NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Two-time NHRA Mello Yello Funny Car world champion and current FOX NHRA Drag Racing analyst Tony Pedregon began his first full Professional campaign in 1996 behind the wheel of a second Funny Car for 16-time world champion John Force. It only took Pedregon and the John Medlen-led team four races to find the winner’s circle at Atlanta Dragway.

1996 was the most dominant season in Force’s spectacular career, but Pedregon managed to get one over on his boss in Atlanta. From the No. 6 qualifying position, Pedregon made the quickest run of all but one eliminations round on a warm racing surface. In the final, he pulled away from Force to earn the victory in a 5.10 to 5.31 decision.

Pedregon would have to savor that win until the Houston event the following season, though his seven final-round appearances would be enough for him to finish No. 2 in the points standings. He went on to score a championship with John Force Racing in 2003 before leaving to form his own team, with which he won the 2007 title. His victory in 1996 puts him in the company of other Funny Car drivers who scored their first win in Atlanta, including Del Worsham, Ashley Force Hood, Randy Anderson, and Tripp Shumake.