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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

# # # #

Tasca and Wilkerson Extend Alliance Through 2010

TASCA AND WILKERSON EXTEND ALLIANCE THROUGH 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


###

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # # #

Dropped Cylinder in Second Round Ends Day for Tasca in Charlotte

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

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

DROPPED CYLINDER IN SECOND ROUND ENDS DAY FOR TASCA IN CHARLOTTE

CONCORD, NC – September 20, 2009 – Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team had high hopes for the weekend after celebrating their race shop grand opening and unveiling their JDRF-designed race car in Concord, NC earlier in the week.

During Friday’s opening sessions, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team hosted Liam Flanagan and family of Williamstown, New Jersey. Flanagan, age 8, was the 2009 winner of the Ford Customer Service Division’s Funny Car Design contest. Tasca raced in a “Stars and Stripes - ‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes’” paint scheme during the NHRA Carolina Nationals.

“On behalf of the entire Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team, many thanks to Liam Flanagan for designing our Mustang this weekend,” said Tasca. “We had a great time with Liam and his family and we look forward to seeing them at a race again soon.”

Once on track activity began, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team was focused on winning rounds and improving their position in the series standings en route their first NHRA Full Throttle Championship title.

Tasca qualified in the 11th position with his best pass of 4.128 seconds at 302.41 miles per hour. He would face Ron Capps in the first round eliminations.

In his first pair, Tasca was first off the line against and led the entire race as Capps smoked the tires at the 400-foot marker.

During his second pass of the day, Tasca had a quicker reaction time but was passed at the 60-foot marker when the Mustang dropped a cylinder during the run against fellow Mustang racer Robert Hight.

“Our second round was obviously disappointing, especially because we know our Mustang could have won today,” said Tasca. “We put a hole out just past one second and when it does that in these types of conditions you have so much extra load on the remainder of cylinders that we burned up one of the pistons next to the cylinder that dropped. Once that burns the piston out, it pressurizes the crank case and oil was spraying all over me and the rear tires.”

Tasca slid to fifth in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series point standings but is 36 points behind leader Tony Pedregon.

“We’re still in a position to win this championship and you’re not going to win a championship in one race. We did a lot better some other teams, but as not as good as we wanted. We are looking forward racing in Dallas next weekend.”

Robert Hight won the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Concord, NC.

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

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

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

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

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

# # # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # # #

Ford Customer Service Division to Unveil Funny Car Contest Winning Design During Tasca Racing Facility Grand Opening on September 17

FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION TO UNVEIL FUNNY CAR CONTEST WINNING DESIGN DURING TASCA RACING FACILITY GRAND OPENING ON SEPTEMBER 17

DEARBORN, Mich., September 14, 2009 – Even though it’s Race No. 1 in NHRA’s Countdown to 1 championship playoffs, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car will set aside its traditional red and black Motorcraft livery during this weekend’s NHRA Carolina Nationals to help out a very special cause and make one child’s design come to life.

For the second year in a row, Bob Tasca III will run a winning paint scheme designed by a youngster involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The winning designer and his/her family, along with Tasca, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team and representatives from Ford Customer Service Division, will unveil this special JDRF paint scheme on Thursday, September 17, during the Tasca Racing Shop grand opening celebration.

Race fans and media are invited to the unveiling taking place Thursday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. Tasca Racing is located at 4467 Raceway Road in Concord, NC.

This summer, more than 300 children with type 1 diabetes brought out their crayons and colored pencils to design a special paint scheme for Ford Customer Service Division’s Funny Car Design Contest supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

"I’m very excited to see the winner’s face once they see the design that they created come to life on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang," said Brett Wheatley, Director of Marketing, Ford Customer Service Division. "This is the second year that Ford Customer Service Division has launched the contest and its such a great way to raise awareness towards such a deserving cause."

As part of the grand opening and unveiling festivities, fans will have the opportunity to meet Tasca and take a tour of the brand new race shop. The shop will be open to the public from 12 pm until 7 pm. Activities are scheduled throughout the day including a blower dyno demonstration at 5:30 pm.

"I’m anxious to see the winning design on the car and have the fans come out and tour the new race shop," said Tasca, driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang. "It was an honor to run Sam Millard’s [2008 winner] design last year and I can’t wait to race with this new design on our hot rod this weekend."

The Funny Car Design contest raised $39,542.59. To view all the 2009 JDRF designed Funny Cars, visit http://www.jdrf.org/ford/t_blank.

