SECOND ROUND LOSS TO MIKE NEFF ENDS RUN FOR TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM – TASCA LEAVES PHOENIX SIXTH IN STANDINGS

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

25th Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals
Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, Ariz
Februrary 20-22, 2009

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE FORD SHELBY MUSTANG RETURN TO CONQUER FIREBIRD RACEWAY IN THE SECOND ROUND OF NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING

Firebird International Raceway holds special meaning Bob Tasca III, since he earned his NHRA Funny Car competition license at the Phoenix track just three weeks before the start of the 2008 season. With limits on testing and little experience, Tasca was eagerly anticipating the annual stop at Phoenix as a race where he would be able to capitalize on data and first-hand experience. All that went awry as Tasca was unable to qualify his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car during the 2008 Funny Car qualifying competition.

Fast-forward one year. Tasca comes to Phoenix with a full season under his belt; a technical alliance with Tim Wilkerson, who was the top qualifier one year ago; 24 test runs during the offseason, a third of which were logged at Firebird; and a strong season-opening showing at Pomona. Phoenix is a race that has been circled on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane calendar for several months.

“I’m looking to conquer Phoenix. Last year it was one of only two races [Richmond] that we didn’t qualify at, but this year I have a whole different attitude. The Motorcraft/Quick Lane team has a lot more runs under our belts in testing; we had some great runs in Phoenix getting ready for Pomona,” said Tasca. “This year it’s a whole different deal, we have a lot of data on Phoenix, so out of the gate we’re a lot more confident. We have the partnership with Tim Wilkerson, who ran great in Phoenix last year, and will share information this weekend. So I think our whole perspective on racing is different.”

Despite having increased experience, Tasca understands the unique characteristics of the Firebird race track.

“Phoenix is known for tire shake. It’s one of those tracks that’s really funny because some of the quickest runs in history have been put down in Phoenix, but it’s also a track during testing, where I think it took 85 percent of the field three days before they could make a full pass.”

Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 111; 2. Jim Head, 92; 3. Robert Hight, 78; 4. Gary Densham, 73; 5. Del Worsham, 57; 6. Ashley Force Hood, 56; 7. Bob Tasca III, 54; 8. Jack Beckman, 53; 9. John Force, 35; 10. Tony Pedregon, 34. 11. Mike Neff, 32 ; 17, Tim Wilkerson, 10

Phoenix Race Notes:
- In the off-season, Tasca tested at three different tracks: Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Phoenix. Of the 24 test runs, Tasca made eight runs at Phoenix.
- Firebird International Raceway is the track where Tasca earned his license on Jan. 31, 2008.
- Tasca formed a technical alliance with Tim Wilkerson for the 2009 season. Wilkerson was the No. 1 Phoenix qualifier in 2008 (4.775 seconds at 327.03 mph).
- Tasca’s fifth place qualifying effort at Pomona marks the fourth time he has claimed a top-five spot in qualifying. This first round win marked the eighth time he had advanced past the opening round in the Nitro Ladder.

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 Gidden 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. We’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 any of the 12 Quick Lanes in Arizona.


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 in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. www.ford.com

TELEVISION:
Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at midnight (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at 12:30 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE:
Friday, Feb. 20, 10-10:30 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 9 K (Downlink Frequency: 11880 MHz, Vertical)

Saturday, Feb. 21, 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 9 K (Downlink Frequency: 11880 MHz, Vertical)

Sunday, Feb. 22, 10:30-11 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 9 K (Downlink Frequency: 11880 MHz, Vertical)


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TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TO START SEVENTH IN SUNDAY’S NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES – MARKING TASCA’S SECOND TOP-10 START OF 2009

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

25th Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals
Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, ArizFeb. 20-22, 2009

For Immediate Release

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TO START SEVENTH IN SUNDAY’S NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES – MARKING TASCA’S SECOND TOP-10 START OF 2009

Phoenix, AZ., Feb 21, 2009 – In two words, Bob Tasca III announced his goal for the NHRA Winternationals. Conquer Phoenix.

Just one month ago in testing, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team made eight passes down Firebird Raceway. The team eagerly returned to Phoenix on Friday with those test passes fresh in their minds.

