Driving Design: Tony and Cruz Pedregon Spice up the Shop

Tag : Snap On Tools
Some like it caliente, buteven those who don't are sure to appreciate what NHRA racers Tonyand Cruz Pedregon have done with their exhilarating originalartwork and designs to create unique, limited-edition tool storageunits with Snap-on Tools.
The Pedregons are brothers and teammates who are known for theircompetitiveness on the track. Both are in the top five for all-timeNHRA Funny Car victories and both have won championships - Tony in2003 and 2007, and Cruz in 1992. But the brothers have proven theycan also win off the track by claiming victory with the newpersonally designed tool storage units featuring original artworkby Tony and designs by Cruz.
The distinctive boxes are detailed with rich and thrillingHispanic- influenced designs, reflecting the Pedregon's familyheritage. Both of the designs are available in a Classic Series11-drawer roll cab and a seven- drawer Heritage Series roll cabwith a four-drawer Heritage Series top chest.
"We wanted to design something that was a reflection of us and ourrace car," Tony said. "We wanted to give it that Hispanic flavorand incorporate all the components - horsepower, energy andadrenaline - that we see on the track every day."
Tony is no stranger to illustrations and design. In his early 20s,he began painting the racing helmets of his older brothers, Frankieand Cruz. Other racers began to take notice and soon he wasdesigning and painting helmets for Bill Elliott, Kenny Bernstein,Cory McClenathan and Tommy Johnson, Jr., so when Snap-on approachedTony with the unique idea of collaborating on a tool storage unit,he jumped at the chance to create the artwork himself - a first forSnap-on.
"It's a rare opportunity to team up with individuals as talented asTony and Cruz," said Alicia Smales, vice president of marketing forSnap-on Tools. "We're not just promoting the Pedregon name withthese new boxes, but the creativity and personal touch that went into making them. These are truly unique and special boxes."
Snap-on Tools' history with the Pedregons goes back to 1992 whenthe company first sponsored Cruz. Over time, Snap-on extended itssupport to Tony and has continued building on that relationship asevident by the new tool storage units.
"These toolboxes will be viewed by thousands, not only technicians,but different people who walk through the shops in different partsof the country," Cruz said. "The techs and fans fortunate enough tohave these boxes get to share in the uniqueness, share in themoment and really have our car with them all the time. Hopefully,this inspires them to work harder and get the job done."
Tony says that he and his brother have completely different tastes,which helped them create the two box designs.
"Cruz is very particular, he doesn't like all the detail but ratherthat clean look," Tony said. "I've got a lot going on with thespark plugs and flying wrenches and the car and engine. I think mytoolbox is a reflection of what my personality is like."
Cruz agrees that the brothers' personal styles had a big influenceon the finished product.
"I'm a little more conservative that Tony," said Cruz. "I like thelook of my 2008 race car and played on that for my toolbox. It's agreat look, a great toolbox, a great theme and a lot of fans outthere are ordering them."
"It was a long process, but a lot of detail goes into the finishedproduct and we're really happy and fortunate that we're tied inwith the best tool company in the business," adds Tony. "When I sawthe finished product, hair stood up on my arms. I was prettyexcited."