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

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

Diabetes affects more Ford families than any other disease. Ford Motor Company has raised more than $27 million for JDRF since the grassroots campaign started in 1998.

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

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

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

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

# # # #

Countdown to Win – All New 2010 Ford Mustang in Ford Customer Service Division “Race Hot to a Mustang” Sweepstakes Ends Soon

DEARBORN, Mich., September 11, 2009 – NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing’s Countdown to 1 begins next weekend at the Carolina Nationals in Concord, NC, which means race fans have three months left to enter Ford Customer Service Division’s Race Hot Sweepstakes and win an all new 2010 Ford Mustang.

One grand prize winner will drive away in an all-new 2010 Ford Mustang GT equipped with Ford Racing Performance Parts package and upgrades courtesy of Ford Custom Accessories.

NHRA race fans will have plenty of chances to win the “hot rod” during the Race Hot Sweepstakes. The program launched on March 13 and ends on November 23, 2009. Entry forms will be available at The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience NHRA display at selected races throughout the season.

Fans who can’t make it out to the track will also have the chance to enter online at http://www.motorcraft.com/, http://www.quicklane.com/, http://www.bobtasca.com/ and http://www.johnforceracing.com/. The RaceHot Sweepstakes is open to all licensed U.S. citizens over the age of 18.

Enter the 2009 Race Hot to A Mustang Sweepstakes at the “Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience” Display
Sept. 24-27 – O’Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals (Dallas, TX)
Oct. 29-Nov. 1 – Las Vegas NHRA Nationals (Las Vegas, NV)
Nov. 12-15 – Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals (Pomona, CA)

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

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

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

# # # #

Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Experience Equipment Malfunction in Second Round Loss at Indianapolis

Bob Tasca III

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang

Nitro Funny Car class

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

55th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals

O’Reilly Raceway Park

September 2-7, 2009

Race 18 of 24

TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM EXPERIENCE EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION IN SECOND ROUND LOSS AT INDIANAPOLIS

CLERMONT, IN – September 7, 2009 – After a long night of rebuilding the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang, Tasca and team left the 55th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals two rounds too soon.

In the second explosion in two races, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang had severe damage to the supercharger, windshield and body. Hoping to a mirror the Reading race result, Tasca and the team put finishing touches on the Mustang early Monday morning.

In the first round, Tasca was on the winning end of the Mustang battle when Tim Wilkerson dropped a cylinder when he hit the throttle. Tasca would face Robert Hight in the second round.

At the 800 foot-marker, about 3.56 seconds into the run, Tasca experienced a mechanical failure in the automatic safety system. Hight’s margin of victory in the second round was 0.0491 seconds, approximately 20 feet.

“The switch that saved us on Sunday, failed us on today,” said Tasca. “It is the switch that in the event of an explosion, shuts the fuel pumps and ignition off and pulls the parachutes. It’s designed to activate under an explosion. The switch must have been damaged in the explosion or malfunctioned.”

Tasca was unaware of the mechanical failure until he exited the race car and surveyed the race car.

“The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang was on a phenomenal run,” said Tasca. “I could feel it accelerate and it then felt like I hit a wall. I didn’t know what was happening, I kept my foot wide open and the race car was trying to accelerate.”

As the last race of the regular season, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are looking to the future. The points reset heading into the final six races of the season.

“We’re leaving here fourth in the points going to Charlotte,” said Tasca. “We’ll make this momentum and we’ll take it all in stride. The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang was on a great run, definitely capable of winning that round and that’s satisfying.”

Regular Season Full Throttle Points Standings – Funny Car

1. Tony Pedregon, 1,364; 2. Ron Capps, 1,250; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 1,245; 4. Bob Tasca III, 1,061; 5. Jack Beckman, 1,027; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 1,014; 7. John Force, 993; 8. Del Worsham, 963; 9. Mike Neff, 928; 10. Robert Hight, 861.

Countdown to 1 Points Standings – Funny Car

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

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing

Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

About Motorcraft

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

About Quick Lane

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

About Ford Motor Company

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

# # # #

Engine Explosion in Final Qualifying Session for Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Racing Team – Tasca to Start Eighth in Indianapolis

Bob Tasca III

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang

Nitro Funny Car class

NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series

55th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals

O’Reilly Raceway Park

September 2-7, 2009

Race 18 of 24

ENGINE EXPLOSION IN FINAL QUALIFYING SESSION FOR MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM – TASCA TO START EIGHTH IN INDIANAPOLIS

CLERMONT, IN – September 6, 2009 – Sunday showers delayed on track action at the 55th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Looking for their third win of the year, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team were eager perform on the most historic track on the circuit.

