she felt about winning like that. That doesn’t show much respect for his own daughter. I too am sick and tired of the media attention afforded the Force team but, hey, they give the media what they want. Anyway, thanks for having the courage to speak the truth and fight for the true spirit of the sport. Best to you and Cruz and your families.
I have been a drag racing fan for over 40 yrs. I enjoy every team in the NHRA, and will keep my opinion to myself. It is conflicts like this that keeps the fans coming to the races.
I have only one comment. After reading most of the comments posted here, i was wondering why there were not any comments that were against your opinion. All comments listed here were Anti-Force and not one Anti-Tony
I’m sure that everyone who commented couldn’t have been in your favor.
Thanks for all the years of great racing and i look forward to seeing you and Cruz , along with the others for many years to come
c.fortson
Tony, I’ve been a Force fan in the past as well as the Pedregon’s and others. I believe you and your brother have always been a class act. You once again demonstrated that during the confrontation with Force at the US nationals. Force’s total loss of composure just strengthens our belief in what we all suspected anyway.
I’ve attended a number of races and you’ve always appeared to be as respectful to the fans and others racers as you would expect them to be to you. I wish you and Cruz the best in derailing the green machine this year. See ya in Vegas. Good Luck
Dave Phillips
Bellefontaine, ohio
Force cheapened drag racing , and showed everyone through his actions that he thinks
we are all stupid. He’s always mouthing off about nobody having more runs down the
quarter mile (currently 1000 feet) then he does, then he goes out and cuts a .200 light, and
heads right for the wall….give me a brake!!! I, as well as other people don’t really care much
for this count down to 10 system. I like all the teams, and just want to see a good heads up
race, and not some circus show straight out of pro wrestling. I would like to thank Tony
and Cruz for having the strength of character to speak up for all of us who were applaud, while others
looked away. Win or lose the Pedregons are honest racers, and isn’t that what its all supposed
to be all about?
Joseph M. Walcez
I find it interesting that the NHRA continues to ignore the Indy incident. I guess they figure if they don’t talk about it, we’ll all forget. Well guess what NHRA? I don’t remember who won Top Fuel or Funny Car at this year’s Indy. All I remember is that Force was a troll for his sponsors. By not addressing this situation NHRA is apparently also a sponsor troll. Bring back integrity. Bring back open competition. Bring back diversity in race vehicles. Lose format. Lose mega marketing tactics. Drag racers are grass roots “can do” people. You can’t fool us. Largest wallet should not win every meet. Loudest mouth shouldn’t be promoted as the so-called face of drag racing. Clearly the Wally (trophy) is for sale and largest sponsorship dollars wins.
Bring back 1/4 mile racing. Lose the Countdown or whatever NHRA calls this phony hype system.
Dear NHRA and ESPN; I have a whole lot of viewing choices, especially in football season. I don’t have to be glued to the TV as I have been since the Diamond P drag racing coverage of the 1980′s to watch every drag meet on TV. By the way I drink Bud beer solely because they sponsored Kenny Bernstein. As a fan I do my part to support the sponsors of the NHRA racers. I’ll stop buying Bud once Kenny’s racer switches to the color blue. Force you didn’t represent your sponsors well. The American consumer hates a a boxer that takes a dive in the ring. I.e. We watched every “Rocky” movie because he gutted it out through the whole match and earned his wins. Ashley and Robert Hight aren’t no Rocky. They’re like children of modern day yuppies. Everyone on the soccer team gets a trophy for showing up, you really don’t have to practice to be good and actually win on your own accord. Force hope all your Wally’s tarnish as bad as you tarnished our fine sport of drag racing. “Anything for my sponsors.” What a sponsor troll!
Tony @cruz, thank you for standing up to john force i have been a fan of drag racing for a while and anyone who saw that race could see he cheated and he should be ashamed to show his face i will be visiting your pit next year in Madison IL and not farce racings pit. you guys are great ambassadors to the sport and your sponsors.
Tony,
I stand behind you and Cruz and always will. Pedregon racing should be proud that it has always raced with integrity and has set the highest standards of professionalism, sportsmanship and decorum that this sport could possibly have. To echo the comments of the individuals on this site would be mute. I do however agree with most of the comments made by the passionate fans on this site.
Pedregon Racing has always placed the fans first and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Your sponsors should be proud to be associated with such teams as yours for not compromising your integrity for the sake of some illusional possible outcome in the future. You have and I assume will always focus on the present and the tasks at hand in a fair and honest way.
Congratulations to you, Cruz and your respective teams for giving us all some wonderful moments this year and leading by example that honesty is the best way to compete even though some egos may be bruised when they are called to task.
Best of luck in all of your endevours and you can always count on my support now and in the future.
Respectfully,
Dennis Zerull
I been a Big Fan of yours since you started driving for John Force Racing and have followed your Brothers Cruz and Frank as well. So when you left Force racing my devotion and commitment to you just got bigger!! You and your Brother Cruz During and Interview one time said “SI SE PUEDE” that a few Hispanic kids from the varrio could come from nothing and make it big and be winning CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Indy you were right Tony “SI SE PUEDE” you stood up for what was right and that is “Heads up Racing” Obviously something John Force FAILED to do. You said it right you race to give the fans what we go pay to go see. You stood up to a Big Money Racing Operation like Forces and didn’t back down from his Intimidations and his Tantrums that he throws when He feels threatened when someone calls him out. John Force’s actions and his attitude at Indy proved he Cheats and has manipulated the outcome of races to his advantage for years and all Tony did was called him out on it Well Said Tony! I’ve been going to Ennis For the Fall Nationals for the past 8 yrs and just last year I took my 7 yr old son and the first Pit we stopped at was Tony’s He ask my son’s name and just would not stop talking to him he let us come over the rope to take a few pictures I mean real down to earth kind of guys him and his Brother Cruz really are. To the Pedregon Brothers can’t wait till Sept 25 in Ennis and to Tony and Cruz your right “ SI SE PUEDE” Y VIVA LA RAZA”..