On Saturday afternoon, Tasca piloted his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car to a seventh place qualifying effort in 4.10 seconds at 301.94 miles per hour. Tasca will face Jerry Toliver in first round eliminations on Sunday at Firebird Raceway.

“It was a great day today. We qualified seventh with a time of 4.10 seconds, knowing that definitely put us in the show,” said Tasca. “With a solid run early in the weekend, we knew we would have the opportunity to try some things that crew chief Chris Cunningham wanted to try on our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang. We learned a lot today. We smoked the tires in the first qualifying run today but we had some real promising data for the first 60 feet before the car smoked the tires.”

“We had great passes this weekend. I credit last year, off season testing and the hard work of Chris Cunningham, Marc Denner and all the guys on this Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, for our success in Phoenix so far. We’ve got some good data under our belt that we can use to capitalize our performance this weekend.”

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series can be seen on Sunday, Feb. 22, on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD for three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

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


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 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 http://www.quicklane.com/.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. http://www.ford.com/

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TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE FORD SHELBY MUSTANG RETURN TO CONQUER FIREBIRD RACEWAY IN THE SECOND ROUND OF NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING

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

25th Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals
Firebird International Raceway, Chandler, Ariz
February 20-22, 2009

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE FORD SHELBY MUSTANG RETURN TO CONQUER FIREBIRD RACEWAY IN THE SECOND ROUND OF NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAG RACING

Firebird International Raceway holds special meaning Bob Tasca III, since he earned his NHRA Funny Car competition license at the Phoenix track just three weeks before the start of the 2008 season. With limits on testing and little experience, Tasca was eagerly anticipating the annual stop at Phoenix as a race where he would be able to capitalize on data and first-hand experience. All that went awry as Tasca was unable to qualify his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Funny Car during the 2008 Funny Car qualifying competition.

Fast-forward one year. Tasca comes to Phoenix with a full season under his belt; a technical alliance with Tim Wilkerson, who was the top qualifier one year ago; 24 test runs during the offseason, a third of which were logged at Firebird; and a strong season-opening showing at Pomona. Phoenix is a race that has been circled on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane calendar for several months.

“I’m looking to conquer Phoenix. Last year it was one of only two races [Richmond] that we didn’t qualify at, but this year I have a whole different attitude. The Motorcraft/Quick Lane team has a lot more runs under our belts in testing; we had some great runs in Phoenix getting ready for Pomona,” said Tasca. “This year it’s a whole different deal, we have a lot of data on Phoenix, so out of the gate we’re a lot more confident. We have the partnership with Tim Wilkerson, who ran great in Phoenix last year, and will share information this weekend. So I think our whole perspective on racing is different.”

Despite having increased experience, Tasca understands the unique characteristics of the Firebird race track.

“Phoenix is known for tire shake. It’s one of those tracks that’s really funny because some of the quickest runs in history have been put down in Phoenix, but it’s also a track during testing, where I think it took 85 percent of the field three days before they could make a full pass.”

Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 111; 2. Jim Head, 92; 3. Robert Hight, 78; 4. Gary Densham, 73; 5. Del Worsham, 57; 6. Ashley Force Hood, 56; 7. Bob Tasca III, 54; 8. Jack Beckman, 53; 9. John Force, 35; 10. Tony Pedregon, 34. 11. Mike Neff, 32 ; 17, Tim Wilkerson, 10

Phoenix Race Notes:
- In the off-season, Tasca tested at three different tracks: Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Phoenix. Of the 24 test runs, Tasca made eight runs at Phoenix.
- Firebird International Raceway is the track where Tasca earned his license on Jan. 31, 2008.
- Tasca formed a technical alliance with Tim Wilkerson for the 2009 season. Wilkerson was the No. 1 Phoenix qualifier in 2008 (4.775 seconds at 327.03 mph).
- Tasca’s fifth place qualifying effort at Pomona marks the fourth time he has claimed a top-five spot in qualifying. This first round win marked the eighth time he had advanced past the opening round in the Nitro Ladder.

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 Gidden 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. We’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 any of the 12 Quick Lanes in Arizona.