Late Sunday afternoon the Funny Car teams would make their fourth and final qualifying pass of the weekend. Tasca and Del Worsham ran side-by-side until the 330-foot marker. Then the tires on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang began to spin, cylinders dropped and the engine exploded.

“First I want everyone to know that I’m okay,” said Tasca. “Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang made three really strong runs this weekend. The guys were getting after it. We wanted to try to improve on the 12 we ran last night, the conditions were certainly out there. I don't know what happened, certainly something in the valve train. They'll have to evaluate it. When it blows up like that, typically it drops an intake valve or something with the valve train, because the valves don't get closed and the cylinder fires and it explodes the nitro that is in the manifold and the supercharger.”

Tasca compared this incident to the engine explosion in Reading just two weeks ago.

“It was certainly violent. It was very similar to what happened to us in Reading, except on a bigger scale,” said Tasca. “It did a lot of damage to the body and a lot of damage to the motor. These guys will be working here late, but we'll be ready for tomorrow. There is clearly something going on that the guys need to get a handle on,” continued Tasca. “When it knocks the tire off, the driver naturally steps off the throttle and our car has never been sensitive to blowing the blower off – never. Obviously, there is something going on. Chris and the guys will figure it out. We have to re-group a little bit just like we did in Maple Grove.”

“Truthfully, if I blow up every Saturday night and win the race, like I did in Reading, then I'll sign up for that all season long,” said Tasca. “At the end of the day, this team has proven they can work through these types of challenges like we did two weeks ago in Reading, and that is what our sights are set to do here at Indy - to win the race.”

Tasca’s best pass of the weekend took place under the Saturday evening sky. Tasca took his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang to the 1000-foot marker in 4.126 seconds at 302.69 miles per hour. This effort would seed Tasca in the eighth qualifying position.

Tasca will face technical alliance teammate Tim Wilkerson in the Sunday’s first elimination round.

Qualifying Order Funny Car

1. Robert Hight, 2. Ashley Force Hood, 3. Mike Neff, 4. Cruz Pedregon, 5. John Force, 6. Del Worsham, 7. Jerry Toliver, 8. Bob Tasca III, 9. Tim Wilkerson, 10. Jeff Arend, 11. Tony Pedregon, 12. Jim Head, 13. Ron Capps, 14. Jack Beckman, 15. Matt Hagan, 16. Grant Downing.

Did not qualify – Bob Bode and Justin Schriefer

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing on the Web

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/MQLRacing

Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorcraftquicklaneracing/

Television

Monday, September 7: ESPN2 HD will televise a special one hour NHRA Race Day at noon (ET). Monday, September 7: ESPN2 HD will televise five hours of eliminations coverage at 1 p.m. (ET).

About Motorcraft

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

About Quick Lane

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

About Ford Motor Company

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

TASCA FORD TO HOST 12TH ANNUAL MUSTANG & LIVE MUSIC EVENT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

TASCA FORD TO HOST 12TH ANNUAL MUSTANG & LIVE MUSIC EVENT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

CRANSTON, RI – September 3, 2009 – Bob Tasca III first caught sight of a Mustang many years ago in his grandfather’s Ford dealership and fell in love with the pony car.

Now as the driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car and Vice President of Tasca Automotive Group in Rhode Island, Bob Tasca III, along with his grandfather, Bob Tasca Sr., are hosting the 12th Annual Mustang and Live Music Event on Saturday, September 12 from 10am to 4pm at the Tasca Automotive Group in Cranston, RI.

“This is the 12th Annual Mustang show and food drive that we’ve done at our dealership,” said Tasca. “It’s a car show with some of the finest Fords on the east coast. We’ve had people from Florida, Virginia and even Michigan that drive out to put their car on display.”

Over the past 12 years the event has grown in both display vehicles and attendance. In addition to the Mustang car show, Tasca has invited some of his fellow Ford Racing family members to participate in the day’s activities. Special guests at this year’s show include the entire Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team, 14-time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force, two-time 2009 race winner Tim Wilkerson, Eddie and Len Wood, co-owners of Wood Brothers Racing and the legendary No. 21 Ford, and four generations of the Tasca family.

Admission to the 12th Annual Mustang & Live Music Event is two non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Rhode Island Food bank. In previous years, the show has donated more than 10,000 pounds of food to the local food bank.

