Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing news: 2009

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Exit Pomona in First Round; Finish Eighth in Series Standings

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

45th Annual Auto Club NHRA Finals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA

November 12-15, 2009
Race 24 of 24
Final Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING EXIT POMONA IN FIRST ROUND; FINISH EIGHTH IN SERIES STANDINGS

POMONA, CA – November 15, 2009 – A first round loss brought an early end to the weekend and the 2009 season for Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team.

After four qualifying sessions, Tasca piloted his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang to the 12th qualifying position with his best lap of 4.142 seconds at 300.13 miles per hour. Tasca would face Ron Capps in the Sunday’s first round eliminations.

Tasca was first off the line and lost traction around the 600-foot marker. Capps also lost traction at the 600-foot mark but was able to pedal his car, take the lead and cross the finish line about one car length ahead of Tasca. Capps’ margin of victory was 0.07 seconds.

“Clearly not the outcome we wanted today and for our season,” said Tasca. “We were hoping to go a few rounds and move up on the ladder but we fell a little short in the first round against Capps.”

In his second NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, Tasca finished eighth in the series championship. This season Tasca won two races, earned his first No. 1 Qualifier and a season record of 26 round wins and 21 round losses.

“It was an exciting year for our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team,” said Tasca. “I’m proud of Chris Cunningham, Marc Denner and all my guys and all that they accomplished this season. I’m proud of Motorcraft/Quick Lane and the activation we’ve done on and off the race track. Our sponsorship gives us a great sense of accomplishment as a program even though we didn’t win the championship.”

“We made the Countdown, we won two races and we ended the year in eighth, so that is a major improvement from last year. You always want go in and win, particularly in Pomona and the last race of the year. So, we’re going to take the good with us, leave the bad behind and focus on 2010. I’m more excited about 2010 right now and it hasn’t even started yet.”

Late last season, Tasca and Tim Wilkerson formed a technical alliance. Both drivers ended the 2009 season with two wins each and in the top-10 in series standings.

“Our teammate, Tim Wilkerson, did really well today by reaching the semi-finals. So we’re proud of Tim and his entire team for finishing fourth in the series standings.”

Less than three months before the 50th Annual Winternationals, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team are looking forward to the off-season and returning to Pomona in February.

“We have an off-season that we’re really looking forward to, because the last two years, we really haven’t had an off season,” said Tasca. “In the first year we were building the race team and last year we were building our race shop in Concord. This will be a year for us to focus on some research and development – areas that we know that we need to improve to run stronger on cool condition races.”

Mike Neff won the 45th Annual Auto Club Finals on Sunday in the John Force Racing “Ford. Drive One.” Mustang.

Robert Hight won the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Funny Car Championship title in the Auto Club of Southern California Mustang.

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Final Standings – Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 2,547; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2,481; 3. Ron Capps, 2433; 4. Tim Wilkerson, 2430; 5. Jack Beckman, 2406; 6. Tony Pedregon, 2,403; 7. Del Worsham, 2,352; 8. Bob Tasca III, 2,326; 9. John Force, 2,268; 10. Mike Neff, 2,235.

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Looking to Make and Change History in Pomona

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

45th Annual Auto Club NHRA Finals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA November 12-15, 2009
Race 24 of 24Final Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM LOOKING TO MAKE AND CHANGE HISTORY IN POMONA

DEARBORN, MI – November 9, 2009 – Heading into the final race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team seek to end their season on a high note and capture their third career win.

“Heading into Pomona, it’s where it all starts and it’s where it all ends,” said Tasca. “I told my guys that to make this season just perfect I only want one more win.”

In both February Pomona races, Tasca has advanced to the second round. Last season in November, Tasca was eliminated in round one, so Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team are looking to going several rounds at the historic track.

“From the historical value of it, Pomona is clearly one of the tracks that you look forward to going to,” said Tasca. “It certainly isn’t the longest race track on the circuit, so stopping becomes even more important. Pomona is nostalgic; it’s where it all started with Wally Parks. Winning and ending the season on a win is all we’re focused on this weekend. We have a little unfinished business in Pomona and we look forward to closing the season out with a win.”

After Las Vegas, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team’s chances of the 2009 championship ended with a first round loss. Despite not competing for the championship in the final race, Tasca is proud of the team’s accomplishments this season.

“Our championship hopes may have expired, but I’m thrilled with what we’ve accomplished in our second year,” said Tasca. “I’m so proud of all the hard work that Chris Cunningham, Marc Denner and the guys have done with this Shelby Mustang to put our team in a position to win.”

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience
The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display returns to NHRA Nitro Alley in Pomona. Fans can enter to win prizes and participate in the Motorcraft Holeshot Challenge and Quick Lane Challenge. Fans visiting the display have the opportunity to enter the ‘Race Hot to a Mustang’ sweepstakes. The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a 2010 Ford Mustang GT equipped with a Ford Racing Performance Parts package and upgrades courtesy of Ford Custom Accessories.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience Hours of Operation

Thursday, November 12: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Friday, November 13: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 26: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 27: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 2,485; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2,380; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2,372; 4. Jack Beckman, 2,371; 5. Ron Capps, 2,358; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 2,353; 7. Del Worsham, 2,299; 8. Bob Tasca III, 2,294; 9. John Force, 2,268; 10. Mike Neff, 2,235.

