Sean O'Bannon Dallas preview

O'Bannon hoping to return to late rounds in Dallas

ENNIS, Texas - After finishing second nationally last year in NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster, Sean O'Bannon is looking to find some of that late round magic in his rookie campaign behind the wheel of the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV's Top Alcohol Funny Car during this weekend's O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol at the Texas Motorplex just south of Dallas. After reaching the semifinals at their national event debut in Topeka, Kan., earlier in the year the Jack O'Bannon Racing Team has had it's share of up's and down's that has put Crew Chief Sam Shockley and the team working overtime to reach championship form for next season.

O'Bannon, 29, of Fontana, Calif., cites the team has went over both team cars with a fine tooth comb following their last event in Bakersfield, Calif. O'Bannon hopes some of the changes made will pay dividends on the racetrack.

"We're continuing to make changes to the car," said O'Bannon. "It's been an up and down year for us, but not bad considering this is our first year in Top Alcohol Funny Car. We're working hard to make this a championship-caliber team that can win anywhere we show up. We've had some real good runs this year, we just need to keep working at it. Hopefully we'll turn the corner in Dallas this weekend and make a solid showing with the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV's Dodge Charger."

In addition to feeling good about his chances, O'Bannon just feels good in general.

"One of the things we've done to the car is put it on a diet, and we've taken a significant amount of weight off the car," stated O'Bannon. "I've also been on a diet and I'm lighter than I've been in a long time. I'm feeling great, and I'm looking forward to Dallas."

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars, with two sessions followed by one final session Saturday afternoon. Eliminations begin with round one Saturday evening and conclude the event on Sunday.

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