Sean O'Bannon Bakersfield preview

O’Bannon takes Division 6 title battle to Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Second-year NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Sean O’Bannon and the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV’s backed team enter this weekend’s Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., locked in a tight points battle for the Division 6 crown. He is currently tied with defending Division 6 Champ Brian Hough for the lead with 278 points, with Clint Thompson following closely in third, only 11 points back.

O’Bannon, 29, from Ontario, Calif., has enjoyed a level of success at Bakersfield over the years. He scored his first NHRA win behind the wheel of a Super Comp dragster here in 2004, along with a runner-up in Top Alcohol Dragster in 2006. O’Bannon has reached the finals four times this year, but has yet to break through for his elusive first win behind the wheel of the Funny Car. After a strong test session at the track earlier in the year, O’Bannon and his Sam Shockley lead team hope to change that this weekend and gain points along the way.

“This is a big race for us,” said O’Bannon. “We’re going to test on Thursday and go after it. We’re going to make a hard run at taking the points lead this weekend. We need to make the final to pick up any points, but we’re real hungry for our first win. I’ve always liked racing at Bakersfield, so we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully this weekend will put us one step closer to our goal of winning the Division 6 Championship.”

Despite being later in the year and noticeably warmer than when he ran a 5.64 in testing at the track, O’Bannon points out the night time racing schedule should provide for fast racing this weekend.

“We qualify during the day on Friday,” explained O’Bannon. “Then we race at 4, 7 and 9:30 Saturday evening. There’s always a bunch of strong cars here in Division 7, so it will be a fast race no matter what the conditions are. I have a lot of faith in my guys, and hopefully we can get this Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV’s hot rod back in the 5.60’s there this weekend, and put her in the winner’s circle on Sunday.”

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars with two sessions. Eliminations will conclude the event Saturday evening.

Simply Perfect in every way, Patrón is the world’s No. 1 selling ultra-premium tequila. From the finest, most expensive Weaber Blue agave plants grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, to the centuries-old distillation process, to the signed, handcrafted glass bottles, Patrón is produced with unparalleled attention to detail. Imported and marketed by Las Vegas-based The Patrón Spirits Company, brands in the portfolio consist of Patrón Gran Platinum, Patrón Anejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café (tequila and coffee blend), and Patrón Citrónge (extra fine orange liqueur), Ultimat Vodka (80 proof, Black Cherry and Chocolate Vanilla), as well as Pyrat Pistol, Pyrat Cask, and Pyrat XO Reserve Caribbean rums.

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.HoosierTire.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