Pomona Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 11th during last year’s event at Pomona and lost in the first round to Ron Capps.
- Tasca qualified fifth during the spring event at Pomona and lost in the second round to Ron Capps.
- Tasca is currently eighth in points heading into the final race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Tasca Funny Car Achievements
- First round win, defeated Melanie Troxel, February 10, 2008, NHRA Winternationals, Pomona, CA
- First time in the semi-finals, April 27, 2008, NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta, GA
- First No. 1 qualifier, March 14, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- First win, March 15, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- Second win, August 23, 2009, Toyo Tires Nationals, Reading, PA
- First back-to-back semi-final appearances this season (Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH)
- Tasca has an average qualifying position of seventh during the 2009 season
- Tasca has at least one round win in 14 of the 18 races this season
- Tasca clinched a spot in NHRA’s Countdown to 1 after a first round win in Reading.
- Tasca will compete for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series championship after clinching the sixth spot in the NHRA Countdown to 1.
- Tasca is one of six Ford Mustangs that will compete for the championship in 2009.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2009 marks the second year Ford Customer Service Division brands Motorcraft and Quick Lane sponsor Bob Tasca III and Tasca Racing.
- Motorcraft® continues its relationship with NHRA, having sponsored Hall-of-Fame NHRA driver Bob Glidden and drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein, among others, in the late 80s and early 90s.
- Motorcraft® products strike the perfect balance of precision, quality and pricing.
- Manufactured to strict specifications, they install quickly and give the confidence of doing a job right the first time. Motorcraft is the preferred choice of Ford Motor Company.
- Quick Lane Tire® & Auto Centers provide the services your car or truck needs most, performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. You’ll never need an appointment and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends. They’ll take care of any make, or model using quality Motorcraft® parts. Give them a try and see why life is better in the Quick Lane®.
- Quick Lane® offers routine maintenance and light repair services, such as oil and filter changes, brake repairs and tire replacement for all makes and models.
- Quick Lane celebrated the opening of its 500th tire and auto center in 2008. Visit http://www.quicklane.com/ to find the one of the Quick Lanes in the greater Pomona area.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television
Saturday, Nov. 14, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.motorcraft.com/.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.quicklane.com/.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ford.com/.

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Sunday, November 1, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Exit Las Vegas in First Round

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

Ninth Annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway October 30-November 1, 2009
Race 23 of 24
5th Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING EXIT LAS VEGAS IN FIRST ROUND

LAS VEGAS, NV – November 1, 2009 – After posting the fifth quickest qualifying effort this weekend, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing were eager to start eliminations on Sunday morning in Las Vegas.

Tasca’s quickest pass of the weekend would seed him in the fifth position for Sunday’s elimination rounds. Tasca smoked the tires and lost to Del Worsham in the first round.

“We were a little too aggressive and smoked the tires,” said Tasca. “I stepped off the throttle and tried to roll back into it, but Del [Worsham] was on a wire-to-wire run. I pedaled my Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang once and then I saw Del go through the finish line.”

“I’m disappointed, clearly this wasn’t the outcome we wanted this weekend,” continued Tasca. “Our Mustang ran great, qualified great and did everything we wanted it to do. Sometimes you need a little luck to get past the first round and for us, it wasn’t in the cards.”

Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing will take one weekend off before heading to Pomona for the final race of the 2009 season.

“We’re looking forward to getting to Pomona,” said Tasca. “We still hope to finish this season on a high note and with three trophies.”

As both a Ford driver and dealer, Tasca helped Ford launch its campaign as the Official Vehicle of NHRA

“This was a big race for Ford as the Official Vehicle of NHRA,” said Tasca. “I think it speaks volumes to the platform that NHRA gives us to race on. Certainly Ford took notice and when the opportunity came up. I’m thrilled to see Ford take over as the Official Vehicle of NHRA. At the end of the day, it is about winning on Sunday and selling on Monday. Now with Ford as the official vehicle of NHRA, that will help us sell on Monday.”

Robert Hight won the Ninth Annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 2,485; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2,380; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2,372; 4. Jack Beckman, 2,371; 5. Ron Capps, 2,358; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 2,353; 7. Del Worsham, 2,299; 8. Bob Tasca III, 2,294; 9. John Force, 2,268; 10. Mike Neff, 2,235.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://tinyurl.com/MotorcraftQuickLaneRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Qualifies Fifth in Las Vegas

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

10th Annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway October 30-November 1, 2009
Race 23 of 24
5th Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING QUALIFIES FIFTH IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS, NV – October 31, 2009 – Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing were looking forward to getting to Las Vegas this weekend in hopes of moving up the Funny Car points ladder.

In what he called his ‘Game 7,’ Tasca posted solid runs during four rounds of qualifying in Las Vegas. During the opening session, Tasca ran a 4.136 second pass at 307.02 miles per hour. Later on Friday afternoon during the second session, Tasca improved his ET with to 4.107 seconds at a speed of 307.02 miles per hour run.

At the conclusion of Friday, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team sat comfortably in the fifth qualifying position.

“I said coming into this race it was our ‘Game 7’ and a must win. But winning starts with qualifying and running well and we’re certainly on our way to that win with our qualifying efforts this weekend. Friday was a great day; we posted two 307-mile per hour runs, two of the fastest runs that I’ve ever been on in my career.”

During the third qualifying session, Tasca posted a time of 4.932 seconds at 160.82 miles per hour, after smoking the tires at the 500-foot marker.

“We were trying something on Saturday during the early session and smoked the tires,” said Tasca. “Even though the run was less than what we wanted, it is still good data, because we know how far we can push our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang.”

In Tasca’s final pass of the weekend, he posted a 4.130 second pass at 303.98 miles per hour.

“In the night session, I was really surprised that the whole field didn’t run better,” said Tasca. “We’ve rated ourselves against the competition and there were only two cars on the property than ran quicker than us in the night session.”

Tasca is seeded fifth and will face Del Worsham in the opening round on Sunday.

“We’ve put ourselves in a great position to win this weekend, and that was something we wanted to do coming into this race,” said Tasca. “We’ve qualified well and we’ll have lane choice tomorrow. We’ve got a tough competitor in Del Worsham because he’s coming off a win last race. We’re ready to a great day on Sunday,” said Tasca.

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Qualifying – Funny Car
1. Matt Hagan; 2. Ron Capps; 3. Robert Hight; 4. Tony Pedregon; 5. Bob Tasca III; 6. Cruz Pedregon; 7. Tim Wilkerson; 8. Jack Beckman; 9. Mike Neff; 10. Jim Head; 11. John Force; 12. Del Worsham; 13. Jeff Arend; 14. Ashley Force Hood; 15. Gary Densham; 16. Grant Downing.

Did not qualify – Jeff Diehl, Bob Bode and Jerry Toliver

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://tinyurl.com/MotorcraftQuickLaneRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television
Saturday, Oct. 31: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11:00 p.m. (ET)
Sunday, Nov 1: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 2:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 1: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Looking to Run the Tables in Las Vegas

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

10th Annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway October 30-November 1, 2009
Race 23 of 24
5th Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM LOOKING TO RUN THE TABLES IN LAS VEGAS

DEARBORN, MI – October 27, 2009 – A return trip to Las Vegas could only mean the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series is approaching the end of the season.

