Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
Third Annual Summit Racing Equipment Nationals
Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OhioJune 25-28, 2009
HEARTBREAK IN THE FINALS FOR BOB TASCA III AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM
Norwalk, OH – June 28, 2009 – Northern Ohio has a reputation for having one of the country’s best amusement parks. Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane racing team experienced a roller coaster weekend full of twists and turns at Summit Motorsports Park.
The weekend opened as Tasca drove the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby to the top of the timing sheets with a 4.343 second run at 266.48 miles per hour. After a quick turnaround, Tasca was back for the second round posting a 4.263 second run at 272.89 miles per hour, which seeded him eighth.
After two additional sessions on Saturday, Tasca kept his best time from Friday afternoon. He would start in the eighth position for Sunday’s elimination rounds.
“I felt I did as much learning this weekend about driving the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby, maybe of any race that I’ve been in so far,” said Tasca. “I learned everything from how the hot rod was moving around, spinning the tires, keeping it under control and not over-correcting. You’ve got to try and get everything that you can out of the race car but at the same time, try not to make a mistake by over steering and causing it to smoke the tires.”
Once the rain cleared on Sunday, Tasca faced some tough competition en route to his second appearance in the final round this season. In the first round, Tasca defeated Matt Hagan. During the second round, he defeated No. 1 qualifier Mike Neff. Tasca would face Ashley Force Hood in the semi-final round and would defeat the new points leader for the first time in six meetings.
“I drove the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang a lot today because we had problems almost every round,” said Tasca. “In the first round, we had an issue with the supercharger. In the second round against Neff, we had an issue with a wiring harness that actually damaged the ignition. We had to find and repair the ignition between rounds. In the semifinals against Ashley, we had reverser cable fail and I knew it when it happened. I kept my composure because the Shelby Mustang needed to be staged and remain straight. Wilkerson came over and gave me the okay, and then [crew chief Chris] Cunningham took the throttle stop off so when he says it’s okay, it’s okay. I hit the gas, hit .079 on the tree and beat Ashley Force Hood for the first time.”
For the second time this season, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team reached the finals. He was defeated Atlanta winner Jack Beckman.
“We want to win, that’s why we come. Unfortunately for us, Jack guessed the tree. You can’t cut a .001 light,” said Tasca. “I heard him and it actually messed me up because I didn’t see the light go on. I had a decent light but I was still confused. I hit the gas; I looked for the win light and didn’t see it on. Then we drove right into tire smoke. People might watch it on TV and ask, ‘Why did you drive the race car when Jack was almost at the finish line?’ I took it as an opportunity to learn how to pedal the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang. That was probably one of the best pedal jobs I’ve ever done in a race car. I did it knowing that Jack had won the race, but knowing that I had an opportunity to learn a little bit and tune my driving skills. I did what I wanted to do. Jack made a great run, it was his race to win.”
With a weekend off for the July 4th holiday, Tasca eyes the points and next three races on the schedule.
“We’re closing in on the leaders. The drivers in fourth, fifth and sixth are within two rounds of each other. Those are good numbers to have in our pocket as we head into west coast swing. We have a very different attitude and confidence level this year and I am looking forward to the west coast swing.”
Full Throttle Standings – Funny Car
1. Ashley Force Hood, 872; 2. Tony Pedregon, 854; 3. Ron Capps, 847; 4. Jack Beckman, 729; 5. Del Worsham, 727; 6. Bob Tasca III, 680; 7. Tim Wilkerson, 657; 8. John Force, 631; 9. Mike Neff, 595; 10t. Matt Hagan and Cruz Pedregon, 577.
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 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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Sunday, June 28, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Halfway to the Countdown, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Aim For Second Win at Norwalk
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
Third Annual Summit Racing Equipment Nationals
Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OhioJune 25-28, 2009
HALFWAY TO THE COUNTDOWN, TASCA AND THE MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM AIM FOR SECOND WIN AT NORWALK
In 2008 Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft Quick Lane team had a rollercoaster year. Despite a few bumps in the road, Tasca maintained a top-10 position in the points during the early part of the season. At this time last season, Tasca entered Norwalk sitting 10th in series points, then fell one spot and was on the outside of the championship looking in.
Now in their sophomore year, Tasca and the team are in a much different position heading into the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, the halfway point of the 2009 season. Sitting comfortably in the seventh place, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby team are using their strength and determination to solidify their place in the championship hunt.
“Norwalk was the last time we were in the top 10 last year. We just didn’t have our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang as competitive as well as the other race cars,” said Tasca. “I feel like we are getting stronger. So I’m looking forward to Norwalk and putting ourselves in the position to run for the championship.”
Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team reached the semi-finals in Englishtown and fell short against to Ashley Force Hood. Tasca used his off week reflecting on the season to date.
“We suffered a heartbreaking loss to Ashley in Englishtown but we performed exceptionally well. We moved up in points and padded up our point position over the teams behind us. We know we’ve got a Shelby Mustang that will go up and down the race track. We’ve got a hot rod that can run with the best of them out there. I enjoyed the off-weekend but I’m ready to go race.”
Once again fans will get the chance this weekend to visit The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display available at NHRA Nitro Alley. 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 FCSD ‘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, June 12 – 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 13 – 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 14 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Tony Pedregon, 818; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 798; 3. Ron Capps, 792; 4. Del Worsham, 695; 5. Tim Wilkerson, 626; 6. Jack Beckman, 615; 7. Bob Tasca III, 587; 8. John Force, 558; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 546; 10. Matt Hagan, 545.
Norwalk Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 4th during last year’s event at Norwalk and lost in the second round to Cruz Pedregon.
- Tasca is currently seventh in points heading into the 12th race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
- Tasca won his second Top Alcohol Funny Car race in Norwalk on July 1, 2007.
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 http://www.quicklane.com/ to find the Quick Lanes in the greater Norwalk area.
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, June 27 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 28 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 12 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 28 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, June 26: 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sat., June 27: 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sun., June 28, 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 11K (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 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/
# # # #
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/
# # # #
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Suffer Ignition Malfunction During Semi-Final Run at Englishtown
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association NHRA SuperNationals
Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New Jersey
June 11-14, 2009
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM SUFFER IGNITION MALFUNCTION DURING SEMI-FINAL RUN AT ENGLISHTOWN
Englishtown, NJ – June 14, 2009 – Two years ago in Englishtown, Bob Tasca III captured his first win in a Top Alcohol Funny Car. On that fateful day, Tasca caught the eye of Motorcraft/Quick Lane executives and secured a full-time sponsorship in a Nitro Funny Car.
Tasca had high expectations at the New Jersey track where both he and his family have had success. Tasca’s goal for the weekend – win in front of the hometown crowd and then drive Wally home to Rhode Island in his Ford Flex.
