Sunday, May 31, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Teach Reach the Second Round after Major Component Change

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

O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals
Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kansas May 29-31, 2009


TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM REACH THE SECOND ROUND AFTER MAJOR COMPONENT CHANGE

Topeka, KS – May 31, 2009 – In the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team measure their success round by round. Despite a second round loss in Topeka, Tasca and the team discovered success in other aspects of the weekend.

In what seemed to be a repeat of Bristol, Tasca would post the fastest time in the most difficult session of the weekend. During Saturday’s final session on a 127-degree track, Tasca and team found the sweet spot and posted the fastest run of the round, 4.25 seconds at 285.17 miles per hour.

In order to have the quickest car on Saturday afternoon, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team put everything they had into the Shelby Mustang before unloading at the track. After a fire during the Bristol test, the team replaced several components and one of the most important pieces – the clutch.

“We have been having clutch issues ever since Gainesville and it came to a head in Bristol with the fire,” said Tasca. “Chris [Cunningham, crew chief] and the guys put a brand new clutch in our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang this weekend. The guys made several adjustments to the clutch and other components for each run. I’m so proud of the Chris, Marc [Denner, co-crew chief] and all guys because they had the Mustang tuned to be the quickest in the field within three runs.”

Tasca would qualify in the ninth position for Sunday’s elimination rounds. He took his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car down the track in 4.231 seconds at 282.19 miles per hour.

During first round eliminations on Sunday, Tasca faced Daniel Wilkerson, who was making his Funny Car debut. Tasca was first off the line and defeated the 21-year-old Wilkerson. Tasca would face Ashley Force Hood in the second round of eliminations.

For the third time in three races, Force Hood was the No. 1 qualifier in the Funny Car class. Tasca was 0-2 against Force Hood and was looking to score his first round win against the Houston winner but fell approximately 31 feet short of that goal. Force Hood advanced to the next round.

“The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang performed incredible on Sunday in both first and second rounds,” said Tasca. “We could have defeated five of the eight cars that we would have had to race in the second round. Obviously, we would have liked to go more rounds but we’ll take what we learned and move on to Chicago. We’re leaving Topeka somewhat unfulfilled because we don’t have a trophy, but definitely excited about getting into the other two races of this stretch with a hot rod that has been so consistent.”

Ron Capps defeated Ashley Force Hood in the final round to win the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 729; 2. Del Worsham, 610; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 603; 4. Tony Pedregon, 584; 5. Jack Beckman, 553; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 498; 7. Matt Hagan, 480; 8. Bob Tasca III, 460; 9. John Force, 453; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 420.

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 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 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 https://portal.hostedmail.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ford.com/

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Podcast

Bob Tasca III, driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car, and Ford Customer Service Division Motorspots Manager, Geoff Smith discuss the 2009 race season, Gainesville win and goals for the remainder of the season.
http://media.libsyn.com/media/twofloorsdownproductions/Motorcraft_QuickLane_Podcast_1.mp3

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tasca Hopes for a Hot Track at O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals

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

O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals
Heartland Park Topeka in Topeka, Kansas
May 29-31, 2009


TASCA HOPES FOR A HOT TRACK AT O’REILLY NHRA SUMMER NATIONALS

Heartland Park Topeka is traditionally a hot track. Last year’s weather proved to be an obstacle for most drivers, but not for Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team.

Last year in Topeka, Tasca was the No. 2 qualifier - his best qualifying position of the 2008 season. He was the most consistent race car down the track, resulting in his team earning the Full Throttle Pit Crew award for the weekend. This year, Tasca hopes a more consistent car and a hot Topeka track will lead to a win at NHRA Summer Nationals.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Topeka just because it was one of those tracks where we performed well,” said Tasca. “We went into the quarterfinals, so we’re hopeful for a good run this year. Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang always performs better in the heat. This year we have a very consistent hot rod and in warmer conditions, we’re just lethal. Topeka plays to that regardless of what we did last year because it’s traditionally a hot race track.”

Tasca has been looking forward to racing back-to-back races all season. Topeka marks the first of three races in three weeks for the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

Tasca is currently eighth in points but is hoping to gain some ground in the point standings as the weather gets warmer and the countdown gets closer.

“The next three races are critical races for the top-10 run. I really feel it will separate the top five from the pack and then there are five more spots to go. It’s not just being in the top 10, it’s about solidly being in the top 10, and we’ve been very fortunate this far this season to be in that position. The next three races are going to be pivotal for the top five.”

Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 616; 2. Del Worsham, 559; 3. Tony Pedregon, 528; 4.Ashley Force Hood, 505; 5. Jack Beckman, 479; 6. Matt Hagan, 448; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 426; 8. Bob Tasca III, 408; 9. John Force, 396; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 386.

Topeka Race Notes
- Tasca qualified second during last year’s event at Topeka and lost in the second round to Gary Scelzi.
- Tasca is currently eighth in points heading into the ninth 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

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 any of the 20 Quick Lanes in the greater Topeka, KS area.
- Head to your local Quick Lane for great money saving rebates on brakes, batteries, vehicle maintenance and up to $60 cash back on name-brand tires.

On the Web
- Follow Motorcraft and Quick Lane on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing
- Become a Facebook Fan of Motorcraft and Quick Lane Racing at http://tinyurl.com/MotorcraftQuickLaneRacing
- To view the latest photos, visit the Motorcraft/Quick Lane on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television
Saturday, May 30 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).
Sunday May 31 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, May 31 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 4 p.m. (ET).

Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, May 29 – 10:30 - 11 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)Saturday, May 30 – 8 - 8:30p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)Sunday, May 31 – 7:30 - 8 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.


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

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Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Team Exit Thunder Valley 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

NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
Bristol Dragway in Bristol, TennesseeMay 15-17, 2009


TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM EXIT THUNDER VALLEY IN FIRST ROUND

Bristol, TN – May 17, 2009 – A cool Sunday afternoon proved troublesome for Bob Tasca III and his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Team. Tasca exited Bristol in the first round after smoking the tires.

Despite a short day on Sunday, Tasca proved strong on Saturday afternoon during qualifying. Tasca piloted his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car to the fastest run of the final qualifying session, 4.164 seconds at 277.49 miles per hour, which was good enough to seed him in the eighth position for Sunday.

After a rainy Saturday evening, Tasca and the team prepared the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang for the eliminations rounds where they would face Jim Head. This would be the third time Tasca faced Head and each have a win from the previous two meetings.

Tasca smoked the tires around the 100-foot maker and Head smoked his tires around the 300-foot marker. Head was able to recover and defeat Tasca.

“It is disappointing to lose in the first round. You never want to lose in the first round of eliminations and whoever smokes the tires first is at a disadvantage,” said Tasca. “Although our weekend didn’t end the way we wanted it to, there were some positive moments. We were the low ET of the second round on Saturday afternoon, which was really exciting because the track was 121 degrees.”

After watching the races during the first round eliminations, Tasca watched other drivers struggle down the track.

“I knew sitting in the car that it was going to be a tough first round,” said Tasca. “Sunday’s weather conditions were completely different than Friday and Saturday. The conditions surprised all the teams and I don’t think anyone thought the track would be that loose in the first round.”

Tasca, crew chief Chris Cunningham and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane set a plan early in the season to test at Thunder Valley on Monday following the race.

“We have a phenomenal Shelby Mustang in the heat, so we just need to get the car dialed-in to all conditions,” said Tasca. “Chris and the guys talked about testing and Bristol was the place we wanted to test. Chris and the team are determined to have a Mustang that can run with the best of them when the track is optimal and we’ve proven we can run when the track conditions are hot. We’ll dial it in and we’ll work on that during the Monday test session.”

Del Worsham defeated Tony Pedregon in the final round to win the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 616; 2. Del Worsham, 559; 3. Tony Pedregon, 528; 4. Ashley Force Hood, 505; 5. Jack Beckman, 479; 6. Matt Hagan, 448; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 426; 8. Bob Tasca III, 408; 9. John Force, 396; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 386.

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

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION LAUNCHES FUNNY CAR DESIGN CONTEST TO SUPPORT JUVEBILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION LAUNCHES FUNNY CAR DESIGN CONTEST TO SUPPORT JUVEBILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION

- Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) has joined the effort of finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes by partnering with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in raising funds and awareness through its NHRA Funny Car program.

- Starting June 1, JDRF children have the chance to design the paint scheme of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny, driven by Bob Tasca III, that will race in the NHRA Nationals in Concord, NC, later this year.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 14, 2009 – For the second consecutive year, Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) will join forces with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to help raise funds and awareness for the disease through multiple initiatives within its NHRA Funny Car sponsorship program.

To kick off this partnership, JDRF children have one month to submit a design for the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car, driven by Bob Tasca III, to be featured on the car during the NHRA Nationals later this season.