But with two races still remaining, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team seek to build on its momentum from earlier in the season, perhaps with an assist from “Lady Luck.”

“I’m calling Las Vegas my ‘Game 7’,” said Tasca. “In order for our championship hopes to stay alive, we need to win or go to the final rounds at these next two races. It’s as simple as that. As far as my team is concerned, our focus has always been that you go into every race hoping to leave with the trophy. Vegas is one of the biggest races of the year and we’re going in with our championship hopes still alive.”

Not only is the points race close, but the overall level of competition will be closer since Las Vegas will have one of the largest Funny Car classes of the season, with 20 drivers entered. Tasca looks to log solid times during the qualifying sessions and secure a spot in the top-half of the ladder. In 23 races this season, Tasca has qualified in the top half of the field in 16 races.

“Since we’ll see one of the largest fields of Funny Cars of all season in Vegas, solid runs on Friday and Saturday are key to a successful weekend,” said Tasca. “If you make a mistake in qualifying, you just might miss the show and you’ll be sitting on the sidelines. We’re looking to maintain focus this weekend and run strong.”

In addition to the excitement on the race track, Tasca is looking forward to Ford being the Official Vehicle of NHRA. This weekend in Las Vegas marks the first official weekend of Ford’s new involvement with NHRA.

“I’m thrilled that Ford is the Official Vehicle of NHRA,” said Tasca. “To be in a competitive class like Funny Car, and have six Ford Mustangs that are capable of winning the championship, and now to compete in a series Ford supports, it really puts all the Ford teams, in a position to win,” said Tasca. “I’ve said it time and time again, I’m an all-Ford kid, in an-all Ford car, and now I can say I’m in an all-Ford series. It’s great to be a part of a company like Ford with brands like Motorcraft and Quick Lane. They’ve put me in the position to win, and now to be the series official sponsor, it puts all of us in a position to compete in one of the greatest racing platforms in the world.”

The New Ford Drive One Display
The new Ford Drive One interactive consumer display expands its footprint in NHRA Nitro Alley. Fans can take green screen photos with their favorite Ford NHRA driver, participate in the Dueling Dynos and experience the hands-free SYNC system. Fans can enter to win prizes and participate in the Motorcraft Holeshot Challenge and Quick Lane Challenge. Fans visiting the display have the opportunity to enter the ‘Race Hot to a Mustang’ sweepstakes. The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a 2010 Ford Mustang equipped with a Ford Racing Performance Part package and upgrades courtesy of Ford Custom Accessories.

Ford Drive One Display Hours of Operation

Friday, October 30: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 31: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 1: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 2,362; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2,349; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2,314, 4. Ron Capps, 2,299; 5. Tim Wilkerson, 2,280; 6. Jack Beckman, 2,276; 7. Bob Tasca III, 2,259; 8. Del Worsham, 2227; 9. John Force, 2,216; 10. Mike Neff, 2,203.

Las Vegas Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 12th during last year’s event at Las Vegas and lost in the first round to Tony Pedregon.
- Tasca qualified ninth during the spring event at Las Vegas and lost in the first round to Cruz Pedregon.
- Tasca is currently seventh in points heading into the 24th race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Tasca is 103 points out of first place.

Tasca Funny Car Achievements
- First round win, defeated Melanie Troxel, February 10, 2008, NHRA Winternationals, Pomona, CA
- First time in the semi-finals, April 27, 2008, NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta, GA
- First No. 1 qualifier, March 14, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- First win, March 15, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- Second win, August 23, 2009, Toyo Tires Nationals, Reading, PA
- First back-to-back semi-final appearances this season (Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH)
- Tasca has an average qualifying position of seventh during the 2009 season
- Tasca has at least one round win in 14 of the 18 races this season
- Tasca clinched a spot in NHRA’s Countdown to 1 after a first round win in Reading.
- Tasca will compete for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series championship after clinching the sixth spot in the NHRA Countdown to 1.
- Tasca is one of six Ford Mustangs that will compete for the championship in 2009.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2009 marks the second year Ford Customer Service Division brands Motorcraft and Quick Lane sponsor Bob Tasca III and Tasca Racing.
- Motorcraft® continues its relationship with NHRA, having sponsored Hall-of-Fame NHRA driver Bob Glidden and drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein, among others, in the late 80s and early 90s.
- Motorcraft® products strike the perfect balance of precision, quality and pricing.
- Manufactured to strict specifications, they install quickly and give the confidence of doing a job right the first time. Motorcraft is the preferred choice of Ford Motor Company.
- Quick Lane Tire® & Auto Centers provide the services your car or truck needs most, performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. You’ll never need an appointment and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends. They’ll take care of any make, or model using quality Motorcraft® parts. Give them a try and see why life is better in the Quick Lane®.
- Quick Lane® offers routine maintenance and light repair services, such as oil and filter changes, brake repairs and tire replacement for all makes and models.
- There are 530 Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers in the United States. Visit http://www.quicklane.com/ to find the one of the Quick Lanes in the greater Las Vegas area.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television
Saturday, Oct. 31: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 11:00 p.m. (ET)
Sunday, Nov 1: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 2:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 1: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, Oct. 30, 9:30 - 10 p.m. (ET), AMC 16 / Transponder 14K
Saturday, Oct. 31, 9:30 - 10 p.m. (ET), AMC 16 / Transponder 14K
Sunday, Nov. 1, 11- 11:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 16 / Transponder 14K
Downlink Frequency: AMC 16 / Transponder 14K (11980 MHz, Horizontal)
This is an ANALOG feed

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.motorcraft.com/.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.quicklane.com/.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ford.com/.

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Sunday, October 11, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Have Fast and Short Weekend in Richmond

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

Fourth Annual NHRA Virginia Nationals
Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, VA
October 9-11, 2009
Race 22 of 24
4th Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING HAVE FAST AND SHORT WEEKEND IN RICHMOND

PETERSBURG, VA – October 11, 2009 – Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team posted some of their fastest times this weekend in Richmond, but fell just two-hundredths of a second short in the second round.