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 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 http://www.quicklane.com/.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.http://www.ford.com/

TELEVISION:
Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at midnight (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at 12:30 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE:
Friday, Feb. 20, 10-10:30 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 9 K (Downlink Frequency: 11880 MHz, Vertical)

Saturday, Feb. 21, 8:30-9 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 9 K (Downlink Frequency: 11880 MHz, Vertical)

Sunday, Feb. 22, 10:30-11 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 9 K (Downlink Frequency: 11880 MHz, Vertical)


# # # #

DROPPED CYLINDER IN SECOND ROUND BRINGS EARLY EXIT FOR TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM DURING NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

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

Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Pomona, Calif.
February 5-8, 2009

For Immediate Release

DROPPED CYLINDER IN SECOND ROUND BRINGS EARLY EXIT FOR TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM DURING NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

Pomona, CA., Feb 10, 2009 – Mother Nature finally cooperated with the season opening NHRA Winternationals after five days of rain. Bob Tasca III, driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang was eager to race in the second round elimination that took place on Tuesday morning.

Racing resumed on Tuesday morning and in the final pairing of Nitro Funny Cars, Tasca faced Ron Capps. Within one second of the run, Tasca felt one cylinder drop and steered his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang to the finish line in 4.25 seconds at 264.86 mph.

“Each cylinder in our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Funny Car V-8 engine produces over 400 pounds of thrust. About one second into the run, it dropped a whole cylinder on the left side. I knew it did because when it does that, the thrust isn’t balanced,” said Tasca. “The side of the motor that had all eight cylinders lit, had more force and it was pushing me to the wall. I was going down the track with about a half steering of input. I was turning it as far as I could turn it to keep it as much in the middle of the track as we could.”

“I’m disappointed not to win the race, but that’s why we come out here – to win. Crew Chief Chris Cunningham, assistant crew chief Marc Denner and the entire Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang team did a great job. Why these things put cylinders out, it’s hard to determine. We haven’t had this issue all weekend and it happened against us here in the quarterfinals. We’ll look at the data, make the adjustments and move onto Phoenix.”

Tasca leaves Pomona seventh in points. Ron Capps went on to win the 49th Annual Kragen O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals

In Saturday’s lone qualifying session, Tasca ran 4.14 seconds at 301.20 mph. During Sunday’s first elimination rounds, Tasca beat fellow Ford driver Mike Neff with a time of 4.12 seconds at 302.89 mph.

Current Nitro Funny Car Points:
1. Ron Capps – 2. Jim Head – 3. Robert Hight – 4. Gary Densham – 5. Del Worsham – 6. Ashley Force Hood – 7. Bob Tasca III – 8. Jack Beckman – 9. John Force – 10. Tony Pedregon


SPONSOR INFORMATION:

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are designed, engineered, and recommended 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 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 http://www.quicklane.com/.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. http://www.ford.com/

# # # #

TASCA TO START FIFTH IN SUNDAY’S KRAGEN O’REILLY NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

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

Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway, Pomona, Calif.
February 5-8, 2009

For Immediate Release

TASCA TO START FIFTH IN SUNDAY’S KRAGEN O’REILLY NHRA WINTERNATIONALS

Pomona, CA., Feb 7, 2009 – From the last run of 2008, Motorcraft/Quick Lane driver Bob Tasca could hardly wait to get back to racing. That’s why he spent the last four months preparing for the 2009 season.

Two days of rain delayed the start of the 2009 season, but the skies cleared enough on Saturday afternoon for the Nitro Funny Car class drivers to make a single qualifying run to launch the season.

Piloting the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang, Tasca’s lone qualifying run produced a 4.14 qualifying time, to earn his career best starting position. Tasca is the fifth seed and will face John Force Racing’s Mike Neff in the first round on Sunday.

“We figured we would only have one shot to qualify for the race this weekend. And for us to qualify No. 5 with one shot at the race track is fantastic,” said Tasca. “It’s great to see four Fords in the top five tomorrow.”

“Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang did exactly what crew chief Chris Cunningham and I wanted it to do in our run. We know where we need to go tomorrow to run quicker. Tomorrow morning, this hot rod needs to run a 4.05 or 4.06 to win this race against Mike Neff. I’m so proud of my Motorcraft/Quick Lane crew. They’ve worked so hard these last few months and we’re ready to race. ”

Qualifying Order:
1. Robert Hight
2. Del Worsham
3. Ashley Force Hood
4. John Force
5. Bob Tasca III
6. Tony Pedregon
7. Gary Densham
8. Jack Beckman
9. Cruz Pedregon
10. Jeff Arend
11. Jim Head
12. Mike Neff
13. Ron Capps
14. Matt Hagan
15. Bob Bode
16. Jerry Tolliver

DNQ – Tim Wilkerson, Terry Haddock


SPONSOR INFORMATION:

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are designed, engineered, and recommended 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 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 http://www.quicklane.com/.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. http://www.ford.com/

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Pomona Advance

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

Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Pomona, Calif.
Feb. 5-8, 2008

Bob Tasca III, driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car, enters his second season at the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals this weekend in Pomona. Tasca talks about the importance of off-season testing, racing in Pomona with sophomore eyes and the return of the Mustang Cobra Jet to competition.

Bob Tasca III – MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG FUNNY CAR – HOW WAS THE PHOENIX TEST SESSION? “Phoenix is traditionally a difficult race track to go down this time of year. For whatever reason, it lends itself to cause tire shake. In our sport, tire shake is a huge challenge for crew chiefs with certain track conditions. It prevents you from going A-to-B and it will cause tire smoke. The car will shake and will end up smoking the tires. Going into Phoenix this year, I have a lot more confidence than I did going into it last year and our results proved pretty strong. When you look at the teams that were there, John Force Racing, the Schumacher camp, Del Worsham and other seasoned teams with a lot of data didn’t go down the race track at all on Friday. We made three full passes, we went a 4.15, and then we did another 4.15 and then a 4.16. We were the only car on Saturday to go down both afternoon sessions in the heat. And we were testing things. One of the things that we take advantage of is to try things that we don’t know will work, so even with some of the different things we were trying, our car went up and down the race track pretty consistently. There was 4.04 run and a 4.07 run, so there were a couple runs that were quicker than our run, but at the end of the day, if you can’t repeat it, you can’t win a race. You’ve got to win four rounds not one. The tune-up we were working on is just to get the car back-to-back with solid runs on a very tricky race track and we accomplished that. I was very happy with the data that we left Phoenix with. It’s going to give us a good springboard for when we come back to that race. What a lot of people don’t realize, most of what we learned in Phoenix won’t be applied at all in Pomona. A lot of people find that pretty surprising but these cars are that sensitive to the race surface and the corrected altitude, a lot of the set-up information is totally different when you go to the next track. That’s the exact case of Phoenix versus Pomona. The Pomona race will be a much more aggressive track. You’ll be able to put a lot more power on it. You’ll be able to go a lot faster than you will under most conditions at the Phoenix track. However, we’re back in Phoenix at the end of February. That’s when that data will really play an important role in how we perform at the Phoenix race. It’s good for the guys; we’ve got a couple of new guys on the team. It gives them an opportunity to get into full speed because you can practice in the shop but when the parts are 1100 degrees and things are smoking and people are flying around, there’s nothing like doing it in full speed. The guys performed flawlessly. Most of the guys came back, but there are three new guys. I was impressed with how the whole team performed. The Palm Beach test was the first time some of these worked together. Watching my crew chief, Chris Cunningham, work with Marc Denner, you can see their passion about racing and sharing so many ideas with one another. And that plays into the overall performance of the team. We left Phoenix way more confident than we did last year. I can’t wait to get to Pomona. This is really big time. Everyone has high expectations and you’re going into arguably one of the most important races of the year to be really set the tone for the season. We have high expectations for Pomona.”

