Cruz Pedregon Racing Power Duo Alert: Reynolds and Kullberg Sign On for 2026
Cruz Pedregon Racing is shaking things up for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, officially welcoming back two familiar faces: two-time Funny Car champ Terrance “Rip” Reynolds and Chris “Warrior” Kullberg. For fans of “The Cruzer,” this reunion feels like the band getting back together, with a focused mission to reclaim their competitive edge.
Old Friends, New Mission
There’s something special about working with people who already speak your language. In the high-pressure cooker that is NHRA drag racing, chemistry isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the difference between a smoking tire at the 60-foot mark and holding up a Wally on Sunday afternoon.
Both Reynolds and Kullberg have a history with Pedregon. They aren’t just hired guns walking into a strange garage; they know the culture, they see the driver, and most importantly, they know how to win. Their return signals a clear shift in strategy for CPR: a push for stability, deeper leadership, and a rock-solid technical foundation.
Cruz put it best when talking about the hires. “It’s rewarding to have Rip and Warrior back with us,” he said. “We’ve continued a great relationship with both of these guys, who are winners. They know what it takes to compete at the highest level.”
What Rip Reynolds Brings to the Table
Let’s talk about Rip Reynolds for a second. This guy has been around the block, and his reputation in the nitro pits is rock solid. He’s known for a detail-oriented approach that borders on obsessive, which is what you need when you’re trying to harness 11,000 horsepower.
Reynolds has managed multiple championship-level programs, and his history with Pedregon dates back to seasons where the car was consistently fast. Bringing him back into the fold is an imaginative play. It provides a steady hand on the CPR operation’s wheel, allowing the rest of the crew to focus on execution. When you’re fighting for thousandths of a second, having a manager who sweats the small stuff is invaluable.
The Warrior Returns
Then you have Chris “Warrior” Kullberg. You don’t get a nickname like that without earning it. Kullberg brings a wealth of tuning and mechanical oversight to the table. He’s been part of plenty of race-winning efforts over the years, and his role is expected to focus heavily on consistency.
For anyone who watched the Funny Car class recently, you know that consistency is the name of the game. It’s not enough to throw down a “hero run” in qualifying anymore. You need a car that goes down the track A-to-B, round after round, in the heat and in the cool evening air. Kullberg’s experience is going to be crucial in shaping that strategy for the Dodge Hellcat.
Preparing for the 2026 Campaign
So, what does this actually mean for the 2026 season? It implies the offseason for Cruz Pedregon Racing isn’t going to be about rest. It’s going to be about infrastructure. Pedregon has been open about evaluating every area for improvement. They are building a more clearly defined operational framework, basically, ensuring everyone knows their job and has the tools to do it perfectly.
By adding Reynolds and Kullberg to CPR, Pedregon isn’t just adding bodies to the roster; he’s adding brainpower and leadership equity. These guys are set to play expanded roles in everything from testing structures to setting performance targets. “This is a big step toward where we want to be in 2026,” Pedregon admitted. “I couldn’t be more motivated for what lies ahead.”
The Bottom Line
We love a good comeback story, and we love seeing veterans reunite to chase glory. The Funny Car field is absolutely stacked right now. To compete with the multi-car mega-teams, single-car operations like CPR have to be smarter, leaner, and more efficient.
Bringing back Rip and Warrior is a statement. It says Cruz Pedregon isn’t just showing up to qualify in 2026. He’s showing up to contend. The pieces are falling into place, the leadership is solidified, and the motivation is at an all-time high.Is it 2026 yet? Because we can’t wait to see this new-look (but familiar) CPR squad hit the track.