In each qualifying session, Tasca raced his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang down the track and consistently improved on the elapsed time. Tasca went from an opening pass of 4.191 seconds at 296.9 miles per hour to a personal best of 4.079-second pass at 306.4 miles per hour.
“It was big weekend for us because we knew we had to go rounds,” said Tasca. “Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang kept getting faster during the qualifying rounds. I had the fastest run of my career on Saturday night with that 4.079-second run. We made great progress on our cool weather tune-up and we really had high hopes for Sunday.”

Tasca’s quickest pass on Saturday afternoon would seed him in the seventh position for Sunday’s elimination rounds. Tasca defeated Jim Head in the first pair on Sunday morning.

“We had a big match-up against Head in the first round,” said Tasca. It was great first round win and we were the third quickest of the session. Every round is big round at this point of the season.”

Tasca would face Ron Capps in the second round. Capps crossed the finish line 0.0296 seconds ahead of Tasca, approximately 13 feet.

“We were trying to run a 4.10 against Capps because we knew we had to go a 10 to win,” said Tasca. “Unfortunately, we came up a little short with a 4.14. It is tough to lose by two-hundredths and we’re you’re that close, it’s even tougher.”

During the two-week break, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team will stay focused on the final two races of the season. Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team are still in the championship hunt sitting seventh in series standings.

“We’re just about 100 points out of first place with eight rounds to go in the season,” said Tasca. “We’re going into Las Vegas with a positive attitude, confidence and maybe a little bit of luck.”

Del Worsham defeated Tim Wilkerson in the final round to win Sunday’s NHRA Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 2,362; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2,349; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2314, 4. Ron Capps, 2299; 5. Tim Wilkerson, 2280; 6. Jack Beckman, 2,276; 7. Bob Tasca III, 2,259; 8. Del Worsham, 2227; 9. John Force, 2,216; 10. Mike Neff, 2,203.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Seek Redemption in Richmond

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

Fourth Annual NHRA Virginia Nationals
Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, VA
October 9-11, 2009
Race 22 of 24
4th Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM SEEK REDEMPTION IN RICHMOND

DEARBORN, MI – October 7, 2009 – One year ago, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team were doing their least favorite thing on Richmond race day – not racing. The team looks to redeem itself this weekend not only to qualify for the race, but also to bring home a win.

“We’re focused on winning Richmond,” said Tasca. “This isn’t just about qualifying; this is about winning the race. In order for us to compete for this championship, we need to come out of Richmond with some round wins under our belt and set us up for Las Vegas and Pomona. Our goal and focus is to win, there is a little more pressure on us at Richmond to do just that.”

Tasca has also experienced success in Richmond. While working his way through the divisional ranks, Tasca was a two-time winner at the Virginia track.

“Richmond is an amazing place,” said Tasca. ”Richmond is the track last year where I ran my quickest ET to 1000 feet and did not qualify. We missed the field by a few thousandths of a second. I’m going back to Richmond with an attitude to improve to kind of redeem myself from last year’s DNQ.”

Tasca hopes to bring back the success he experienced at Richmond when he was running divisional races in an Alcohol Funny Car.

“In 2006 and 2007, I won at Richmond in my Alcohol Funny Car,” said Tasca. “I’ve experienced both the highs and lows of the track, and this weekend, I expect to return to the success I had in my alcohol car.”

Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team are focused on the task at hand and the bigger picture. With three races remaining in the Countdown to 1, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team are still in contention for the championship title.

“We are 102 points out of first place, which is basically a race,” said Tasca. “We’d like to be closer to the top than we are, but truthfully, we’re not in a bad position. Richmond will be a pivotal race to keep our championship hopes alive.”

Richmond Race Notes
- Tasca did not qualify for last year’s event at Richmond.
- Tasca is sixth in points heading into the 22nd race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Tasca is 102 points behind leader Ashley Force Hood.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car

1. Ashley Force Hood, 2,308; 2. Robert Hight, 2,305; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2282, 4. Jack Beckman, 2,235; 5. Ron Capps, 2,220; 6. Bob Tasca III, 2,206; 7. John Force, 2,184; 8. Tim Wilkerson 2,181; 9. Mike Neff, 2,130; 10. Del Worsham, 2,116

Race Hot to a Mustang Sweepstakes
Enter to win a 2010 Ford Mustang GT equipped with a Ford Racing Performance Parts package and upgrades courtesy of Ford Custom Accessories in the Ford Customer Service Division ‘Race Hot to a Mustang Sweepstakes.’ Enter online until November 23, 2009, at www.motorcraft.com, www.quicklane.com, www.racefanoffers.com and www.bobtasca.com. The Race Hot Sweepstakes is open to all licensed U.S. citizens over the age of 18.

Tasca Funny Car Achievements
- First round win, defeated Melanie Troxel, February 10, 2008, NHRA Winternationals, Pomona, CA
- First time in the semi-finals, April 27, 2008, NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta, GA
- First No. 1 qualifier, March 14, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- First win, March 15, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- Second win, August 23, 2009, Toyo Tires Nationals, Reading, PA
- First back-to-back semi-final appearances this season (Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH)
- Tasca has an average qualifying position of seventh during the 2009 season
- Tasca has at least one round win in 16 of the 21 races this season
- Tasca clinched a spot in NHRA’s Countdown to 1 after a first round win in Reading.
- Tasca will compete for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series championship after clinching the sixth spot in the NHRA Countdown to 1.
- Tasca is one of six Ford Mustangs that will compete for the championship in 2009.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2009 marks the second year Ford Customer Service Division brands Motorcraft and Quick Lane sponsor Bob Tasca III and Tasca Racing.
- Motorcraft® continues its relationship with NHRA, having sponsored Hall-of-Fame NHRA driver Bob Glidden and drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein, among others, in the late 80s and early 90s.
- Motorcraft® products strike the perfect balance of precision, quality and pricing.
- Manufactured to strict specifications, they install quickly and give the confidence of doing a job right the first time. Motorcraft is the preferred choice of Ford Motor Company.
- Quick Lane Tire® & Auto Centers provide the services your car or truck needs most, performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. You’ll never need an appointment and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends. They’ll take care of any make, or model using quality Motorcraft® parts. Give them a try and see why life is better in the Quick Lane®.
- Quick Lane® offers routine maintenance and light repair services, such as oil and filter changes, brake repairs and tire replacement for all makes and models.
- There are 530 Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers in the United States. Visit www.quicklane.com to find one of the Quick Lanes in the greater Richmond area.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television
Saturday, Oct. 10, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Oct. 11, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute news magazine show, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Oct. 11, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Monday, October 5, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Post Solid First Round Run but Fall Short in Memphis

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

22nd Annual O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals
Memphis Motorsports Park, Memphis, TN
October 2-4, 2009
Race 21 of 24
3rd Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING POST SOLID FIRST ROUND RUN BUT FALL SHORT IN MEMPHIS

Millington, TN – October 5, 2009 – Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team hoped Monday eliminations would bring them luck after rain washed out all of Sunday’s activities at Memphis Motorsports Park.