“We’re very excited to partner with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation again this season,” said Darryl Hazel, Ford Customer Service Division President. “This is a great program to raise awareness for a disease that affects so many children. We are delighted to support such a worthy cause and to have the JDRF children participate in our program.”

For the car design contest, each submitted design will be featured on www.jdrf.org/ford from July 1 to August 14. During that time, the public is invited to vote for their favorite car design by making a monetary donation to JDRF. The top five donation-earning designs will then be narrowed down to one, which will be featured on Tasca’s Shelby Mustang during the NHRA Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina September 18-20, 2009.

The winning child and his or her parents will be invited to Charlotte for an official unveiling of their paint scheme with FCSD and Tasca, and will have a chance to see their design run during qualifications for the race.

“We’re tying the unveiling in this year with the grand opening of our race shop, which is a huge event for our program,” says Motorcraft/Quick Lane Funny Car driver Bob Tasca III. “To have the opening of the shop, unveil the winning JDRF themed Mustang Shelby and then race it on one of the biggest races of the year, is going to be really exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing the designs, voting and meeting the kids. Ultimately, I’m just honored and humbled to drive the winning design.”

Last year’s winner was Samuel Millard, a six-year-old resident of Greenville, Texas, and member of the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Millard and his family were special guests at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis where his design appeared on Tasca’s Ford Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car. Last year’s contest drew 306 designs and help raise awareness and more than $84,000 for JDRF.

In addition to the car design contest, FCSD and Tasca Racing will host local JDRF kids and their parents at five races this summer.

“JDRF is extremely excited to be partnering with FCSD again this year. The chance to design the FCSD-sponsored Funny Car is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for these kids, and an exciting way to help collect donations for JDRF,” said Gina Roche-Kelly, senior account manager, International Development Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Ford Global Walk Team.

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 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 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 http://www.ford.com/

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Photo caption: Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car designed by six-year old, Samuel Millard of Greenville, Texas.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Team Rumble into Thunder Valley this Week

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

NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee
May 15-17, 2009


TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM RUMBLE INTO THUNDER VALLEY THIS WEEK

Consistency and confidence are the keys to being a successful race car driver. Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team led by crew chief Chris Cunningham are confident in the strong performing Mustang Shelby and turning it into a consistent winning machine.

“I’m looking forward to getting to Bristol and posting some big numbers in our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang,” said Tasca. “This season has been exciting for the guys, for me as a driver and team owner and for Ford and Motorcraft when you know you can win every race that you enter. When you have that kind of confidence, you just want to keep stepping up to the plate. It’s only a matter of time before we’re going to hit a home run again and I hope that it will be in Bristol. I have a good feeling about the race.”

Tasca has fond memories of the 2008 race at Bristol. His confidence was boosted upon seeing the image of one of his heroes – Bob Tasca Sr., at the track. Once he saw that photo, Tasca III knew Bristol was a place where past, present and future meet.

“Last year the first picture I saw inside the timing tower was of my grandfather when he raced there in the Tasca Ford Funny Car. The history of NHRA racing includes great places like Gainesville, Indianapolis, Pomona and Bristol is always part of that list. I think Bristol is certainly one of those races that you would be proud to have on your winning race resume.”

When he’s not in his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car, you can find Tasca watching races from his pits.

“Last year our pit was near the finish line,” said Tasca. “I would walk to the back of our pit which was next to the wall where all the race cars came by. It was a great view because you would watch the cars and then hear the echo coming off the mountain. Since the track is literally cut into the side of the mountain, the echo of the fuel cars is pretty awesome. It’s just a real cool place to race.”

Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 562; 2. Del Worsham, 443; 3. Tony Pedregon, 437; 4t. Jack Beckman, and Ashley Force Hood, 427; 6. Matt Hagan, 413; 7. Bob Tasca III, 375; 8. John Force, 363; 9. Tim Wilkerson, 349; 10t. Robert Hight and Mike Neff, 337.

Bristol Race Notes
- Tasca qualified eighth during last spring’s event at Bristol and lost in the first round to current points leader Ron Capps.
- Tasca remains seventh in points heading into the eighth 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

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 any of the 12 Quick Lanes in the greater Bristol, TN area.

Television
Saturday, May 16 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 6 p.m. (ET).
Sunday May 17 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, May 17 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).

Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, May 15: 10-10:30 p.m. ET (AMC 15/2K, 11740 horizontal/analog)
Sat., May 16: 8:30-9 p.m. ET (AMC 15/2K, 11740 horizontal/analog)
Sun., May 17: 7-7:30 p.m. ET (AMC 15/2K, 11740 horizontal/analog)


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

# # # #

Monday, May 11, 2009

MOTORCRAFT AND QUICK LANE BECOME A TRIPLE THREAT WITH THREE SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS

NEWS

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MOTORCRAFT AND QUICK LANE BECOME A TRIPLE THREAT WITH THREE SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS

DEARBORN, Mich., May 11, 2009 – Motorcraft and Quick Lane Racing have enhanced their online presence with the addition of three social media sites to keep race fans informed of the very latest team news, sweepstakes and offers.

This week, Motorcraft and Quick Lane launched Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr accounts as a supplement to their current online presence.

Fans can access updates on Motorcraft and Quick Lane when they sign-up for a Twitter, Facebook, or Flickr account for free by visiting the sites below:

  • Twitter.com and “follow” Motorcraft and Quick Lane Racing at
    http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing

  • Facebook.com and become a Fan of Motorcraft and Quick Lane Racing at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Motorcraft-and-Quick-Lane-Racing/47802391148

  • Flickr.com and begin receiving access to photos straight from the track at http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

“Motorcraft and Quick Lane have always had a strong web presence by keeping in touch with their fans via email and online sweepstakes,” said Bob Benintende, Motorcraft National Marketing Manager. “We hope to reach out to even more of our fans by connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.”

Each page will act as a centralized meeting place for Motorcraft and Quick Lane fans to visit and catch-up on what is happening with Motorcraft Racing, Quick Lane, and drivers Bill Elliott and Bob Tasca III. It will be a popular meeting place for fans to visit pre- and post-race, or any time.

By using Twitter and Facebook, fans will be able to interact with Motorcraft and Quick Lane, and learn more about what these brands have to offer. Flickr will allow fans unique access to one-of-a-kind photos from races and event appearances at their fingertips.

During the season, fans can access the social media sites to receive racing updates, event appearance information, as well as personal updates from both drivers.

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

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Sunday, May 3, 2009

Mixed Reviews of St. Louis from Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Team

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

13th Annual O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals
Gateway International Raceway in Madison, IllinoisMay 1-3, 2009


MIXED REVIEWS OF ST. LOUIS FROM TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM

Madison, Illinois – May 3, 2009 – All Bob Tasca III saw during Sunday’s second round eliminations was red – that red light on the bottom of the tree.

During Saturday’s qualifying session, Tasca piloted his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car to a 4.147 second run at 295.27 miles per hour, which was good enough to seed him in the fifth position.

“I’m thrilled with how our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang ran,” said Tasca. “Chris Cunningham, Marc Denner and all the guys put a ton of work into this program and I’m glad to have them on the team. Chris and Marc found a new tune-up package and did a phenomenal job getting our Mustang ready for this weekend.”

It was the first time Tasca would face fellow Ford driver Robert Hight in NHRA competition during Sunday’s first round eliminations. Tasca defeated Hight and advanced to the second round against Cruz Pedregon.

Tasca was winless in the previous five meetings with Pedregon and was hoping to advance to the third round against the defending series champion. Tasca was too fast off the line and red-lit for the first time this season.

“I’m just heartbroken for my team because it would have been a close race,” said a disappointed Tasca. “As a driver, red-lighting is one of your worse nightmares. I knew it as soon as I hit the gas, but I wanted to make a solid run because you want to learn and collect as much data as you can with every run. I knew we were on a great run and it is just a shame that our day had to end that way.”

With one week off before heading to Bristol, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team appreciate the positive elements from their weekend in St. Louis.

“On the positive side, we’ve got a round win under our belt and we’re still in the top 10 in points. Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang ran absolutely flawless. We made four great runs in a row this weekend, two in qualifying and two in the elimination rounds. We’ll take the good with us on to Bristol and leave the bad behind. I’m very confident that we’ll be back on track at Bristol.”

Del Worsham defeated Ron Capps in the final round to win the 13th Annual O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals.

Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 562; 2. Del Worsham, 443; 3. Tony Pedregon, 437; 4t. Jack Beckman, and Ashley Force Hood, 427; 6. Matt Hagan, 413; 7. Bob Tasca III, 375; 8. John Force, 363; 9. Tim Wilkerson, 349; 10t. Robert Hight and Mike Neff, 337.


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 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 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 http://www.ford.com/

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