HOW MANY RUNS DID YOU MAKE IN THE OFF-SEASON? “The testing for us started two days after Pomona ended. We left Pomona and went straight to Las Vegas. We made seven runs in Las Vegas. Then we went to Palm Beach where we made seven more runs. Then in Phoenix, we made eight runs. We made 24 runs and we haven’t even been to a national event yet. It just goes to show you how much more prepared we are going into this season versus last year. I don’t think I made 24 test runs all last year. The testing and off-season was such a confidence builder for the whole team. A lot of teams didn’t test and that was there choice. For us, testing is an important part of improving. With NHRA imposing some restrictions, they haven’t banned testing but they did announce restrictions on testing. They are limiting us to four test days in the 2009 season. We wanted to get as many days in as we could before that takes effect. The testing restrictions take effect at the Pomona race. I think we have a real good baseline to get the season kicked-off.”

POMONA IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST RACES OF THE YEAR. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT OPENING THE RACE SEASON AT THAT TRACK? “Pomona has a little different format. You run once on Thursday, once on Friday and twice on Saturday. Where typically, we run twice on Friday, twice on Saturday and then go into Sunday. Pomona is spread out. As a driver and as a team, you want to race. To go out on Thursday and hit the gas one time, then you have to wait until Friday, then you hit the gas one time, then you go into Saturday where you have the back-to-back runs. Our strategy is to get down the race track Thursday. It is very important that you hit the track; you go A-to-B, and not try to set the world on fire. You want to get the car qualified on the first day and get data that you can use on Friday. Then you can be more aggressive on Friday and on Saturday you’ll start to see conditions that you’re going to race on Sunday. For me, going into Pomona, with Tim Wilkerson, arguably the best race car on the circuit last year, to have that team alongside our team and the data that we can start to accumulate is amazing. We don’t have four qualifying runs anymore; we have eight because of the alliance. You can’t stress the importance of that kind of information. We have the same clutch. We have the same chassis. We have the same car body. We have different engine configurations. Chris and Mark are going to try some ideas that they think are going to work. Tim is going to try some things that he thinks will work. At the end of the day, the crew chiefs get together and they talk about what went right, what went wrong and that’s what I most looking forward to about Pomona and this whole season. I’m looking forward to having two triple-A caliber teams working together with two fast race cars to compete for the championship. I really feel that Tasca Racing and Wilkerson Racing together are a whole lot stronger than we are on our own. And that says a lot because Tim almost won the championship last year, on his own, and he has put a lot of value in this relationship. It will be an exciting race. It will be great to just get back together with the all the guys. You are really family with a lot of these teams, drivers, telecasters and everybody there: you’re around them so much. It’s almost an eternity to get back to Pomona. But it is right around the corner now.”

DO YOU HAVE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL JITTERS? “No, I have no jitters. I’m ready to go. Last year, for sure I did as a new driver. In the first year, I was just hoping I could stop the car because Pomona is one of the shortest tracks in the country. And the crew chiefs are telling you, ‘Get the shoots out early,’ and they’re talking about things that they need to talk to you about because you’ve never raced there before. But those are conversations that we don’t have anymore. Now we’re focused on a lot of other things. I think the jitters last year were true. This year the jitters are gone. I’m not worried about stopping it. I’m worried about going fast. We’ll get the car to stop, I’m sure of that. It’s a different type of jitters.”

THE FIRST COBRA JET DEBUTED IN 1968 WITH YOUR GRANDFATHER AS A DRIVER. THE MUSTANG COBRA JET RETURNS TO COMPETITION IN POMONA THIS WEEKEND IN THE SAME PAINT SCHEME HE RACED OVER 40 YEARS AGO. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU? “I just think it’s incredible. That was a car that really ignited so much enthusiasm and excitement. What they accomplished is just incredible. My grandfather was really the pioneer of that program. To see it re-created in the 21st century, it is just going to be exciting. We bought one that we’re going to campaign at selected races this year. I think it’s really energized the Ford Racing base. It’s going to be fun to see those four cars go out there and compete. I know my Dad is coming, my uncle is coming and they remember the cars as children when my grandfather raced. They are excited to see the cars run. John [Force] and I ended the season last year racing the Cobra Jet. For the record, I beat him. I haven’t beaten him in a Funny Car yet, but I’ve beaten him in a Cobra Jet. The fans were into it as well. We got a lot of cheers as any other car going down the race track that day. It’s going to be fun to see the Cobra Jets compete. I think they’ll be very competitive. It would be wonderful to see one of those four cars win it. We look forward to taking our Cobra Jet out. I think we’re going to race ours in Charlotte. I’m not sure if I will race it or if my Uncle Carl will race. He’s really excited. He didn’t race, the racing gene must have skipped a generation. My grandfather raced and my Dad and uncles were involved. Then when my grandfather got out of racing and that was it. He was the boss. There was no more racing. As my father and uncles grew up, they didn’t race anymore. My grandfather stopped racing in the early 1970s, or late 1960s. Then I started racing a few years ago. My uncle has an itch to drive the Cobra-Jet. He’s having fun putting a role cage in it. Hopefully, we’ll make a few adjustments to make it go a little faster. He’ll probably end up driving at Charlotte.”


