Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
26th Annual NHRA Arizona Nationals
Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, AZ February 19-21, 2010
Race 2 of 23
BOB TASCA III AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE FORD SHELBY MUSTANG MISS SECOND ROUND BY 12 FEET
Firebird, AZ., February 21, 2010 – After several rain delays on Sunday, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team were eager to attack Firebird International Raceway and carry Pomona momentum with them to the finals.
Tasca opened the weekend with a strong 4.160-second pass at 301.20 miles per hour during the first qualifying session. After the end of Friday’s sessions, Tasca was comfortably qualified for Sunday’s eliminations.
Rain would cancel the final qualifying session on Saturday afternoon and Tasca would rely on his best effort from Friday’s opening run to seed him for the elimination rounds. The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Racing team qualified in the 10th position and would face Jack Beckman in the opening round on Sunday.
For the first time in the 2010 season, rain would delay the start of Sunday’s elimination rounds. After a delayed start, Tasca and Jack Beckman would be the first pair of Funny Cars on track.
Once the Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger were staged, Tasca was first off the line with a solid reaction time and led until the 660-foot maker. Beckman took the lead and reached the finish line ahead of Tasca by 0.0276 seconds, approximately 12 feet. Tasca ran a 4.196 second pass at 299.20 miles per hour to the Beckman’s 4.132-second pass at 307.37 miles per hour.
Final elimination rounds of the 26th Annual NHRA Arizona Nationals are scheduled to run on Monday, February 22, 2010, at noon ET (10 a.m. MT).
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing will return to the track on Friday, March 12, in Gainesville, Florida, the site of Tasca’s first No. 1 Qualifier and first career win.
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Points
1. John Force, 244(W) or 224(L); 2. Jack Beckman, 187(W) or 167(L); 3. Ron Capps, 148; 4. Robert Hight, 121; 5. Matt Hagan, 120; 6t. Bob Tasca III and Ashley Force Hood, 111; 8. Tony Pedregon, 104; 9. Del Worsham, 97; 10. Jim Head, 86.
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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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.
# # # #
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Carry Pomona Momentum into Phoenix
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
26th Annual NHRA Arizona Nationals
Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, AZ
February 19-21, 2010
Race 2 of 23
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE CARRY POMONA MOMENTUM INTO PHOENIX
DEARBORN, MI – February 17, 2010 – Following their semi-final appearance at last weekend’s race in Pomona, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team look forward to the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series’ first back-to-back racing weekend.
“I’m excited that were going to Phoenix right after kicking off the season in Pomona,” said Tasca. “Normally Phoenix is after a week off but I’m glad we’re back-to-back this early in the season. We worked hard all winter and we want to get back to racing. That’s why we’re here and that’s what we love to do.”
Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team are believers in momentum and see Phoenix as an opportunity to improve their Shelby Mustang and standings in series points. The team looks to conquer the tricky track known as Firebird Raceway because they’ve had mixed results in the past. In two previous visits to Firebird International Raceway, Tasca did not qualify (2008) and reached the second round (2009).
“We can take and build on the momentum we started in Pomona,” said Tasca. “This sport is all about momentum and capturing good data. All of our data is applicable to Phoenix, so we’re confident heading into Phoenix because the conditions will be very similar to what we saw in Pomona. We’ll look at our testing data, look at what we did in Pomona and that will give us confidence for Q1 this Friday.”
The red and black Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang has been updated for the 2010 Season. Tasca ran the new 2010 Shelby Mustang body in Pomona and liked the performance of the pony car.
“The 2010 Mustang body is great and it’s definitely going to give us a performance advantage over our body from last year,” said Tasca. “This new Mustang will bring us more on par with some of the other bodies that are out here because it is more aerodynamic, it has more downforce when we need it and it has less drag when we need it. Those are all things that play a big role when you’re fighting for hundredths of a second.”
In addition to the first back-to-back race of the season, Tasca looks forward to Phoenix because the father of three will have his personal cheering section with him.
“Phoenix will be great for me because it will be the first race with my wife Terri, our boys and my family. It is always nice to have the family with me at the track.”
