Cruz Pedregon Racing Reboots Leadership, Sets Sights On Big 2026

In the high-octane world of NHRA drag racing, change is the only constant. Teams are always looking for that extra edge, that split-second advantage that separates the winner’s circle from going home early. For Cruz Pedregon Racing, the offseason has kicked off with the departure of Crew Chief Jason Bunker, a move that immediately sent ripples through the Funny Car pits. Bunker is heading off to explore new opportunities, and the CPR team has wished him well.

Cruz Pedregon, a two-time NHRA Funny Car world champion, isn’t just a driver; he’s a team owner with a legacy to uphold and a burning desire to get back to the very top. When a veteran like Cruz makes a move this big, you know it’s not a knee-jerk reaction. It’s a calculated, deliberate step toward a larger goal.

What This Means For Cruz Pedregon Racing

Let’s be real, the 2025 season was a rollercoaster for the Snap-on Tools team. There were moments of pure brilliance, like that incredible win at the playoff opener at Maple Grove Raceway. When Cruz hoisted that Wally, it was a reminder to everyone of the firepower this team possesses. They also snagged a No. 1 qualifier spot in Norwalk, proving the car has the raw speed to compete with the best.

But consistency was the missing piece of the puzzle. There were ups and downs, weekends where the car was a world-beater and others where it just couldn’t find its sweet spot. In a category as tight as Funny Car, those inconsistencies are what keep you from being in the championship conversation at the final race of the year.

Pedregon himself put it best: “Our attention is on strengthening our operation and putting the right pieces in place for 2026.” He’s looking at the big picture. This isn’t just about winning a race here or there. It’s about building a machine—both the car and the team around it—that can contend for a championship, week in and week out. It’s about creating a sustainable foundation for success. The work, as he said, starts now.

A Strategic Move For a Stronger Future

For fans of Cruz Pedregon, this news might bring a mix of emotions. It’s tough to see a familiar face like Bunker leave, but there’s also a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation. Cruz is one of the most hands-on owners in the sport. His passion for drag racing is infectious, and you can feel his drive to win every time he straps into that car. He’s not content with just being in the field; he wants to be the one everyone is chasing.

This transition is CPR drawing a line in the sand. They are making it clear that good enough isn’t going to cut it. They are aiming for excellence. The team is now in the process of restructuring its leadership and tuning approach, with the clear and simple goal of returning to championship-contending form.

Cruz Pedregon, Man On a Mission

While the team hasn’t announced Bunker’s replacement just yet, the promise of news in the “coming days” has everyone watching closely. Who will get the call to tune the iconic Snap-on Dodge Charger? It’s a critical decision that will shape the team’s trajectory. What we do know is that Cruz Pedregon is putting everything he has into making 2026 a season to remember.

He’s laying the groundwork now, during the cold offseason, so that when the lights drop in the new season, his team is more than ready to answer the call. The message is clear: Cruz Pedregon is on a mission.