Rain cancelled Saturday’s afternoon qualifying session and the Nitro Funny Car field was set by the best qualifying times of the weekend. Tasca’s best time occurred on Friday afternoon when he posted a 4.166 second run at a top speed of 292.77 miles per hour. His efforts seeded him fifth in the 16-entry field and would face Jeff Arend in the first round on Sunday.
In their first meeting, Tasca defeated Arend by 0.0004 seconds, approximately two inches, to advance to the second round against John Force.
This was the fourth meeting of Force and Tasca during elimination rounds. Tasca trails Force in the win column by one and looked to even the score. Tasca defeated Force and would advance to the semi-finals against Ashley Force Hood.
The last time Tasca raced in the semi-final round was Gainesville earlier this season. Tasca has a 0-4 record against the younger Force and has lost to her twice in the last two races. Tasca fell short in the semi-finals against race runner-up Ashley Force Hood.
“We had an ignition failure in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car,” said Tasca. “As soon as I hit of the throttle it pulled 22 degrees of timing out of it at 0.1 seconds and then it went back to normal. But that brief moment ruined everything in the run. At the 60-foot mark, the Mustang was running at 0.984 seconds. That is impossible. The race car can’t go that slow under normal circumstance.”
Despite the ignition failure and semi-final loss, Tasca was pleased with the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang. This weekend’s efforts moved Tasca into seventh in series points.
“We have a great running hot rod,” said Tasca. “Chris Cunningham, Marc Denner and the entire team was flawless this weekend. If we didn’t have the malfunction, I think we would have won that race.”
Although the weekend didn’t have the same result from 2007, there was one similarity. Tasca hosted representatives from Ford Motor Company, Darryl Hazel – President, Ford Customer Service Division and Brett Wheatley – Director of Marketing, Ford Customer Service Division.
“It was my pleasure to come to the Englishtown race,” said Darryl Hazel, Ford Customer Service Division President. “The Motorcraft/Quick Lane team and NHRA are a perfect fit for Ford Motor Company. Our customers, dealers and distributors are here and we really believe that the Motorcraft and Quick Lane names are enhanced by the association with Tasca Racing and the NHRA.”
Tony Pedregon defeated Ashley Force Hood in the final round to win the United Association NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New Jersey.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Tony Pedregon, 818; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 798; 3. Ron Capps, 792; 4. Del Worsham, 695; 5. Tim Wilkerson, 626; 6. Jack Beckman, 615; 7. Bob Tasca III, 587; 8. John Force, 558; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 546; 10. Matt Hagan, 545.
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 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
####
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association NHRA SuperNationals
Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New Jersey
June 11-14, 2009
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM SUFFER IGNITION MALFUNCTION DURING SEMI-FINAL RUN AT ENGLISHTOWN
Englishtown, NJ – June 14, 2009 – Two years ago in Englishtown, Bob Tasca III captured his first win in a Top Alcohol Funny Car. On that fateful day, Tasca caught the eye of Motorcraft/Quick Lane executives and secured a full-time sponsorship in a Nitro Funny Car.
Tasca had high expectations at the New Jersey track where both he and his family have had success. Tasca’s goal for the weekend – win in front of the hometown crowd and then drive Wally home to Rhode Island in his Ford Flex.
Rain cancelled Saturday’s afternoon qualifying session and the Nitro Funny Car field was set by the best qualifying times of the weekend. Tasca’s best time occurred on Friday afternoon when he posted a 4.166 second run at a top speed of 292.77 miles per hour. His efforts seeded him fifth in the 16-entry field and would face Jeff Arend in the first round on Sunday.
In their first meeting, Tasca defeated Arend by 0.0004 seconds, approximately two inches, to advance to the second round against John Force.
This was the fourth meeting of Force and Tasca during elimination rounds. Tasca trails Force in the win column by one and looked to even the score. Tasca defeated Force and would advance to the semi-finals against Ashley Force Hood.
The last time Tasca raced in the semi-final round was Gainesville earlier this season. Tasca has a 0-4 record against the younger Force and has lost to her twice in the last two races. Tasca fell short in the semi-finals against race runner-up Ashley Force Hood.
“We had an ignition failure in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car,” said Tasca. “As soon as I hit of the throttle it pulled 22 degrees of timing out of it at 0.1 seconds and then it went back to normal. But that brief moment ruined everything in the run. At the 60-foot mark, the Mustang was running at 0.984 seconds. That is impossible. The race car can’t go that slow under normal circumstance.”
Despite the ignition failure and semi-final loss, Tasca was pleased with the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang. This weekend’s efforts moved Tasca into seventh in series points.
“We have a great running hot rod,” said Tasca. “Chris Cunningham, Marc Denner and the entire team was flawless this weekend. If we didn’t have the malfunction, I think we would have won that race.”
Although the weekend didn’t have the same result from 2007, there was one similarity. Tasca hosted representatives from Ford Motor Company, Darryl Hazel – President, Ford Customer Service Division and Brett Wheatley – Director of Marketing, Ford Customer Service Division.
“It was my pleasure to come to the Englishtown race,” said Darryl Hazel, Ford Customer Service Division President. “The Motorcraft/Quick Lane team and NHRA are a perfect fit for Ford Motor Company. Our customers, dealers and distributors are here and we really believe that the Motorcraft and Quick Lane names are enhanced by the association with Tasca Racing and the NHRA.”
Tony Pedregon defeated Ashley Force Hood in the final round to win the United Association NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New Jersey.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Tony Pedregon, 818; 2. Ashley Force Hood, 798; 3. Ron Capps, 792; 4. Del Worsham, 695; 5. Tim Wilkerson, 626; 6. Jack Beckman, 615; 7. Bob Tasca III, 587; 8. John Force, 558; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 546; 10. Matt Hagan, 545.
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 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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Saturday, June 13, 2009
Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Team to Start Fifth in Sunday’s NHRA Race in Englishtown
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association NHRA SuperNationals
Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New JerseyJune 11-14, 2009
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM TO START FIFTH IN SUNDAY’S NHRA RACE IN ENGLISHTOWN
Englishtown, NJ, June 13, 2009 – Rain showers quieted the familiar rumble of race cars at Old Bridge Township Park in Englishtown on Saturday. With only three rounds of qualifying complete, NHRA cancelled the fourth and final qualifying session when rain halted all on-track activity. The field was set based on the best qualifying times of the weekend.
Friday afternoon’s cooler temperatures allowed Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby team to post their best run of the weekend. Tasca piloted his red and black Mustang to the 1000-ft mark in 4.166 seconds at a top speed of 292.77 miles per hour. Tasca is the fifth seed and will face Jeff Arend in the first round on Sunday.
