Sean O'Bannon Bakersfield preview

O'Bannon ready to battle in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Following a semifinal finish three weeks ago in Acton, Mont., NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car rookie Sean O'Bannon and the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV's team are eager to do battle at this weekend's Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif. O'Bannon and teammate Alexis De Joria plan to test extensively the Thursday prior to the event.

O'Bannon, 28, of Fontana, Calif., cites team Crew Chiefs Sam Shockley and Randy Anderson found a few things that may step the Team Patrón Dodge Chargers up this weekend.

"These are brand new cars and this is the first year in Top Alcohol Funny Car for both me and Alexis," said O'Bannon. "So we're all in a learning mode right now. Sam and Randy feel like they found some things in Montana that will make us a better car this weekend. We plan to make as many runs as possible on Thursday testing the changes so we can be ready when qualifying starts on Friday. Division 7 is always tough because there are so many quality cars out here. It's tough just to qualify. We're always up for a challenge, so we're looking forward to racing against some of the best in the class this weekend in Bakersfield."

Qualifying will be ran on Friday with three sessions. Final eliminations will conclude the event Saturday.

About The Patrón Spirits Company:
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, the company's eight distinctive products now share the Patrón label; Gran Patrón Platinum, Patrón Añejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café, Patrón Citrónge, Pyrat Cask 23, Pyrat XO Reserve. Each brand is the finest in their category. The newest, Gran Patrón Platinum, is an extraordinary triple distilled pure tequila. sPatrón Tequila is today, the world’s number one ultra premium tequila. In 2004 & 2005, Patrón Tequila was recognized with the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences Five Star Diamond Award. Patrón is the first spirits brand ever to receive this prestigious honor. Patrón Tequila continues to set new sales records every year.

To find out more about the Jack O'Bannon Racing Team, visit their website at www.JackOBannonRacing.com

To find out more about Jack O'Bannon Racing's quality partners, visit these websites:

www.PatronSpirits.com - Find out more about the world's number one tequila - Tequila Patrón.

www.ForestRiverInc.com - Find out more about America's largest producer of towable RV's and Cargo Trailers

www.HoosierRacingTire.com - "Tires Designed for Champions"

www.LE-Inc.com - Lubrication Engineers - "Leaders in Lubrication"

Contact: Will Hanna/Pro Race Communications
Email: Will.Hanna@InsideTopAlcohol.com