After four solid qualifying efforts, Tasca raced his way into the sixth qualifying position. He piloted his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang to a 4.115-second pass at 302.62 miles per hour.

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing took to the track on Monday morning. The opening pair of Daniel Wilkerson and Ron Capps would greet the day with unexpected results.

“I’m glad Daniel is okay after hitting the wall at more than 200 miles an hour and was uninjured,” said Tasca on young Wilkerson’s first round accident. “Since he walked away from his race car, that speaks volumes to the engineering and additional safety systems that have been added to these cars over the last couple of years.”

Tasca would face technical alliance teammate Tim Wilkerson in the first round. In their eight previous meetings, Tasca has three wins against Wilkerson. Tasca took the early advantage but Wilkerson was the first Mustang to cross the finish line. Tasca posted a solid 4.158-second run at 301.33 miles per hour.

“We had a big time match-up against Tim Wilkerson on conditions that were really unknown because of the rain delay,” said Tasca. “Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang went out and ran a 4.15, which wasn’t exactly what we were shooting for, but I’ve got to give it to Tim because he made a great run.”

Tasca’s time was one of the top five times of the first round, but was just short in comparison to Wilkerson’s winning pass.

“To lose like we did is frustrating because we know we could have won against at least 12 other cars,” said Tasca. “It’s tough to lose and it’s even tougher to know that you would have defeated the majority of the cars in the first round. Unfortunately we raced our teammate and he had a better run.”

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series has a few days to rest, then back to business this weekend in Richmond, Virginia. Tasca’s first round loss places him sixth in the standings with three races remaining in the season.

“We’re only 102 points out of first place, which is basically a race,” said Tasca. “Our championship hopes are still alive and we look to do well in Richmond.”

Jeff Arend won the 22nd Annual O’Reilly Mid-South Nationals at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ashley Force Hood, 2,308; 2. Robert Hight, 2,305; 3. Tony Pedregon, 2282, 4. Jack Beckman, 2,235; 5. Ron Capps, 2,220; 6. Bob Tasca III, 2,206; 7. John Force, 2,184; 8. Tim Wilkerson 2,181; 9. Mike Neff, 2,130; 10. Del Worsham, 2,116.

On the Web
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/MotorcraftQuickLaneRacing
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Texas Proves Tough for Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

24th Annual O’Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals
Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TXSeptember 25-27, 2009
Race 20 of 24
2nd Race in Countdown to 1

TEXAS PROVES TOUGH FOR TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM

DEARBORN, MI – September 27, 2009 – Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team entered Texas sitting fifth in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Countdown to 1 championship points standings. Tasca and team remain in that fifth position at the conclusion of the weekend.

Despite the hot and humid Texas conditions, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team took the track conditions in stride and posted their best qualifying effort of 4.188 seconds at 291.26 miles per hour. Tasca would seed in the sixth position and face Tony Pedregon during Sunday’s first round eliminations.

In the opening pair, Pedregon was first off the line, but Tasca’s Mustang took the lead before the 330-foot marker. Tasca advanced to the second round by 0.0986 seconds, approximately 39 feet.

“We had a big first round win against Tony Pedregon,” said Tasca. “Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang was phenomenal. We ran a 4.17, which was the low ET of the first round.”

Tasca would face Jerry Toliver in the second round. Toliver was on the throttle first, but the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby would quickly take the lead. Tasca smoked the tires around 400 feet and pedaled the Mustang while Toliver cruised to the finish line.

“We knew that you had to be in that left lane to really run hard and that’s what we did,” said Tasca. “We ran as hard as we could run and unfortunately, it was a little too much. I pedaled it and felt it knock the tire off well past where it normally would. I knew I was in trouble, stepped off the throttle, rolled back into it to try to get it to recover. Jerry set his car up to do what he needed to do. We were a little bit too aggressive in that second round.”

“This second round loss was a disappointing way to end our weekend,” continued Tasca. “We wanted to be in the left lane to win and in the second round against Toliver, it was about lane choice for the semi-finals.”

Despite the second round loss, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team remain fifth in NHRA’s Countdown to 1 championship standings.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position to compete right down to the wire with this Countdown to 1 by winning a round in Charlotte and winning a round here in Dallas,” said Tasca. “That second round loss today was painful but we’ll learn from it and move on to Memphis. We’re still in a position to win the championship. We just need to keep going rounds and that’s what we’ll do next weekend.”

Robert Hight won the 24th Annual O’Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals in Ennis, Texas.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Robert Hight, 2241; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2228; 3. Jack Beckman, 2196; 4. Tony Pedregon, 2,182; 5. Bob Tasca III, 2,170; 6. Ron Capps, 2147; 7. John Force, 2131; 8. Tim Wilkerson, 2,129; 9. Mike Neff, 2,099; 10. Del Worsham, 2,085.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tasca and Wilkerson Extend Alliance Through 2010

TASCA AND WILKERSON EXTEND ALLIANCE THROUGH 2010

DEARBORN, Mich., - September 23, 2009 – Bob Tasca III, owner/driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car and Tim Wilkerson, owner/driver of the Levi, Ray & Shoup Shelby Mustang Funny Car, have announced the extension of their successful technical alliance, on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing circuit, through the 2010 season.

Wilkerson and Tasca formed the alliance prior to the 2009 season and have acted as teammates throughout the year, despite the fact both teams are independently owned and operated. As part of the program, the teams have shared tuning information, the drivers have worked together to improve performance, and both organizations have combined to create a bigger and better marketing platform at the race track. Both Wilkerson and Tasca earned coveted spots in the NHRA Countdown playoff field, and both have two race victories to their credit at this point in the season.

