Sean O'Bannon Phoenix wrap up

O'Bannon kicks off Division 7 chase with semifinal in Phoenix

CHANDLER, Ariz. - NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Sean O'Bannon scored a semifinal finish at this past weekend's Division 7 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series opener at Firebird International Raceway just outside of Phoenix. O'Bannon and the Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV's team are happy to be moving in the right direction after fighting tireshake at the season opener in Pomona.

O'Bannon, 29, from Ontario, Calif., qualified the Jack O'Bannon Racing, Sam Shockley tuned Dodge Charger fourth in the tough field with a 5.707 second elapsed time at 251.81 mph. In round one, he took out Ron August, Jr., with a 5.754 second pass at 251.63 mph. His semifinal opponent would be Clint Thompson. O'Bannon coaxed his best run of the weekend out of the Tequila Patrón ride, a 5.686 at 256.75 mph, but it was not enough to hold off Thompson's 5.656 at 257.33 mph.

"We always want to win when we show up, but considering the trouble we had with tireshake at Pomona, we're happy to see things moving in the right direction," said O'Bannon. "We're committed to putting this Tequila Patrón/Forest River RV's Dodge Charger to the top of the pack, and we're going to keep working at it."

"Division 7 always has a tough field of cars," O'Bannon continued. "We stepped up and made a good run there in the semi's against Thompson, but he just made a better run than we did. Hopefully we can build on the weekend and improve next weekend in Tucson."

The Tequila Patrón team will head straight from Phoenix to Tucson, Ariz., for this weekend's Division 7 Lucas Oil Series event there.


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