SPONSOR INFORMATION:

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are designed, engineered, and recommended 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 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 http://www.quicklane.com/.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ford.com/

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MOTORCRAFT AND QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTERS CONTINUE NHRA SPONSORSHIP OF BOB TASCA III

MOTORCRAFT AND QUICK LANE TIRE & AUTO CENTERS CONTINUE NHRA SPONSORSHIP OF BOB TASCA III

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb 2, 2009 – For the second consecutive year, Ford Customer Service Division’s (FCSD) Motorcraft and Quick Lane brands team with Bob Tasca III as he competes in the NHRA Full Throttle Racing Series.

Motorcraft and Ford’s growing national network of Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Centers return as primary sponsorship of the Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car of Bob Tasca III and Tasca Racing, along with a major interactive trackside presence at 10 NHRA events.

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.

"We are proud to be a part of NHRA and our sponsorship of Bob Tasca for the 2009 season," said Darryl Hazel, Ford Customer Service Division Vice President. "Motorcraft and Quick Lane returned to NHRA last season and we were welcomed by the sport and fans."
"Drag racing fans traditionally are the hands-on people that do much of the work on their cars and are very loyal to the sponsors that support the series," said Hazel. "They are considered the automotive experts by their neighbors, friends and co-workers. They’re the go-to people, influencing decisions on what parts to buy and where to have maintenance done. Adding them to the Motorcraft and Quick Lane teams will help to further expand our reach beyond the racetrack."

Along with sponsoring the No. 21 Ford Fusion in NASCAR and Tasca Racing Shelby Mustang funny car, FCSD brings a very aggressive brand awareness campaign with a significant trackside presence at selected NHRA events in the form of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane "Racing Experience." The display spreads out over half a football field and allows race fans to connect with Motorcraft, Quick Lane and Ford Custom Accessories in a unique way.

Visitors can sign up to race virtual dragsters, compete against the clock while changing tires and oil filters, and spin the Ford Custom Accessories wheel for a chance to win valuable prizes. Fans can also pick up Motorcraft and Ford Custom Accessories brochures and branded merchandise. Fans will also have the opportunity to register to win a two-year lease of a 2010 Ford Mustang GT with Ford Racing Performance Parts and Custom Accessories installed. Motorcraft and Quick Lane representatives will be offering up plenty of other free giveaways, including discount coupons for Motorcraft products and services at local Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Centers.
The NHRA marketing initiative complements FCSD’s sponsorship of the Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Ford Fusion in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series in 2009. The two series enjoy very little crossover in their fan base, with statistics showing that less than 12 percent of NASCAR fans follow NHRA racing.

"There are more than 100 million combined fans of NASCAR and NHRA," said Hazel. "The Motorcraft brand still resonates with race fans. We had an overwhelming response from the fans during the 2008 season and we look forward to being on-track and in the midway again this season."

2009 Motorcraft/Quick Lane "Racing Experience" Display Schedule
March 12-15 - Gainesville, FL
June 4-7 - Chicago, IL
June 11-14 - Englishtown, NJ
June 25-28 - Norwalk, OH
July 10-12 – Denver, CO (Quick Lane display only)
September 2-7 - Indianapolis, IN
September 17-20 – Concord, NC
September 24-27 - Dallas, TX
October 29 - November 1 - Las Vegas, NV
November 12-15 - Pomona, CA

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are designed,
engineered, and recommended 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 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 http://www.quicklane.com/

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

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