I give Forece a 9.7 on his dive at Indy by the end of the year I`m sure it will be a higher score because he will get the chance to dive some more before the end of the year. good luck
Tony and Cruz
My husband, my son and I admire you both; I have been following NHRA for 12 years (I’m addicted to it). We have met you both once in Columbus Ohio and 3x@ Norwalk Ohio and we think highly of the way you treat everyone and the love you both have for the sport. We couldn’t believe that Graham Light thought that it was a legit round win for Robert Hight, as they say “there’s no more blind than the one that doesn’t want to see”. I think John Force has done a lot for the sport (I’m not a fan of him at all) but that doesn’t give him the right to CHEAT. Since John Force wanted Robert Hight to get into the countdown (didn’t matter how!) We think that NHRA should get John out of the top 10 countdown and give John’s spot to Cruz.
Tony we just loved how you stood up (not only for you,but) for the sport to the cheating team. Thank you for being so kind,friendly,accessible,etc. If NHRA would just review the footage from Indi (US nationals) they would see the signs of “the setting”, Robert seemed concern when he saw Cruz win his first round, but when he learned that John had won and it would be both of them racing ea. other all he said was that he didn’t know what would happen against his boss on the next round (yeah!! right), but he made the statement about Auto Club’s new logo “So smart, So simple, So switch”…getting into the countdown at the US Nationals, So sweet!!!! (that was before he really was in the countdown) why was Robert so sure that he
was going to get into the countdown (oh,yeah!!) he knew John was going to give him the round. I’m a firm believer of “whatever you do in the dark, ALWAYS comes out to the light”. John said that Tony was upset because Ashlee beat Tony (John knew the reason of Tony’s reaction), John got all upset and said many different comments (none true or even related to the real reason why Tony was upset). I think that if everyone who reads all of this comments would send NHRA some letters with our thoughts and comments MAYBE they’ll look at this situation. Because this time (unfortunately) the Force Team did it to Cruz, next
season it’ll be someone else, “a CHEATER’S always a cheater”. I wish Cruz many wins to come and, for Tony, we hope that you get to be the Funny car champion. We love you honesty and the way you carry yourself. Best luck and GOD”S blessings to the whole “Pedregon Team Racing”
Tony and Cruz,
I have switched to Quaker State oil, buy my parts ay Advanced AP, don’t own a Ford and see no need for AAA…………need I say anymore. Next year I will be sporting my new t-shirt wardrobe featuring the Pedregon brothers. WOW…..YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME……Hight leaves late (PLEASE NO RED LIGHT) Boss way late……OH NO I’m out of the groove……….LOOK OUT IT’s the WALL – must lift. This is all feasible had it not been John Force with 14 championsips who I have seen win many of this type of race where it was one car vs. the other 15 cars on his way to 14 titles. It seemed like John always had what it took to win in this exact situation…but corporate America has popped the chutes on John Force. This is why Big Daddy was voted NUMBER “1″.
So……..Tony and Cruz……..GIVE IT TO’EM……….BE RELENTLESS
Tony, I’m glad you and Force buried the hatchet. We have been wondering how long the media would drag it out. Hope it’s over, cause the championship needs your full attension as you more than I know. My wife and I have Been fans since we met you at Tasca’s Force Day years ago. Since then you were gracious enough to stand by my Pontiac street rod for a photo, which you autographed at Englishtown!The point being you are a class act and deserve this championship. I don’t think there is anyone more deserving, well maby Cruz, no just kidding, best of luck and see you in the winners circle!! Dave
Unfortunately Schumacher Racing has overtaken everything NHRA EXCEPT the Funny Cars. Many fans only continue to follow the sport to see if Force will be successful in defeating their teams. He couldn’t buy the motorcycle class so he quit. Right or wrong, I see his decision to put his daughter in that position was followed by years of Schumacher scheming every race for his own interests. John was noted for making every race stand on it’s own merit, or he would have fixed it so Tony could not win when he drove for Force. We know when you boys win it’s for real and we appreciate that fact.
I know, take Schumacher out of NHRA and it would be disasterous.
PEDREGON FANS , ALL I CAN SAY IS YOU HAVE WITNESSED THE REAL DEAL. TWO BOYS WITH THE LOVE FOR THE SPORT AND THEY KEEP IT CLEAN. KICK SOME BUTT TONY AND CRUZ
Tony,
As a fan what John Force did makes me feel screwed. With the cost of a ticket, food, drink, and souvenirs the average amount spent for me is over one hundred dollars. I expect a good and honest race. You beat Cruz when it would have been to his advantage to win. An honest race. With 25% of cars qualified and 40% in’the chase’ (I hate the new format) John can dictate the outcome of every race between team members to help insure him of a ‘team’ win. And he will. I have written to the NHRA, but as expected – no comment. He talkes about an obligation to his sponsors – but not to the fans.
Best of luck.
Bob Freeland
Seminole, FL
Tony,
I’m a big John Force fan but what happened weeks ago between you two I apologize for John’s behavior. You were right and he was wrong as simple as that. You would think at John’s age he would want to try and win the U.S. Nationals one more time. He’s not getting younger and who knows how many more opportunities he will have. His reaction time at the light was bad enough and combined with the car performance he didn’t even cheat well. His over the top reaction to you were deep down his embarrassment for his actions. I will still be a Force fan along with the Pedregons and all of NHRA but am sorry for John cheating you and Cruz.