“There's no getting around the fact that more information and more good ideas are keys to winning out here,” said Wilkerson, prior to this weekend's race in Dallas. “The multi-car teams have a number of advantages, but neither Bob nor I had the wherewithal or the desire to add a second car, so he came to me with this idea of an alliance and it's worked out very well. His crew chiefs, Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner, are sharp guys and we share information pretty freely. We don't necessarily run our cars exactly the same, so it's not like either one of us has plugged in the other one's tune-up, but when you get in trouble in one area it's really a good thing when you can bounce ideas off of someone and get some help.

“On top of sharing tuning information, though, it's also been a big benefit for both teams because you know a whole second crew full of talented guys has your back. If one team goes out early, and the other has any needs at all getting ready for the next round, the guys just dive right in. The other big piece of the puzzle is the marketing and hospitality at the race track. Together, we've taken that important piece of the sponsorship puzzle to a new level and that's important because without happy sponsors, we can't do this. The whole thing has been a win/win for everyone, including LRS and Motorcraft/Quick Lane. I'm looking forward to keeping it going.”

As part of the program, the Wilkerson and Tasca teams are always pitted next to each other at NHRA races, and their combined hospitality and marketing space is made possible by sharing infrastructure. On the track, both teams have clearly benefitted from having additional resources and concepts to work with, and Tasca is excited to keep the momentum moving forward.

“A year ago, Tim and I were trying to put an alliance together and, looking back, this technical alliance has turned out to be all I thought it would be and more,” said Tasca III. “Tim has been great for me to work with as a driver, and I know it has been great for my crew chiefs, Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner, to work with Tim on the tuning side. Clearly, our Mustangs are positioned strongly in the Countdown to 1. I feel, going into next year, it will strengthen our programs even more as we work together in the future.

“It is evident, when you're looking at the competitiveness of the Funny Car class, that having another car that you can share data with has proven to be a very valuable element of our programs.”

With at least another year of the alliance to look forward to, both the Tasca and Wilkerson teams will now maintain their focus on success in the Countdown playoffs, which resume this weekend in Dallas before wrapping up with the four final races of the season, in Memphis, Richmond, Las Vegas, and Pomona.

###

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Seeking Super Duty Weekend in Texas

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

24th Annual O’Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals
Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TX
September 25-27, 2009
Race 20 of 24
2nd Race in Countdown to 1

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM SEEKING SUPER DUTY WEEKEND IN TEXAS

DEARBORN, MI – September 23, 2009 – Just a round-and-a-half outside of the top spot in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing’s Countdown to 1, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Racing team will look to take on the Lone Star State in true Texas style this weekend.

Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will add an honorary “crew member” this weekend. While the team’s usual Ford Flex tow vehicle takes a break, the 2011 Ford Super Duty – fresh off it’s public debut at the Texas State Fair – will bring the red and black racing machine to the line.

“The 2011 Ford Super Duty is making its debut at the State Fair of Texas and will then be brought to the race track for the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team to use this weekend,” said Tasca. “We feel fortunate to have worked with worked with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Charlotte and now we’re going to have some Super Duty action in Dallas.”

Two rounds shy of the win last year, Tasca is eager to get back to Texas where he can build on the momentum from Charlotte. Tasca and team are also looking forward to this four-race stretch.

“The first time I was in Dallas was last year and it is a great place to race,” said Tasca. “The fans are amazing and stadium is great. Dallas is right in the middle of four race weekends in a row and coming out of Dallas, you want to be in a position to win this championship. We’re still in a position to win this championship and we look forward to closing the gap on the leaders this weekend.”

Online Auction to Support JDRF
Fresh off running the unique paint scheme last week in Charlotte, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing and Bob Tasca III are auctioning the “Stars and Stripes - ‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes’” fire suit and helmet from the Ford Customer Service Division’s Funny Car Design Contest to Benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Designed by eight-year old, Liam Flanagan of Williamstown, NJ, the fire suit and helmet that Tasca wore at the NHRA Carolina Nationals will be awarded to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to JDRF. To bid on the fire suit, visit http://tinyurl.com/JDRF-FireSuit. To bid on the helmet visit http://tinyurl.com/JDRF-Helmet. Both items can also be found on eBay by typing “Bob Tasca” into the search field.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience
The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display returns to NHRA Nitro Alley in Dallas. Fans can enter to win prizes and participate in the Motorcraft Holeshot Challenge and Quick Lane Challenge. Fans visiting the display have the opportunity to enter the ‘Race Hot to a Mustang’ sweepstakes. The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a 2010 Ford Mustang GT equipped with a Ford Racing Performance Parts package and upgrades courtesy of Ford Custom Accessories.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience Hours of Operation
Friday, September 25: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 26: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 27: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Tony Pedregon, 2,148; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 2,147; 3. Robert Hight, 2,120; 4. Ron Capps, 2,115; 5. Bob Tasca III, 2,112; 6. Jack Beckman, 2,103; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 2,076; 8. John Force, 2,070; 9. Del Worsham, 2,053; 10. Mike Neff, 2,045.

Dallas Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 14th during last year’s event at Dallas and lost in the second round to Tim Wilkerson.
- Tasca is currently fifth in points heading into the 20th race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Tasca is 36 points out of first place.

