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.
####