“We made three runs this weekend and our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang made it down the race track every time,” said Tasca. “The secret to our success this year has been a consistent and predictable hot rod that puts us in a position to win. Obviously, we always shoot for the No. 1 spot, but sitting fifth on the ladder, we’re solidly in the top half of the field.”
Despite rain ending Saturday’s final qualifying attempt, Tasca spent time with fans and Motorcraft/Quick Lane sponsors.
“Ford Customer Service Division President Darryl Hazel, and Director of Marketing, Brett Wheatley from Motorcraft came out to see what we do, visit the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience Nitro Alley display and meet the fans.”
Despite a shortened Saturday schedule, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are hoping their hometown advantage comes into play once the elimination rounds start on Sunday morning.
“This is my hometown track and it is important for us to do well here,” said Tasca. “We’re in an exciting point of the season. I’m happy to be in Englishtown with friends and family and to put on a good show for the fans tomorrow.”
Qualifying Order:
1. Ashley Force Hood
2. Mike Neff
3. Tony Pedregon
4. Robert Hight
5. Bob Tasca III
6. Del Worsham
7. Tim Wilkerson
8. Jim Head
9. Cruz Pedregon
10. Ron Capps
11. Matt Hagan
12. Jeff Arend
13. John Force
14. Cory Lee
15. Jerry Toliver
16. Jack Beckman
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 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
# # # #
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association NHRA SuperNationals
Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New JerseyJune 11-14, 2009
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM TO START FIFTH IN SUNDAY’S NHRA RACE IN ENGLISHTOWN
Englishtown, NJ, June 13, 2009 – Rain showers quieted the familiar rumble of race cars at Old Bridge Township Park in Englishtown on Saturday. With only three rounds of qualifying complete, NHRA cancelled the fourth and final qualifying session when rain halted all on-track activity. The field was set based on the best qualifying times of the weekend.
Friday afternoon’s cooler temperatures allowed Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby team to post their best run of the weekend. Tasca piloted his red and black Mustang to the 1000-ft mark in 4.166 seconds at a top speed of 292.77 miles per hour. Tasca is the fifth seed and will face Jeff Arend in the first round on Sunday.
“We made three runs this weekend and our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang made it down the race track every time,” said Tasca. “The secret to our success this year has been a consistent and predictable hot rod that puts us in a position to win. Obviously, we always shoot for the No. 1 spot, but sitting fifth on the ladder, we’re solidly in the top half of the field.”
Despite rain ending Saturday’s final qualifying attempt, Tasca spent time with fans and Motorcraft/Quick Lane sponsors.
“Ford Customer Service Division President Darryl Hazel, and Director of Marketing, Brett Wheatley from Motorcraft came out to see what we do, visit the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience Nitro Alley display and meet the fans.”
Despite a shortened Saturday schedule, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are hoping their hometown advantage comes into play once the elimination rounds start on Sunday morning.
“This is my hometown track and it is important for us to do well here,” said Tasca. “We’re in an exciting point of the season. I’m happy to be in Englishtown with friends and family and to put on a good show for the fans tomorrow.”
Qualifying Order:
1. Ashley Force Hood
2. Mike Neff
3. Tony Pedregon
4. Robert Hight
5. Bob Tasca III
6. Del Worsham
7. Tim Wilkerson
8. Jim Head
9. Cruz Pedregon
10. Ron Capps
11. Matt Hagan
12. Jeff Arend
13. John Force
14. Cory Lee
15. Jerry Toliver
16. Jack Beckman
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 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
# # # #
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Q & A with Bob Tasca III
Bob Tasca III, driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang, returns to the track of his first alcohol Top Funny Car win, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. The New England track is a four hour drive from Tasca’s home and Ford dealership in Cranston, RI. Tasca talks about racing at his home track and his sophomore season in as a Funny Car driver in NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing.
BOB TASCA III – Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang – WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO RACE IN ENGLISHTOWN? “The history at Englishtown is almost unparalleled. It’s my home track. There are so many fans from Rhode Island and neighboring areas that come down and watch us race. It’s pretty historic for me only because it’s a track that my grandfather performed very well at and had countless match races over the years. There are magic moments in everyone’s life and for me, one of the greatest magic moments was Englishtown when I won that first national event in my alcohol funny car and my entire family was there. I really think it played a big role in me getting my top fuel sponsorship with Motorcraft and Quick Lane. The Ford executives were there, they saw the crowds, the passion and then they saw us win. It’s a place where if we raced 24 times there, it wouldn’t bother me a bit. I’m looking to get a win in the top fuel car in front of the home crowd and the Motorcraft Racing Experience will be there. In case you didn’t know, I’m real excited about Englishtown.”
HOW DOES THIS YEAR COMPARE TO YOUR FIRST YEAR IN THE NITRO FUNNY CAR? “I’m real glad that this isn’t my freshman season. I look back and say, ‘Yeah, that was a great time but I would never want to learn how to drive a funny car again.’ I’m far from an expert because there is so much that you have to take in and prepare yourself for in that first year and it’s a challenging time. I still have a lot to learn and I wouldn’t consider myself a professional, but there an increased confidence level in knowing the unknown. Last year, I didn’t know the unknown. You hit the gas and you hope that you’ll react. This year, I have confidence in my ability as a driver. Our team has proven that we can win, so a lot of that stuff is behind us. In my sophomore season, I’m more eager and I look forward to driving the car more than I ever have because you really start the process and learn more. It’s almost like a sponge. The first 50 runs in the car, I don’t even remember the finish line. That’s how overwhelming it is. This year, it’s about more runs and more seat time and soaking up and really trying to improve my skills as a driver. I’ve been much more consistent in the car during qualifying, eliminations and knowing where I’m at in the track. It’s an exciting time for me because I have confidence in myself. I have confidence in my team and most importantly, I have confidence in the Shelby Mustang race car. We are a very dangerous team as this Countdown winds down. Hopefully, we’re in this fight for a championship. We’ve got a team to be reckoned with to close out this year.”
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU CARRIED WITH YOU FROM LAST SEASON TO THIS SEASON? “This year, I have confidence to know what I don’t know. I have a better understanding of knowing the unknown. I’m still eager to learn more and at the same time realize how little I know. Last year, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. This year, I really have sense of what I don’t know. I have sense of where I need to improve, much more than I did last year because there is so much to take in during your first year. But, at the same time, I have a sense of confidence that I didn’t have in my rookie season in my race car, in my race team and in myself.”