Tasca Funny Car Achievements
- First round win, defeated Melanie Troxel, February 10, 2008, NHRA Winternationals, Pomona, CA
- First time in the semi-finals, April 27, 2008, NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta, GA
- First No. 1 qualifier, March 14, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- First win, March 15, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- Second win, August 23, 2009, Toyo Tires Nationals, Reading, PA
- First back-to-back semi-final appearances this season (Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH)
- Tasca has an average qualifying position of seventh during the 2009 season
- Tasca has at least one round win in 14 of the 18 races this season
- Tasca clinched a spot in NHRA’s Countdown to 1 after a first round win in Reading.
- Tasca will compete for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series championship after clinching the sixth spot in the NHRA Countdown to 1.
- Tasca is one of six Ford Mustangs that will compete for the championship in 2009.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2009 marks the second year Ford Customer Service Division brands Motorcraft and Quick Lane sponsor Bob Tasca III and Tasca Racing.
- Motorcraft® continues its relationship with NHRA, having sponsored Hall-of-Fame NHRA driver Bob Glidden and drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein, among others, in the late 80s and early 90s.
- Motorcraft® products strike the perfect balance of precision, quality and pricing.
- Manufactured to strict specifications, they install quickly and give the confidence of doing a job right the first time. Motorcraft is the preferred choice of Ford Motor Company.
- Quick Lane Tire® & Auto Centers provide the services your car or truck needs most, performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. You’ll never need an appointment and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends. They’ll take care of any make, or model using quality Motorcraft® parts. Give them a try and see why life is better in the Quick Lane®.
- Quick Lane® offers routine maintenance and light repair services, such as oil and filter changes, brake repairs and tire replacement for all makes and models.
- Quick Lane celebrated the opening of its 500th tire and auto center in 2008. Visit www.quicklane.com to find the one of the Quick Lanes in the greater Dallas area.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television
Sunday, Sept. 27: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 12:15 a.m. (ET)
Sunday, Sept. 27: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will telecast NHRA Race Day at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Sept. 27: ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, Sept. 25, 8 - 8:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 6 K
Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:30 - 8 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 6 K (Analog feed)
Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 - 7:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 6 K
(11820 MHz, horizontal)

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

# # # #

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Dropped Cylinder in Second Round Ends Day for Tasca in Charlotte

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Motorcraft and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers Announce Contract Extension in NHRA Sponsorship of Bob Tasca III

MOTORCRAFT AND QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTERS ANNOUNCE CONTRACT EXTENSION IN NHRA SPONSORSHIP OF BOB TASCA III

DEARBORN, Mich., September 19, 2009 – On the eve of his first race as a championship contender in NHRA’s Countdown to 1, Motorcraft and Ford’s growing national network of Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers announced today they have extended their sponsorship of Bob Tasca III and Tasca Racing’s Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car.

For the past two years, Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) brands – Motorcraft and Quick Lane – have been the primary sponsors of the Tasca’s Shelby Mustang in the NHRA Full Throttle Racing Series. This multi-year extension ensures the two primary brands will remain on the car for years to come.

“We are proud to extend our relationship with Bob Tasca and everyone at Tasca Racing,” said Ken Czubay, Vice President, Ford U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Our sponsorship with the Motorcraft and Quick Lane Shelby Mustang fits with our business plan and performance of solid products and results.

“From a start-up operation just over a year ago, to winning races and being in position to contend for the NHRA Funny Car title is a credit to the hard work this team has put in.”

Tasca begins the 2009 Countdown to 1 “playoffs” with two wins, and in fourth place in the Funny Car standings.

“I’ve always said the best gift someone can give another is to believe in them,” said Bob Tasca III. “Racing the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang has been amazing and to have Ford Customer Service Division invest in us is an honor because they believed in me. I’m an all Ford kid driving and I’m very excited to be racing that all Ford hot rod for years to come.”

Motorcraft and Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Centers are brands of Ford Customer Service Division. FCSD and its associated brands won a place in the hearts and minds of drag race fans everywhere in the late 1980s and early 1990s, sponsoring Ford powered International Motorsports Hall-of-Fame racer Bob Glidden, a 10-time NHRA Pro Stock champion, and NHRA legend Kenny Bernstein among others.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing On the Web
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit http://www.motorcraft.com/

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit http://www.quicklane.com/

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

# # # #

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Eight-Year-Old’s “All American” Paint Scheme Walks Away with Ford Customer Service Division’s (FCSD) Funny Car Design Contest to Support Juvenile Diab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD’S “ALL AMERICAN” PAINT SCHEME WALKS AWAY WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION’S (FCSD) FUNNY CAR DESIGN CONTEST TO SUPPORT JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION (JDRF)

Liam Flanagan, an eight-year-old resident of Williamstown, NJ, designed the winning “Stars and Stripes - ‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes’” paint scheme that will appear on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car during the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, NC.

Ford Customer Service Division’s Funny Car design contest helped raise awareness and $39,542.59 for JDRF and for research for Type 1 diabetes.

CONCORD, NC, September 17, 2009 – NHRA Funny Car driver Bob Tasca III has always said he’s just an all American kid driving an all American hot rod. During this weekend’s NHRA event, his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang will certainly reflect that statement.

After six weeks of voting and more than 300 designs submitted, Liam Flanagan, an eight-year-old resident of Williamstown, NJ, was selected as the winning designer in FCSD’s Funny Car design contest to support JDRF. Flanagan’s winning design will be featured on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car during the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, NC, on September 18-20.

“In history class we’re learning about the Presidents, and that’s why I drew the American Flag on the car,” said Flanagan, on the inspiration for his design.

The Flanagan family, along with Tasca and representatives from FCSD, unveiled the ‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes’ paint scheme Thursday, September 17 at Tasca’s race shop in Concord, NC. On Friday, Liam and his family will attend their first NHRA race and watch the JDRF-themed Shelby Mustang qualify for the Second Annual NHRA Carolina Nationals.

“I’ve never been to a race before,” said Liam. “My Mom and Dad, grandparents, sisters and I are so excited to watch Bob drive the car with my design on it.”

Flanagan raised $5,200 for JDRF with his design, the most of any designer. That number, added to the money raised by the more than 300 car designs that were submitted, brought the total for the contest to $39,542.59 for research for Type 1 diabetes.

“Liam’s design looks fantastic on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang,” said Brett Wheatley, Director of Marketing, Ford Customer Service Division. “It’s so great to see someone so young help raise awareness for such a special and deserving cause. I’d like to thank all of our generous race fans who donated more than $39,000 towards finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.”

Each design was featured on www.jdrf.org/ford from July 1 to August 14. During that time, the public was invited to vote for their favorite car design by making a monetary donation to JDRF. The top five donation-earning designs were narrowed down to one by a panel of judges from Ford Motor Company.

“The Mustang looks awesome,” said Bob Tasca III. “I’m privileged to be part of a program that helps raise money for such a worthwhile cause. It’s an honor for me to race in that all-American hot rod, but the true stars of this weekend are Liam and his family. The Flanagans will be with the race team this weekend in Concord and together we will share the message of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.”