“A lot of Rhode Islanders don’t get to experience what we do every week because there isn’t a track that is real close, so we’ll fire -up the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang at the dealership,” said Tasca. “The fans at NHRA they know what to expect, but you’ll see thousands of people surrounding the Mustang and then we hit the throttle. It’s like an earthquake. Everyone jumps two feet off the ground. It’s fun for me to bring our Shelby Mustang Funny Car to Rhode Island, to my hometown and at the same time help such a worthwhile cost with the Rhode Island Food Bank.”

12th Annual Mustang & Live Music EventSaturday, September 12: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tasca Automotive Group
1300 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
401-681-1300

For more information, visit www.tascaford.com

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


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

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

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

# # # #

Taking Reading’s Momentum into Indianapolis

It has been a couple of exciting weeks us at Motorcraft/Quick Lane and Tasca Racing.

Reading, Pennsylvania, is one of my two home tracks. Englishtown and Reading are both “east coast” races, so it’s a race track that has meant a lot to me throughout my career. I made my national event debut at Reading in my Alcohol Funny Car and John Force unveiled a race car at the same track that he dedicated to my grandfather, so it holds a lot of meaning for our family. Back in the 60s, Billy Lawton and my grandfather raced there and I wanted to live up to their standards. You want to do well at every track, but Maple Grove is one of those nostalgia races that rank up there with a lot of them.

What I was most proud of through the weekend was there’s so much effort that goes into a win. When you look at where we were Saturday night with a blown-up race car, one of the worst explosions that we’ve ever had, you wouldn’t have picked us to get out of the first round. The supercharger that we had been running for the last 10 races was gone and we had to put a whole new combination in the Motorcraft / Quick Lane Mustang for Sunday morning. We were running against arguably one of the most dominant cars of the year, with Ron Capps, and then you look at the ladder with John Force, Robert Hight, Mike Neff and a lot of other big names. My crew chief Chris Cunningham and the guys made a great call in getting the car set up and ready. The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang ran third quickest of the session, of the whole day, and I think it was second quickest speed of the event.

I remember sitting in my Mustang, 1,000 feet to destiny, that was probably the last conscious thought that went through my head. You’re sitting there and the guy next to you has got 1,000 feet in front of him, and you’ve got 1,000 feet in front of you. Who wants it more? That’s what it comes down to in our sport and our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team wanted it a little bit more on that race. The ball bounced our way. I sat there in the winner’s circle and I said, “NHRA racing is an all-Ford series, the car I drive is an all-Ford hot rod, I’m an all-Ford kid and today was an all-Ford day.”

Winning in Reading was a pretty special way to end a weekend that presented a lot of challenges. The one thing that I’m very excited about is to see our team’s level of concentration. Even in the midst of explosions, and all of the things that were going against us, Chris and Marc Denner, and the entire team stayed focused. They kept their cool and they gave me a hot rod that could win, and that’s all I could ask for them to do. As a driver-owner, your team has got to put you in the position to go out there and win, and then you have to go out there and do the job. It was a big win for our team and our program heading into the US Nationals.

After Reading, we went to a test session in Indy and tried some new things. Something I’ve said, you always learn something, you might not like the results, but you always learn something. We were trying some new blowers, and some different settings with the combination. We are trying to find every little bit of an advantage we can find and ultimately, get us ready for next weekend.
The test in Indy went ok. What we were trying to learn in Indy was to make sure we had good back-up blowers. There were some things that Chris wanted to try where you can have the opportunity to take the car to half-track and shut it off and you don’t do any damage. From those standpoints it was a success, but I don’t think we’ll take much of that data and use it next week because I think the track is going to be a whole lot better for the US Nationals then it was when we were out there testing. It is good data to have. It was just some things we needed to do with some new parts, a new rear-end, a new supercharger, and different things that you wouldn’t normally feel 100% confident throwing them into service without having a test opportunity.

We still have two test sessions left this season and a lot of teams are out of test sessions. We’ve been performing very well on the race tracks, so we’ve been saving them. That gives us some flexibility after Charlotte to test, potentially going into Vegas and to take every inch we can get as the season winds down.

One thing I want everyone to know is that I read every email that comes into the website and every Facebook message that comes in. I want to thank all the fans for their kind notes. It is humbling for me to be a part of a program that reaches so many people and brings so much excitement to people that I don’t even know and many of them that I haven’t even met.

We wouldn’t have had our success this year if it wasn’t for Chris Cunningham and all the guys on the Motorcraft / Quick Lane team. It’s a really awesome experience to be a part of this program and I’m just proud of the guys and Chris. I’ve said it before but he’s a great leader of our team. He’s a great friend and mentor of mine, and I’m just really lucky to have a guy like him and Marc and the talented crew that they’ve brought around me.