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Points
1. John Force, 121; 2. Ron Capps, 94; 3. Bob Tasca III, 78; 4. Jack Beckman, 74; 5. Del Worsham, 59; 6. Matt Hagan, 57; 7. Ashley Force Hood, 56; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 51; 9. Robert Hight, 43; 10t. Tony Pedregon and Jim Head, 33.
Phoenix Race Notes
- Tasca qualified seventh during last year’s event at Phoenix and lost in the second round to Mike Neff.
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
- Earned two wins in 2009 – Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL and Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, PA
- Finished eighth in series points in 2009
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/
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2010 marks the third 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’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities in 2010. Visit www.quicklane.com to find the one of the Quick Lanes in the greater Phoenix area.
Television
Saturday, Feb. 20, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 2 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Feb. 21, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Feb. 21, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 7 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, Feb. 19, 8:30 - 9 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 24K
Saturday, Feb. 20, 9:30 - 10 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 24K
Sunday, Feb. 21, 9 - 9:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 24K
Download frequency AMC 9 / Transponder 24K (12180 MHz, horizontal) (Analog feed)
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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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.
# # # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Pollack
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center
313.203.7162 | 313.434.6912
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang Reach Semi-Finals at 50th Annual NHRA Winternationals
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA
February 11-14, 2010
Race 1 of 23
BOB TASCA III AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE FORD SHELBY MUSTANG REACH SEMI-FINALS AT 50TH ANNUAL WINTERNATIONALS
Pomona, CA., February 14, 2010 – On the golden anniversary of the NHRA Winternationals, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team hoped to go four rounds and earn their third career win. The team’s chances for victory ended with a semi-final loss to Ron Capps.
Piloting his new 2010 Shelby Mustang body, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team had a trying weekend up until the final qualifying session on Saturday afternoon. Sitting on the bump spot, Tasca ran low ET of the round with a 4.075-second pass at 306.88 miles per hour.
Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang were confident heading into Sunday’s elimination rounds. Tasca had two solid first rounds of competition and defeated Melanie Troxel and Matt Hagan.
Tasca met Capps in the semi-finals and smoked the tires right off the line.
“We made a mistake; it was an oversight,” said Tasca. “Chris [Cunningham, crew chief] wanted to put a set of scuffed tires on the Shelby Mustang because the track was still hot. We didn’t want to put a new set on, so we rolled a set out that we had. They were the tires from the Pomona race in November. They were old rubber and did not react the way we expected. The car should not have done what it did.”
Despite not walking away with the win, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will leave Pomona in third position heading into Phoenix next weekend.
“We can take a step back and see that we’ve come a long way in the off season,” said Tasca. “We came out here and did well. I’ve got a big smile on my face and the team has big smile on their faces. We’ll roll into Phoenix with similar conditions, so there is no reason why we can’t win Phoenix.”
John Force won the 50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals.
“Congratulations to John Force and his entire team. It is fitting that he won the 50th NHRA Winternationals,” said Tasca. “Obviously if I can’t win, I’d love to see another Ford win. John is the hero of the sport; he’s been my hero growing up in drag racing. I’m happy to see him get the season started off with a win.”
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Points
1. John Force, 121; 2. Ron Capps, 94; 3. Bob Tasca III; 78; 4. Jack Beckman, 74; 5. Del Worsham, 59; 6. Matt Hagan, 57; 7. Ashley Force Hood, 56; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 51; 9. Robert Hight, 43; 10t. Tony Pedregon and Jim Head, 33.
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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA
February 11-14, 2010
Race 1 of 23
BOB TASCA III AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE FORD SHELBY MUSTANG REACH SEMI-FINALS AT 50TH ANNUAL WINTERNATIONALS
Pomona, CA., February 14, 2010 – On the golden anniversary of the NHRA Winternationals, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team hoped to go four rounds and earn their third career win. The team’s chances for victory ended with a semi-final loss to Ron Capps.
Piloting his new 2010 Shelby Mustang body, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team had a trying weekend up until the final qualifying session on Saturday afternoon. Sitting on the bump spot, Tasca ran low ET of the round with a 4.075-second pass at 306.88 miles per hour.
Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang were confident heading into Sunday’s elimination rounds. Tasca had two solid first rounds of competition and defeated Melanie Troxel and Matt Hagan.
Tasca met Capps in the semi-finals and smoked the tires right off the line.
“We made a mistake; it was an oversight,” said Tasca. “Chris [Cunningham, crew chief] wanted to put a set of scuffed tires on the Shelby Mustang because the track was still hot. We didn’t want to put a new set on, so we rolled a set out that we had. They were the tires from the Pomona race in November. They were old rubber and did not react the way we expected. The car should not have done what it did.”
Despite not walking away with the win, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will leave Pomona in third position heading into Phoenix next weekend.
“We can take a step back and see that we’ve come a long way in the off season,” said Tasca. “We came out here and did well. I’ve got a big smile on my face and the team has big smile on their faces. We’ll roll into Phoenix with similar conditions, so there is no reason why we can’t win Phoenix.”
John Force won the 50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals.
“Congratulations to John Force and his entire team. It is fitting that he won the 50th NHRA Winternationals,” said Tasca. “Obviously if I can’t win, I’d love to see another Ford win. John is the hero of the sport; he’s been my hero growing up in drag racing. I’m happy to see him get the season started off with a win.”
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Points
1. John Force, 121; 2. Ron Capps, 94; 3. Bob Tasca III; 78; 4. Jack Beckman, 74; 5. Del Worsham, 59; 6. Matt Hagan, 57; 7. Ashley Force Hood, 56; 8. Cruz Pedregon, 51; 9. Robert Hight, 43; 10t. Tony Pedregon and Jim Head, 33.
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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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.
# # # #
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tasca to Start Fourth in Sunday’s 50th Annual NHRA Winternationals
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA
February 11-14, 2010
Race 1 of 23
TASCA TO START FOURTH IN SUNDAY’S 50TH ANNUAL NHRA WINTERNATIONALS
Pomona, CA., Feb 13, 2010 – Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team saved their best run for last during Saturday’s final qualifying session at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
After three rounds of qualifying Tasca found himself sitting in the 16th position. In his final qualifying attempt, Tasca wowed the crowd with an impressive session-best pass of 4.075 seconds at 306.88 miles per hour. Tasca’s run catapulted him from 16th to fourth overall.
“Chris Cunningham made a few changes and did what he thought was the right decision,” said Tasca. “I said a little prayer to my grandfather, ‘Pop, if there’s a time that I need you, it is on this run.’ And that’s the quickest run I’ve ever been on.”
As the team owner and driver, Tasca credits the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team for their efforts in giving him a solid and competitive Shelby Mustang Funny Car.
“What a tribute to all the hard work that my guys have put in,” said Tasca. “To run low ET of the round, move into the fourth qualifying position, clearly shows that we’re in this deal to win.”
As the fourth seed, Tasca will face Melanie Troxel in the first round on Sunday. Tasca and Troxel have met two previous times and Tasca won both matches.
“I’m looking forward to Sunday,” said Tasca. “I raced Melanie in 2008 in my very first race earned my first, first round win. Hopefully this will be my first round win of 2010.”
Tasca is eager to make his way through the ladder on Sunday, but will take the day one round at a time.
“You’ve got to go up there and not take anything for grated,” continued Tasca. “My guys have smiles on their faces right now after that qualifying effort. We know that when you do it once, you can do it again. I’m happy about that and looking forward to first round.”
Qualifying Order
1. Robert Hight; 2. Del Worsham; 3. John Force; 4. Bob Tasca III; 5. Matt Hagan; 6. Ashley Force Hood; 7. Jack Beckman; 8. Jim Head; 9. Ron Capps; 10. Tony Pedregon; 11. Tim Wilkerson; 12. Gary Densham; 13. Melanie Troxel; 14. Bob Bode; 15. Jeff Arend; 16. Cruz Pedregon
DNQ – Terry Haddock, Jeff Diehl and Paul Lee
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, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 10 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 8 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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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 to Start Fourth in Sunday’s 50th Annual NHRA Winternationals
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA
February 11-14, 2010
Race 1 of 23
TASCA TO START FOURTH IN SUNDAY’S 50TH ANNUAL NHRA WINTERNATIONALS
Pomona, CA., Feb 13, 2010 – Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang team saved their best run for last during Saturday’s final qualifying session at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
After three rounds of qualifying Tasca found himself sitting in the 16th position. In his final qualifying attempt, Tasca wowed the crowd with an impressive session-best pass of 4.075 seconds at 306.88 miles per hour. Tasca’s run catapulted him from 16th to fourth overall.