Tasca will put the JDRF-designed fire suit and helmet up for auction later this season.

Diabetes affects more Ford families than any other disease. Ford Motor Company has raised more than $23 million for JDRF since the grassroots campaign started in 1998.

About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease, which strikes children suddenly and requires multiple injections of insulin daily or a continuous infusion of insulin through a pump. Insulin, however, is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008, bringing the cumulative total of research funding to more than $1.3 billion. In FY2008, the Foundation funded 1,000 centers, grants and fellowships in 22 countries. http://www.jdrf.org

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of over 500 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With more than 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com

# # # #

Photo caption: Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car designed by eight-year old, Liam Flanagan of Williamstown, New Jersey.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Special Weekend for Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team in Charlotte

Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

Second Annual NHRA Nationals
zMAX Dragway in Concord, NCSeptember 18-20, 2009
Race 19 of 24
1st Race in Countdown to 1

SPECIAL WEEKEND FOR TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM IN CHARLOTTE

DEARBORN, MI – September 15, 2009 – At the beginning of the season, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team circled the NHRA Carolina Nationals on their calendars. This was a weekend the team has looked forward to all season long.

In addition to racing at one of the series’ top tracks, Tasca and the team are celebrating the grand opening of their race shop in Concord, NC. During that grand opening celebration, the team will make one young person’s dream car design come to life on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang.

“This is a big weekend for everyone at Motorcraft/Quick Lane and Tasca Racing,” said Tasca. “This is the first race of the Countdown, the grand opening of our race shop, the unveiling of our JDRF car and we’re picking up on a tune-up that was very competitive in Indianapolis. We’re looking forward to Charlotte this weekend.”

Tasca hopes that the special JDRF paint scheme on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang helps him move up the ladder as this weekend marks the first race in the Countdown to 1, the NHRA playoffs.

“The JDRF-designed Mustang is awesome,” said Tasca. “This is the second year we’ve partnered with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and held the Funny Car design contest. The winning child and their family are going to be in Charlotte to help unveil the race car and watch me race it down the track on Friday.”

NHRA implemented a new qualifying and record-setting points system for this weekend allocating points for the top three slots in each qualifying session and Tasca thinks his team can benefit from the recent change.

“We go out every round and try to go for the No. 1 spot,” said Tasca. “When you look at Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang and how consistent we’ve been during every qualifying session, I think it can play to our advantage. We have the opportunity to pick up some extra points. The more consistent a race car is over the course of the weekend, they will benefit with the new point system and we think we’ll be one of them.”

Tasca Racing Open House and JDRF Funny Car Unveiling
Open House: Thursday, September 17: Noon – 7 p.m.
JDRF Unveiling: Thursday, September 17: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tasca Racing, 4467 Raceway Road, Concord, NC.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience
The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display returns to NHRA Nitro Alley in Indianapolis. Fans can enter to win prizes and participate in the Motorcraft Holeshot Challenge and Quick Lane Challenge. Fans visiting the display have the opportunity to enter the ‘Race Hot to a Mustang’ sweepstakes. The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a 2010 Ford Mustang GT equipped with a Ford Racing Performance Parts package and upgrades courtesy of Ford Custom Accessories.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience Hours of Operation
Friday, September 18: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, September 20: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Tony Pedregon, 2,110; 2. Ron Capps, 2,080; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 2,070; 4. Bob Tasca III, 2,060; 5. Jack Beckman, 2,050; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 2,040; 7. John Force, 2,030; 8. Del Worsham, 2,020; 9. Mike Neff, 2,010; 10. Robert Hight, 2,000.

Concord Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 12th during last year’s event at Concord and lost in the first round to Cruz Pedregon.
- Tasca is currently fourth in points heading into the 19th race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Tasca Funny Car Achievements
- First round win, defeated Melanie Troxel, February 10, 2008, NHRA Winternationals, Pomona, CA
- First time in the semi-finals, April 27, 2008, NHRA Southern Nationals, Atlanta, GA
- First No. 1 qualifier, March 14, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- First win, March 15, 2009, Gatornationals, Gainesville, FL
- Second win, August 23, 2009, Toyo Tires Nationals, Reading, PA
- First back-to-back semi-final appearances this season (Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH)
- Tasca has an average qualifying position of seventh during the 2009 season
- Tasca has at least one round win in 14 of the 18 races this season
- Tasca clinched a spot in NHRA’s Countdown to 1 after a first round win in Reading.
- Tasca will compete for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Series championship after clinching the sixth spot in the NHRA Countdown to 1.
- Tasca is one of six Ford Mustangs that will compete for the championship this season.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2009 marks the second year Ford Customer Service Division brands Motorcraft and Quick Lane sponsor Bob Tasca III and Tasca Racing.
- Motorcraft® continues its relationship with NHRA, having sponsored Hall-of-Fame NHRA driver Bob Glidden and drag racing legend Kenny Bernstein, among others, in the late 80s and early 90s.
- Motorcraft® products strike the perfect balance of precision, quality and pricing.
- Manufactured to strict specifications, they install quickly and give the confidence of doing a job right the first time. Motorcraft is the preferred choice of Ford Motor Company.
- Quick Lane Tire® & Auto Centers provide the services your car or truck needs most, performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. You’ll never need an appointment and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends. They’ll take care of any make, or model using quality Motorcraft® parts. Give them a try and see why life is better in the Quick Lane®.
- Quick Lane® offers routine maintenance and light repair services, such as oil and filter changes, brake repairs and tire replacement for all makes and models.
- Quick Lane celebrated the opening of its 500th tire and auto center in 2008. Visit www.quicklane.com to find the one of the 16 Quick Lanes in the greater Charlotte area.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television
Saturday, September 19: ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 11:30 p.m. (ET)
Sunday, September 20: ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. (ET).

Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, Sept. 18, 8:30 - 9 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 6K
Saturday, Sept. 19, 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 6KSunday, Sept. 20, 7 – 7:30 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 6K(11820 MHz, horizontal)

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Quick Lane
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane's® nationwide network of 530 facilities provides the convenience of an aftermarket company (no appointment necessary, service while you wait, evening and weekend hours, competitive prices) with the confidence of a major automotive manufacturer (quality parts, factory-trained technicians). Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.