Lastly, the technical alliance with Tim Wilkerson has been amazing resource for our team, not only to share data but also to share experiences. As a driver, Tony Pedregon and John Force have been very instrumental in helping me, but having a guy like Tim next to your trailer who you interact with multiple times throughout a day and can bounce questions or ideas off of him has been a great opportunity for me personally and professionally. A lot of the decisions and plans that we made last year have really come together, and I think you’ve seen our team mature over the season. I know I’ve matured as a driver. I’m nowhere near the likes of some of the veterans out there, but I’m getting better with time and I’ll continue to improve, and I our team will continue to improve. I’ve ended a lot of interviews by saying the best is yet to come, but I believe that. I believe the best is yet to come with our Motorcraft / Quick Lane team. We’re going to keep working hard, and putting ourselves in the position to win and let the chips fall where they may.

Tasca and the Motorcraft/ Quick Lane Racing Team Head to the Home of Racing with Momentum in Tow

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

55th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
O’Reilly Raceway Park September 2-7, 2009
Race 18 of 24

Tasca and the Motorcraft/ Quick Lane Racing Team Head to the Home of Racing with Momentum in Tow

DEARBORN, MI – September 1, 2009 – Historic and prestigious are two words that describe the 55th Annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis. Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team head to the home of American racing looking to make some history of their own.

“You want to win Indianapolis because it is the signature race of the year,” said Tasca. “There are a lot of big races, certainly Gainesville is one of them, but Indy is special and historic. There are always huge crowds, and it’s a four-day event. It’s a special place for every driver.”

Coming off of his Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals win in Reading, a confident Tasca looks to Indy to continue gaining momentum before heading into the Countdown to 1 “playoffs.”

“This is about sending a message that we’re the real deal, we’ve won races, and now we’re continuing that momentum into Charlotte,” said Tasca. “At the end of the day, that’s where the Countdown to 1 begins.”

Currently in fourth place, locked into the Countdown and with two national event wins under his belt, Tasca has made a lot of progress in just a short time in his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car.

“It’s an exciting time for our program, and I’m just so happy to be able to be in the position we’re in,” said Tasca. “This is the second year of the program that we started from scratch. We’ve certainly made some significant progress in our second year and we’re very proud of that.”

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

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience Hours of Operation


Friday, September 4: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 5: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 6: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Monday, September 7: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Race Hot to a Mustang Sweepstakes
Enter to win a 2010 Ford Mustang GT equipped with a Ford Racing Performance Parts package and upgrades courtesy of Ford Custom Accessories in the Ford Customer Service Division ‘Race Hot to a Mustang Sweepstakes.’ Enter online until November 23, 2009, at http://www.motorcraft.com/, http://www.quicklane.com/, http://www.racefanoffers.com/ and http://www.bobtasca.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. Tony Pedregon, 1,292; 2. Ron Capps, 1,219; 3. Ashley Force Hood, 1,128; 4. Bob Tasca III, 1,008; 5. Jack Beckman, 996; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 982; 7. Del Worsham, 929; 8. John Force, 919; 9. Mike Neff, 872; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 801.

Indianapolis Race Notes
- Tasca qualified 15th during last year’s event at Indianapolis and lost in the first round to Cruz Pedregon.
- Tasca is currently fourth in points heading into the 18th 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
- First back-to-back semi-final appearances this season (Englishtown, NJ and Norwalk, OH)
- Tasca has an average qualifying position of seventh during the 2009 season
- Tasca has at least one round win in 13 of the 17 races this season

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

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

Television
Sunday, September 6: ESPN2 HD will televise NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute magazine show at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, September 6: ESPN2 HD will televise two hours and 30 minutes of qualifying coverage at 11:30 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, September 6: ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 5 p.m. (ET)
Monday, September 7: ESPN2 HD will televise a special one hour NHRA Race Day at noon (ET).
Monday, September 7: ESPN2 HD will televise five hours of eliminations coverage at 1 p.m. (ET).

Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, Sept. 4, 9:30 - 10 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 6K (11820 MHz, horizontal)Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 - 10:30 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 6K (11820 MHz, horizontal)Sunday, Sept. 6, 7:30 - 8 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 6K (11820 MHz, horizontal)Monday, Sept. 7, 6:30 - 7 p.m. (ET) - AMC 15 / Transponder 6K (11820 MHz, horizontal)

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

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

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

# # # #