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM WINNING IN GAINESVILLE? DID THAT CHANGE YOUR GOALS FOR THE SEASON? “I think it’s not what we learned, it’s what we proved. It’s what we proved to our sponsor, the fans, the racers and ourselves that we are winners and that we have what it takes to win. That to me was very important. It was important for me to prove to my team that I could perform as a driver and I know it was so important for them to prove to Ford and to our program that they can deliver a race car that could win. We knew it. We believed it, but proving it is everything. I don’t think the Gainesville win changed my goals for the season. Our expectation is to win and it’s not to win one race, but it’s to win multiple races. It is about putting ourselves in a position to run for the championship. That was the goal going into this year, to get in the top 10, stay in the top 10 and be a contender to race for the championship. Nobody can guarantee a championship. That’s pretty evident when you see the level of competition out there. However, you want to guarantee yourself a chance to win a championship. That was our goal coming into the season, winning hasn’t deviated that at all, but it is about proving to the world that we could win and getting that first win behind us is certainly a great accomplishment in only our 27th race.”
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN AT OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK? “Englishtown is a pretty tricky track. It can be really fast, but because the race takes place in the middle of summer, it’s a hot race track. The key of racing in Englishtown, I don’t think is any different than racing at any other track. You have to go in with a race car that is predictable. And that’s what we have – a predictable Mustang. Any condition can throw any team for a loop. We’ll use Bristol as an example, on race morning it was 58 degrees out after being in the 70s on Saturday. But you have to have predictable car. We have a Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang that is very predictable, it’s better on a hot track than a cool track but it goes A to B a lot and it goes A to B fast. In Bristol. on a 121-degree race track, we ran low ET on Saturday. Going into Englishtown, the key to us will be us, not Englishtown. It will be how well we’re prepared. It’s the decision-making processes that the crew chiefs go through, it’s the driver performing. The key to win Englishtown is us. We hold the key and how we manage the race will ultimately how well we do.”
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO RACE CLOSE TO HOME? “We’re so proud of what we do and all the race teams are. You want to win, you want to perform and to do it in a place that’s close to home with so many people that pull for you week-in and week-out, to put on a good show in front of the home crowd is extra special. We’re going in with guns loaded, no different than what we do for any other race. I think it is more special for us is the home crowd. Truthfully, we have two home tracks. Englishtown is my home track and Charlotte is the guys’ home track. There is that same sense of pride and accomplishment they share in Charlotte.”
HOW HAS THE TECHNICAL ALLIANCE WITH TIM WILKERSON HELPED YOU? HOW HAS IT HELPED TIM? “It’s been everything that we thought it would be and more. I share a wonderful relationship with Tim. Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner share a great relationship with Tim. We have different philosophies on tuning a car, which is healthy because if we both had the same philosophy, what would you learn? I think Tim has learned a lot from us and we’ve learned a lot from him. Most importantly, both cars have a lot to learn. Tim doesn’t say his car is perfect and his way is the way it should be. And Chris doesn’t tell Tim that our car is perfect and this is the way it has to be. Every race Tim is trying something different than we are and sometimes it works for us, sometimes it works for him. We see things in his tune-up that we need to be closer to him in that direction. He sees things in our tune-up that he’ll try on his car. I cannot imagine going into these seasons and into these races without a guy to look over at his information. The competition is too tight, the margin of error is to small, so not to be working with a guy like Tim and I think Tim echoes the same feelings, would put us at a disadvantage. I’m very pleased with the relationship. I think we’ve only scratched the surface of it. Unfortunately, what people don’t realize, we learn four seconds at a time. If you put that into perspective, on a weekend, if you win the race, you have 32 seconds of data. So, how can you expect a program to bring two teams together and flip a light switch and we’ve learned everything that we need to learn. It’s impossible. It will take time for us to really hit our stride. If you take the amount of time we’re on the track that equals about 6.6 minutes of data. This is a process that takes time. You can’t learn everything in four races. What I’m very happy about is that we have 6.6 minutes of data. That is a lot of data in our sport. It’s insignificant in the big picture, but it is a lot of data that Chris and Tim have been able to look at and evaluate. I think nine races from now, we’ll have 12 minutes of data. But we have 390 seconds of information that we’ve been able to compare and we’ve learned a lot, but we have a lot to learn. I couldn’t imagine being a single car team and not having some else to look over their shoulder.”
BOB TASCA III – Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang – WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO RACE IN ENGLISHTOWN? “The history at Englishtown is almost unparalleled. It’s my home track. There are so many fans from Rhode Island and neighboring areas that come down and watch us race. It’s pretty historic for me only because it’s a track that my grandfather performed very well at and had countless match races over the years. There are magic moments in everyone’s life and for me, one of the greatest magic moments was Englishtown when I won that first national event in my alcohol funny car and my entire family was there. I really think it played a big role in me getting my top fuel sponsorship with Motorcraft and Quick Lane. The Ford executives were there, they saw the crowds, the passion and then they saw us win. It’s a place where if we raced 24 times there, it wouldn’t bother me a bit. I’m looking to get a win in the top fuel car in front of the home crowd and the Motorcraft Racing Experience will be there. In case you didn’t know, I’m real excited about Englishtown.”
HOW DOES THIS YEAR COMPARE TO YOUR FIRST YEAR IN THE NITRO FUNNY CAR? “I’m real glad that this isn’t my freshman season. I look back and say, ‘Yeah, that was a great time but I would never want to learn how to drive a funny car again.’ I’m far from an expert because there is so much that you have to take in and prepare yourself for in that first year and it’s a challenging time. I still have a lot to learn and I wouldn’t consider myself a professional, but there an increased confidence level in knowing the unknown. Last year, I didn’t know the unknown. You hit the gas and you hope that you’ll react. This year, I have confidence in my ability as a driver. Our team has proven that we can win, so a lot of that stuff is behind us. In my sophomore season, I’m more eager and I look forward to driving the car more than I ever have because you really start the process and learn more. It’s almost like a sponge. The first 50 runs in the car, I don’t even remember the finish line. That’s how overwhelming it is. This year, it’s about more runs and more seat time and soaking up and really trying to improve my skills as a driver. I’ve been much more consistent in the car during qualifying, eliminations and knowing where I’m at in the track. It’s an exciting time for me because I have confidence in myself. I have confidence in my team and most importantly, I have confidence in the Shelby Mustang race car. We are a very dangerous team as this Countdown winds down. Hopefully, we’re in this fight for a championship. We’ve got a team to be reckoned with to close out this year.”
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU CARRIED WITH YOU FROM LAST SEASON TO THIS SEASON? “This year, I have confidence to know what I don’t know. I have a better understanding of knowing the unknown. I’m still eager to learn more and at the same time realize how little I know. Last year, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. This year, I really have sense of what I don’t know. I have sense of where I need to improve, much more than I did last year because there is so much to take in during your first year. But, at the same time, I have a sense of confidence that I didn’t have in my rookie season in my race car, in my race team and in myself.”