“Chris Cunningham made a few changes and did what he thought was the right decision,” said Tasca. “I said a little prayer to my grandfather, ‘Pop, if there’s a time that I need you, it is on this run.’ And that’s the quickest run I’ve ever been on.”
As the team owner and driver, Tasca credits the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team for their efforts in giving him a solid and competitive Shelby Mustang Funny Car.
“What a tribute to all the hard work that my guys have put in,” said Tasca. “To run low ET of the round, move into the fourth qualifying position, clearly shows that we’re in this deal to win.”
As the fourth seed, Tasca will face Melanie Troxel in the first round on Sunday. Tasca and Troxel have met two previous times and Tasca won both matches.
“I’m looking forward to Sunday,” said Tasca. “I raced Melanie in 2008 in my very first race earned my first, first round win. Hopefully this will be my first round win of 2010.”
Tasca is eager to make his way through the ladder on Sunday, but will take the day one round at a time.
“You’ve got to go up there and not take anything for grated,” continued Tasca. “My guys have smiles on their faces right now after that qualifying effort. We know that when you do it once, you can do it again. I’m happy about that and looking forward to first round.”
Qualifying Order
1. Robert Hight; 2. Del Worsham; 3. John Force; 4. Bob Tasca III; 5. Matt Hagan; 6. Ashley Force Hood; 7. Jack Beckman; 8. Jim Head; 9. Ron Capps; 10. Tony Pedregon; 11. Tim Wilkerson; 12. Gary Densham; 13. Melanie Troxel; 14. Bob Bode; 15. Jeff Arend; 16. Cruz Pedregon
DNQ – Terry Haddock, Jeff Diehl and Paul Lee
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, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 10 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 8 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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tasca and Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Team Eager to Return to Pomona for 50th Running of the NHRA Winternationals
Bob Tasca III
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA February 11-14, 2010
Race 1 of 23
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM EAGER TO RETURN TO POMONA FOR 50TH RUNNING OF THE WINTERNATIONALS
February in Pomona marks the start of a new season – new goals and aspirations for the coming months. For Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team, Pomona marks the start of a new season, but the continuation of a solid 2009 season.
“I’m looking forward to getting this season started,” said Tasca. “Every element of our program, from our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team, to our Shelby Mustang Funny Car, my confidence level and determination level as a driver - I’m in the best position that I’ve been in at the start of the season.”
This weekend marks the 50th running of the NHRA Winternationals and Tasca’s third appearance at the February event. Tasca is eager to capture his first win of the season at the famous track in southern California especially on this momentous weekend.
“They say a win is a win, but that’s never really the case,” said Tasca. “There’s something special about the first race of the year, being in Pomona, having the snow-capped mountains in the background, and it’s one of those races where you really want to do well in and leave with the trophy. Since this weekend is the 50th Winternationals at Pomona, I would love to win.”
The same Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team that earned two race wins, one runner-up finish, 26 round wins and a place in the 2009 Countdown to 1, will return for the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season.
“One of the things I’m looking forward to the most heading into my third season is that the entire team is back together again,” said Tasca. “There’s nothing that gives a driver more confidence than believing in the people that you have around you. Having my entire team together gives me a lot of confidence going into this season.”
Tasca and the crew are eager to get back to the track intact, with one minor change. The red and black Mustang car number has changed from 1777 to the number eight – Tasca’s finishing position from the 2009 season.
