American Racing, maker of performance and off-road wheels, has extended its partnership with two-time NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon through the 2013 race season.

American Racing will be the primary sponsor for Pedregon at four NHRA Full Throttle events and associate sponsor at all remaining races in the 23-event season.

"Tony is one of the legends of the NHRA, and we're pleased to return to the sport with him this season," said Rhett Sander, marketing director for Wheel Pros, the company that owns American Racing. "The new livery of the car for 2012 looks amazing, and it speaks to the long history of drag racing and American Racing."

The American Racing Funny Car will carry a special Rat Rod-themed paint scheme that pays homage to the early hot rods of the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s and will debut this week at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries and also be on the car at the NHRA Arizona Nationals, Feb. 17-19; Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, March 8-11; and Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, July 5-8

“It has been a great experience learning about the American Racing brand and getting to share and continue their passion about racing,” stated Tony Pedregon. “American Racing is an iconic wheel brand, and we are thrilled to have them continue their marketing activity through our race team.”

Other team partners of Tony Pedregon’s Funny Car include K-LOVE, STP/Armor All, Snap-on, Herzog, and Mahle.