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM WINNING IN GAINESVILLE? DID THAT CHANGE YOUR GOALS FOR THE SEASON? “I think it’s not what we learned, it’s what we proved. It’s what we proved to our sponsor, the fans, the racers and ourselves that we are winners and that we have what it takes to win. That to me was very important. It was important for me to prove to my team that I could perform as a driver and I know it was so important for them to prove to Ford and to our program that they can deliver a race car that could win. We knew it. We believed it, but proving it is everything. I don’t think the Gainesville win changed my goals for the season. Our expectation is to win and it’s not to win one race, but it’s to win multiple races. It is about putting ourselves in a position to run for the championship. That was the goal going into this year, to get in the top 10, stay in the top 10 and be a contender to race for the championship. Nobody can guarantee a championship. That’s pretty evident when you see the level of competition out there. However, you want to guarantee yourself a chance to win a championship. That was our goal coming into the season, winning hasn’t deviated that at all, but it is about proving to the world that we could win and getting that first win behind us is certainly a great accomplishment in only our 27th race.”
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN AT OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK? “Englishtown is a pretty tricky track. It can be really fast, but because the race takes place in the middle of summer, it’s a hot race track. The key of racing in Englishtown, I don’t think is any different than racing at any other track. You have to go in with a race car that is predictable. And that’s what we have – a predictable Mustang. Any condition can throw any team for a loop. We’ll use Bristol as an example, on race morning it was 58 degrees out after being in the 70s on Saturday. But you have to have predictable car. We have a Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang that is very predictable, it’s better on a hot track than a cool track but it goes A to B a lot and it goes A to B fast. In Bristol. on a 121-degree race track, we ran low ET on Saturday. Going into Englishtown, the key to us will be us, not Englishtown. It will be how well we’re prepared. It’s the decision-making processes that the crew chiefs go through, it’s the driver performing. The key to win Englishtown is us. We hold the key and how we manage the race will ultimately how well we do.”
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO RACE CLOSE TO HOME? “We’re so proud of what we do and all the race teams are. You want to win, you want to perform and to do it in a place that’s close to home with so many people that pull for you week-in and week-out, to put on a good show in front of the home crowd is extra special. We’re going in with guns loaded, no different than what we do for any other race. I think it is more special for us is the home crowd. Truthfully, we have two home tracks. Englishtown is my home track and Charlotte is the guys’ home track. There is that same sense of pride and accomplishment they share in Charlotte.”
HOW HAS THE TECHNICAL ALLIANCE WITH TIM WILKERSON HELPED YOU? HOW HAS IT HELPED TIM? “It’s been everything that we thought it would be and more. I share a wonderful relationship with Tim. Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner share a great relationship with Tim. We have different philosophies on tuning a car, which is healthy because if we both had the same philosophy, what would you learn? I think Tim has learned a lot from us and we’ve learned a lot from him. Most importantly, both cars have a lot to learn. Tim doesn’t say his car is perfect and his way is the way it should be. And Chris doesn’t tell Tim that our car is perfect and this is the way it has to be. Every race Tim is trying something different than we are and sometimes it works for us, sometimes it works for him. We see things in his tune-up that we need to be closer to him in that direction. He sees things in our tune-up that he’ll try on his car. I cannot imagine going into these seasons and into these races without a guy to look over at his information. The competition is too tight, the margin of error is to small, so not to be working with a guy like Tim and I think Tim echoes the same feelings, would put us at a disadvantage. I’m very pleased with the relationship. I think we’ve only scratched the surface of it. Unfortunately, what people don’t realize, we learn four seconds at a time. If you put that into perspective, on a weekend, if you win the race, you have 32 seconds of data. So, how can you expect a program to bring two teams together and flip a light switch and we’ve learned everything that we need to learn. It’s impossible. It will take time for us to really hit our stride. If you take the amount of time we’re on the track that equals about 6.6 minutes of data. This is a process that takes time. You can’t learn everything in four races. What I’m very happy about is that we have 6.6 minutes of data. That is a lot of data in our sport. It’s insignificant in the big picture, but it is a lot of data that Chris and Tim have been able to look at and evaluate. I think nine races from now, we’ll have 12 minutes of data. But we have 390 seconds of information that we’ve been able to compare and we’ve learned a lot, but we have a lot to learn. I couldn’t imagine being a single car team and not having some else to look over their shoulder.”
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
There's No Place Like Home for Tasca and the 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
United Association NHRA SuperNationals
Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New Jersey
June 11-14, 2009
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR TASCA AND THE MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM
They say home is where the heart is. For Bob Tasca III, this weekend’s NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey is the closest to where he resides and operates his Ford dealerships. A native of nearby Rhode Island, Tasca considers Old Bridge Township Raceway Park his home track.
Hometown memories. In 2007, Tasca won his first National Event in the Top Alcohol Funny Car Series in Englishtown. This weekend, Tasca hopes to add to those memories by bringing home his second Funny Car win this season.
“The history at Englishtown is almost unparalleled,” said Tasca. “It’s a track that my grandfather performed very well at and had countless match races over the years. There are magic moments in everyone’s life and for me, one of the greatest magic moments was Englishtown when I won that first national event in my alcohol funny car and my entire family was there.”
Home Track Advantage. Englishtown is an unpredictable track. Tasca hopes the hot weather holds in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team’s favor this weekend at the NHRA SuperNationals.
“Englishtown is a pretty tricky track,” said Tasca. “The key of racing in Englishtown, I don’t think is any different than racing at any other track. You have to go in with a race car that is predictable, and we have a Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang that is very predictable, it is better on a hot track than a cool track. The key to winning Englishtown is us. We hold the key and how we manage the race will ultimately lead to how well we do.”
Bring Home Your Own Mustang. Fans will get the chance again this weekend to visit The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display available at NHRA Nitro Alley. 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 FCSD ‘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, June 12 – 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 13 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 14 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 760; 2. Tony Pedregon, 702; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 700; 4.Del Worsham, 641; 5. Jack Beckman, 584; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 553; 7t. Bob Tasca III and Matt Hagan, 513; 9. John Force, 507; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 494.
Englishtown Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 8th during last year’s event at Englishtown and lost in the first round to Tim Wilkerson.
- Tasca is currently tied for seventh in points heading into the 11th race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
- Tasca won his first Top Alcohol Funny Car race in Englishtown on June 14, 2007.
- Tasca was Top Alcohol Funny Car runner-up in Englishtown on June 18, 2006.
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 32 Quick Lanes in the greater Englishtown area.
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, June 13 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 7 p.m. (ET).
Saturday, June 13 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 11:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 14 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 12 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 14 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, June 12: 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sat., June 13: 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sun., June 14, 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 11K (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
# # # #
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association NHRA SuperNationals
Old Bridge Township Race Park in Englishtown, New Jersey
June 11-14, 2009
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR TASCA AND THE MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM
They say home is where the heart is. For Bob Tasca III, this weekend’s NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, New Jersey is the closest to where he resides and operates his Ford dealerships. A native of nearby Rhode Island, Tasca considers Old Bridge Township Raceway Park his home track.
Hometown memories. In 2007, Tasca won his first National Event in the Top Alcohol Funny Car Series in Englishtown. This weekend, Tasca hopes to add to those memories by bringing home his second Funny Car win this season.
“The history at Englishtown is almost unparalleled,” said Tasca. “It’s a track that my grandfather performed very well at and had countless match races over the years. There are magic moments in everyone’s life and for me, one of the greatest magic moments was Englishtown when I won that first national event in my alcohol funny car and my entire family was there.”
Home Track Advantage. Englishtown is an unpredictable track. Tasca hopes the hot weather holds in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team’s favor this weekend at the NHRA SuperNationals.
“Englishtown is a pretty tricky track,” said Tasca. “The key of racing in Englishtown, I don’t think is any different than racing at any other track. You have to go in with a race car that is predictable, and we have a Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang that is very predictable, it is better on a hot track than a cool track. The key to winning Englishtown is us. We hold the key and how we manage the race will ultimately lead to how well we do.”
Bring Home Your Own Mustang. Fans will get the chance again this weekend to visit The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display available at NHRA Nitro Alley. 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 FCSD ‘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, June 12 – 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 13 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 14 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 760; 2. Tony Pedregon, 702; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 700; 4.Del Worsham, 641; 5. Jack Beckman, 584; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 553; 7t. Bob Tasca III and Matt Hagan, 513; 9. John Force, 507; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 494.
Englishtown Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 8th during last year’s event at Englishtown and lost in the first round to Tim Wilkerson.
- Tasca is currently tied for seventh in points heading into the 11th race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
- Tasca won his first Top Alcohol Funny Car race in Englishtown on June 14, 2007.
- Tasca was Top Alcohol Funny Car runner-up in Englishtown on June 18, 2006.
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 32 Quick Lanes in the greater Englishtown area.
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, June 13 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 7 p.m. (ET).
Saturday, June 13 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise one hour of qualifying highlights at 11:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 14 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 12 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 14 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 10 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, June 12: 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sat., June 13: 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sun., June 14, 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 11K (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
# # # #
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wood Brothers Looking Forward to Michigan
The Wood Brothers, Bill Elliott and the #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion will be heading to Brooklyn, Michigan this weekend, the home track of the team’s primary sponsors Motorcraft and Ford Motor Company.
Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is a two-mile D-shaped oval with 18° banking in the turns, 12° banking on the frontstretch and 5° banking on the backstretch. NASCAR’s inaugural race at MIS in June of 1969 was won by Cale Yarborough in the Wood Brothers #21 Mercury.
The Wood Brothers have started each of the 78 NASCAR Sprint Cup races held at MIS earning 11 wins, 26 top fives, 37 top tens and 9 poles. Like the Wood Brothers, Bill Elliott has also
accumulated impressive statistics at MIS. He has 57 starts with 7 wins, 17 top fives, 29 top ten finishes and 7 poles. Combined, Bill and the Wood Brothers have won almost one-quarter of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races held at MIS.
accumulated impressive statistics at MIS. He has 57 starts with 7 wins, 17 top fives, 29 top ten finishes and 7 poles. Combined, Bill and the Wood Brothers have won almost one-quarter of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races held at MIS.
The teams will take to the track on Friday, June 12, 2009, with the first practice scheduled to begin at 11:30 am and qualifying to follow at 3:10 pm. You can watch practice and qualifying on the Speed Channel.
Photos courtesy of Dorsey Patrick Photography
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Team Fall Short in Second Round at Joliet
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals
Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL
June 4-7, 2009
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM FALL SHORT IN SECOND ROUND AT JOLIET
Joliet, IL – June 7, 2009 – The cool and rainy weather at Route 66 Raceway this weekend changed the strategy of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team. Although they were expecting warmer temperatures and their second win the season, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane felt confident racing on the drag strip just south of Chicago.
Over the last few weeks, Tasca, crew chief Chris Cunningham and the entire Motorcraft/Quick Lane team worked on their cool weather tune-up. That hard work and dedication paid rewards this weekend.
“This was a great weekend from the standpoint that we had cool conditions all weekend,” said Tasca. “We have a hot rod that has performed well in the heat and had issues on cool tracks. Certainly, our performance this weekend was pretty incredible and the conditions were right.”
On Saturday afternoon, Tasca raced his way into the seventh qualifying position. He piloted his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang to a 4.122 second run at 301.33 miles per hour.
After storms delayed racing on Sunday, Tasca was eager to race against first round opponent Bob Bode. In the first meeting of the drivers, Tasca defeated Bode and advanced to the second round against Ashley Force Hood.
“We ran that 4.09, in the first round and that was one of the quickest runs I’ve ever had in a race car,” said Tasca. “It was almost 265 miles per hour at half track and over 303 [mph] at 1000 feet. That is data we can work with in the next round and other races this season.”
In the second round, Tasca fell short against race runner-up Ashley Force Hood.
“I’m disappointed in the second round because we had a 4.09 second set-up,” said Tasca. “The balance between the clutch and the motor were not in harmony. The hot rod told us it didn’t like the balance and the Shelby Mustang didn’t run as good as it did in the first round. Unfortunately, it’s not what we wanted, but that’s how we learn. She had the low ET of the round and that was the second time that this is happened to us against Ashley Force Hood. They have a great car and team over there. But we also have a great team and a great Mustang over here.“
Tasca will take what he learned in Chicago and apply it to Englishtown next weekend. But before he steps back into the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang, Tasca will spend time in New York and Dearborn, Michigan.
“This is an exciting week for us coming up,” said Tasca. “We’re going to the New York Stock Exchange with NHRA on Wednesday to ring the opening bell. Then on Thursday, all the NHRA and NASCAR drivers and owners are going to the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn. We’re going to meet a lot of the employees and test drive some of the new products.”
Tony Pedregon defeated Ashley Force Hood in the final round to win the United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 760; 2. Tony Pedregon, 702; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 700; 4. Del Worsham, 641; 5. Jack Beckman, 584; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 553; 7t. Bob Tasca III and Matt Hagan, 513; 9. John Force, 507; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 494.
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 http://www.motorcraft.com/.
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals
Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL
June 4-7, 2009
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE SHELBY MUSTANG TEAM FALL SHORT IN SECOND ROUND AT JOLIET
Joliet, IL – June 7, 2009 – The cool and rainy weather at Route 66 Raceway this weekend changed the strategy of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team. Although they were expecting warmer temperatures and their second win the season, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane felt confident racing on the drag strip just south of Chicago.
Over the last few weeks, Tasca, crew chief Chris Cunningham and the entire Motorcraft/Quick Lane team worked on their cool weather tune-up. That hard work and dedication paid rewards this weekend.
“This was a great weekend from the standpoint that we had cool conditions all weekend,” said Tasca. “We have a hot rod that has performed well in the heat and had issues on cool tracks. Certainly, our performance this weekend was pretty incredible and the conditions were right.”
On Saturday afternoon, Tasca raced his way into the seventh qualifying position. He piloted his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang to a 4.122 second run at 301.33 miles per hour.
After storms delayed racing on Sunday, Tasca was eager to race against first round opponent Bob Bode. In the first meeting of the drivers, Tasca defeated Bode and advanced to the second round against Ashley Force Hood.
“We ran that 4.09, in the first round and that was one of the quickest runs I’ve ever had in a race car,” said Tasca. “It was almost 265 miles per hour at half track and over 303 [mph] at 1000 feet. That is data we can work with in the next round and other races this season.”
In the second round, Tasca fell short against race runner-up Ashley Force Hood.
“I’m disappointed in the second round because we had a 4.09 second set-up,” said Tasca. “The balance between the clutch and the motor were not in harmony. The hot rod told us it didn’t like the balance and the Shelby Mustang didn’t run as good as it did in the first round. Unfortunately, it’s not what we wanted, but that’s how we learn. She had the low ET of the round and that was the second time that this is happened to us against Ashley Force Hood. They have a great car and team over there. But we also have a great team and a great Mustang over here.“
Tasca will take what he learned in Chicago and apply it to Englishtown next weekend. But before he steps back into the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang, Tasca will spend time in New York and Dearborn, Michigan.
“This is an exciting week for us coming up,” said Tasca. “We’re going to the New York Stock Exchange with NHRA on Wednesday to ring the opening bell. Then on Thursday, all the NHRA and NASCAR drivers and owners are going to the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn. We’re going to meet a lot of the employees and test drive some of the new products.”
Tony Pedregon defeated Ashley Force Hood in the final round to win the United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway.
Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car
1. Ron Capps, 760; 2. Tony Pedregon, 702; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 700; 4. Del Worsham, 641; 5. Jack Beckman, 584; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 553; 7t. Bob Tasca III and Matt Hagan, 513; 9. John Force, 507; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 494.
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 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/
####
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/
####
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Q&A with Eddie Wood, co-owner of Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing is one of the teams participating in the Goodyear tire test at Indianapolis this week. Bill Elliott is driving the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion at the test. Team co-owner Eddie Wood talked to Ford Racing during a break in the session to talk about the test and the upcoming visit this weekend to his first-ever NHRA drag race. Len Wood also will be going to the Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill.
EDDIE WOOD – co-owner, No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion – “The testing is going really well. We’re up here as one of the cars to help put rubber down on the track. You know, they give you tires and you’re able to work on your car in-between runs, and that’s what we’re doing – which is really good for us. We’ve been able to try a lot of stuff. The other group is actually testing tires, testing different compounds and all that. I’m not sure what compound we’re on, but whatever it is, it’s a pretty good tire. We’ve made some 10-lap runs, like three of them, and the tires look really good. We put 30 or 35 laps on a set yesterday, and they were fine. I think Goodyear has done a good job in getting ready for this race. I think it’ll be okay when we come back. The track has got a lot of rubber on it from the [Indianapolis] 500, plus from what’s going on here. I think if it doesn’t rain a lot, like it did last summer, they should be okay.”
THIS WEEKEND YOU WILL BE AT ROUTE 66 RACEWAY AS A GUEST OF MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE NHRA DRIVER BOB TASCA III. “I’m going to Chicago. It’ll be my first drag race.”
HAVE YOU MET BOB TASCA III FACE-TO-FACE YET? “No. We’ve talked on the phone before, but I haven’t met him face-to-face, so I’m looking forward to that, and I’m looking forward to hanging out with him. I understand he’s got a really cool display he does with all the Motorcraft and Quick Lane stuff, and I’m anxious to see that. I think we’ll be over there Friday night, and, of course, we’re going to go every day. I haven’t seen a schedule, so I don’t know a lot about it; I’m just going to watch Tasca. That’s all I can tell you.”
IS THERE A NATURAL CURIOSITY FOR YOU IN REGARDS TO THE ENGINEERING OF DRAG RACING AND HOW THE FUNNY CARS GO DOWN THE TRACK, OR ARE YOU GOING AS MORE OF A RACE FAN? “Yeah. I know the amount of work that goes into our race cars, and I’m sure the same amount goes into their cars – especially something that runs 300 miles an hour. So, I’m anxious to see that. I’m really interested in seeing after they make the run when they take the motors apart. I think that might be sort of mind-boggling there. I’m anxious to see that, too. And, I love the smell of nitro methane, so I think that’ll be good.”
NO DOUBT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MEETING WITH BOB TASCA HASN’T ESCAPED YOU. THE WOOD BROTHERS GO BACK THREE GENERATIONS WITH FORD IN STOCK-CAR RACING, AND THE TASCAS GO BACK THREE GENERATIONS WITH FORD IN DRAG RACING. “I know of his history. I have a book that Lee Holman, who is John Holman’s son, gave to me a couple of years ago, and I was thumbing through it one day and there was ’65 of ’66 Mustang in there with “Tasca Ford” on the side of it. Holman Moody, I guess, built some of their motors back in the ‘60s, so we kind of had a link there and didn’t really know it. I’ve read some stuff about it, and I think it’s pretty cool, you know, three generations there, too. Like I said, I’m really looking forward to going. You asked me if I’m going to be a fan; yeah, I’m going to be a fan, too.”
EDDIE WOOD – co-owner, No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion – “The testing is going really well. We’re up here as one of the cars to help put rubber down on the track. You know, they give you tires and you’re able to work on your car in-between runs, and that’s what we’re doing – which is really good for us. We’ve been able to try a lot of stuff. The other group is actually testing tires, testing different compounds and all that. I’m not sure what compound we’re on, but whatever it is, it’s a pretty good tire. We’ve made some 10-lap runs, like three of them, and the tires look really good. We put 30 or 35 laps on a set yesterday, and they were fine. I think Goodyear has done a good job in getting ready for this race. I think it’ll be okay when we come back. The track has got a lot of rubber on it from the [Indianapolis] 500, plus from what’s going on here. I think if it doesn’t rain a lot, like it did last summer, they should be okay.”
THIS WEEKEND YOU WILL BE AT ROUTE 66 RACEWAY AS A GUEST OF MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE NHRA DRIVER BOB TASCA III. “I’m going to Chicago. It’ll be my first drag race.”
HAVE YOU MET BOB TASCA III FACE-TO-FACE YET? “No. We’ve talked on the phone before, but I haven’t met him face-to-face, so I’m looking forward to that, and I’m looking forward to hanging out with him. I understand he’s got a really cool display he does with all the Motorcraft and Quick Lane stuff, and I’m anxious to see that. I think we’ll be over there Friday night, and, of course, we’re going to go every day. I haven’t seen a schedule, so I don’t know a lot about it; I’m just going to watch Tasca. That’s all I can tell you.”
IS THERE A NATURAL CURIOSITY FOR YOU IN REGARDS TO THE ENGINEERING OF DRAG RACING AND HOW THE FUNNY CARS GO DOWN THE TRACK, OR ARE YOU GOING AS MORE OF A RACE FAN? “Yeah. I know the amount of work that goes into our race cars, and I’m sure the same amount goes into their cars – especially something that runs 300 miles an hour. So, I’m anxious to see that. I’m really interested in seeing after they make the run when they take the motors apart. I think that might be sort of mind-boggling there. I’m anxious to see that, too. And, I love the smell of nitro methane, so I think that’ll be good.”
NO DOUBT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MEETING WITH BOB TASCA HASN’T ESCAPED YOU. THE WOOD BROTHERS GO BACK THREE GENERATIONS WITH FORD IN STOCK-CAR RACING, AND THE TASCAS GO BACK THREE GENERATIONS WITH FORD IN DRAG RACING. “I know of his history. I have a book that Lee Holman, who is John Holman’s son, gave to me a couple of years ago, and I was thumbing through it one day and there was ’65 of ’66 Mustang in there with “Tasca Ford” on the side of it. Holman Moody, I guess, built some of their motors back in the ‘60s, so we kind of had a link there and didn’t really know it. I’ve read some stuff about it, and I think it’s pretty cool, you know, three generations there, too. Like I said, I’m really looking forward to going. You asked me if I’m going to be a fan; yeah, I’m going to be a fan, too.”
Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Claim Chicago as 'My Kind of Town'
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals
Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, Illinois
June 4-7, 2009
TASCA AND THE MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM CLAIM CHICAGO AS ‘MY KIND OF TOWN’
Just a few short months ago Bob Tasca III started his second full season of Funny Car competition in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series. Tasca’s initial goal was to win rounds and he has accomplished eight round wins this season, but he has also balanced that number with eight round losses.
Entering the 10th race of the season, Tasca looks to increase that number in that “W” column. Tasca used Topeka as the race where he would judge the first portion of the season.
“I said going into Topeka that the top five will start to pull away and it happened on Sunday. This part of the season is the high-pressure time, but I’m glad to be in the thick of it,” said Tasca. “We’ve got big aspirations for Chicago. It’s a big stage, and we performed well at the big stage in Gainesville, I just hope we can do it again in Chicago.”
JDRF Kickoff
For the second consecutive year, Ford Customer Service Division is supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), where JDRF children will get the chance to design the paint scheme of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car driven by Bob Tasca III. The design portion of the program launched on Monday, June 1, and the at-track participation program starts this weekend in Chicago.
“One of the greatest parts of what I do is interacting with the kids and I can’t wait for Sunday because I know the kids are going to be there,” said Tasca. “This is the second year of JDRF Funny Car Design Contest and I’m looking forward to voting on some pretty cool designs, and I’m sure there will be quite a few of them.”
Interactive Fun
The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display returns this weekend to NHRA Nitro Alley. Fans can enter to win prizes and participate in the Motorcraft Holeshot Challenge and Quick Lane Challenge. Fans who visit the display have the opportunity to enter the FCSD ‘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.
Fans unable to watch the races first-hand in Chicago can enter online until November 23, 2009, at www.motorcraft.com, www.quicklane.com, www.bobtasca.com, and www.racefanoffers.com. The Race Hot Sweepstakes is open to all licensed U.S. citizens over the age of 18.
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.
Chicago Race Notes
· Tasca qualified 12th during last year’s event at Chicago and lost in the first round to Cruz Pedregon.
· Tasca is currently eighth in points heading into the 10th 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 Quick Lanes in the greater Chicago area.
On the Web
· Follow Motorcraft and Quick Lane on Twitter at http://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, June 6 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 7 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 7 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 4 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, June 5: 10:30 - 11 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sat., June 6: 7:30 - 8 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sun., June 7, 730 - 8 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 11K (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
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals
Route 66 Raceway in Chicago, Illinois
June 4-7, 2009
TASCA AND THE MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE TEAM CLAIM CHICAGO AS ‘MY KIND OF TOWN’
Just a few short months ago Bob Tasca III started his second full season of Funny Car competition in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series. Tasca’s initial goal was to win rounds and he has accomplished eight round wins this season, but he has also balanced that number with eight round losses.
Entering the 10th race of the season, Tasca looks to increase that number in that “W” column. Tasca used Topeka as the race where he would judge the first portion of the season.
“I said going into Topeka that the top five will start to pull away and it happened on Sunday. This part of the season is the high-pressure time, but I’m glad to be in the thick of it,” said Tasca. “We’ve got big aspirations for Chicago. It’s a big stage, and we performed well at the big stage in Gainesville, I just hope we can do it again in Chicago.”
JDRF Kickoff
For the second consecutive year, Ford Customer Service Division is supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), where JDRF children will get the chance to design the paint scheme of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car driven by Bob Tasca III. The design portion of the program launched on Monday, June 1, and the at-track participation program starts this weekend in Chicago.
“One of the greatest parts of what I do is interacting with the kids and I can’t wait for Sunday because I know the kids are going to be there,” said Tasca. “This is the second year of JDRF Funny Car Design Contest and I’m looking forward to voting on some pretty cool designs, and I’m sure there will be quite a few of them.”
Interactive Fun
The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience interactive consumer display returns this weekend to NHRA Nitro Alley. Fans can enter to win prizes and participate in the Motorcraft Holeshot Challenge and Quick Lane Challenge. Fans who visit the display have the opportunity to enter the FCSD ‘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.
Fans unable to watch the races first-hand in Chicago can enter online until November 23, 2009, at www.motorcraft.com, www.quicklane.com, www.bobtasca.com, and www.racefanoffers.com. The Race Hot Sweepstakes is open to all licensed U.S. citizens over the age of 18.
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.
Chicago Race Notes
· Tasca qualified 12th during last year’s event at Chicago and lost in the first round to Cruz Pedregon.
· Tasca is currently eighth in points heading into the 10th 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 Quick Lanes in the greater Chicago area.
On the Web
· Follow Motorcraft and Quick Lane on Twitter at http://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, June 6 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 7 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, June 7 – ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 4 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, June 5: 10:30 - 11 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sat., June 6: 7:30 - 8 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 3K (11760 MHz, vertical)
Sun., June 7, 730 - 8 p.m. (ET), AMC 15 / Transponder 11K (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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