“That 1777 number meant a lot to me, but it’s time to make a change,” said Tasca. “We’re changing the number on our Mustang to the number eight on the car, which is something I’m very proud of in my second season for the program. I’m proud that we were able to finish number eighth in the points. We’ll wear it proudly, but we want to subtract seven digits from that this year so it gives us something to shoot for this season.”
For the 2010 season, the Motorcraft and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers logos will appear on both the Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car of Bob Tasca III in NHRA and the No. 21 Ford Fusion of Bill Elliott in NASCAR.
FordParts.com will also have a presence on both race cars for the 2010 season. Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order, and receive original equipment parts through its new website. It allows customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter.
“I’ve said it before - I’m an all-Ford kid, and this is an all-Ford hot rod and there is nothing more Ford than fordparts.com,” said Tasca. “Fordparts.com gives all Ford customers out there a great place to go to for all of their Ford parts needs. It is a great site and I’m excited to have FordParts.com on my Mustang because it is just another example of how Ford is connected to the consumers’ needs and wants.”
Pomona Race Notes
- Tasca qualified fifth during last year’s event at Pomona and lost in the second round to Ron Capps.
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
- Earned two wins in 2009 – Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL and Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, PA
- Finished eighth in series points in 2009
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2010 marks the third 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’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities in 2010. Visit www.quicklane.com to find the one of the Quick Lanes in the greater Pomona 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, Feb. 13, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 11 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 10 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 8 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, Feb. 12, 8:30 - 9 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K
Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K
Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K
Download frequency AMC 9 / Transponder 18K (12060 MHz, horizontal) (Analog feed)
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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Shelby Mustang
Nitro Funny Car class
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals
Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, CA February 11-14, 2010
Race 1 of 23
TASCA AND MOTORCRAFT/QUICK LANE RACING TEAM EAGER TO RETURN TO POMONA FOR 50TH RUNNING OF THE WINTERNATIONALS
February in Pomona marks the start of a new season – new goals and aspirations for the coming months. For Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team, Pomona marks the start of a new season, but the continuation of a solid 2009 season.
“I’m looking forward to getting this season started,” said Tasca. “Every element of our program, from our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team, to our Shelby Mustang Funny Car, my confidence level and determination level as a driver - I’m in the best position that I’ve been in at the start of the season.”
This weekend marks the 50th running of the NHRA Winternationals and Tasca’s third appearance at the February event. Tasca is eager to capture his first win of the season at the famous track in southern California especially on this momentous weekend.
“They say a win is a win, but that’s never really the case,” said Tasca. “There’s something special about the first race of the year, being in Pomona, having the snow-capped mountains in the background, and it’s one of those races where you really want to do well in and leave with the trophy. Since this weekend is the 50th Winternationals at Pomona, I would love to win.”
The same Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team that earned two race wins, one runner-up finish, 26 round wins and a place in the 2009 Countdown to 1, will return for the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season.
“One of the things I’m looking forward to the most heading into my third season is that the entire team is back together again,” said Tasca. “There’s nothing that gives a driver more confidence than believing in the people that you have around you. Having my entire team together gives me a lot of confidence going into this season.”
Tasca and the crew are eager to get back to the track intact, with one minor change. The red and black Mustang car number has changed from 1777 to the number eight – Tasca’s finishing position from the 2009 season.
“That 1777 number meant a lot to me, but it’s time to make a change,” said Tasca. “We’re changing the number on our Mustang to the number eight on the car, which is something I’m very proud of in my second season for the program. I’m proud that we were able to finish number eighth in the points. We’ll wear it proudly, but we want to subtract seven digits from that this year so it gives us something to shoot for this season.”
For the 2010 season, the Motorcraft and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers logos will appear on both the Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car of Bob Tasca III in NHRA and the No. 21 Ford Fusion of Bill Elliott in NASCAR.
FordParts.com will also have a presence on both race cars for the 2010 season. Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order, and receive original equipment parts through its new website. It allows customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter.
“I’ve said it before - I’m an all-Ford kid, and this is an all-Ford hot rod and there is nothing more Ford than fordparts.com,” said Tasca. “Fordparts.com gives all Ford customers out there a great place to go to for all of their Ford parts needs. It is a great site and I’m excited to have FordParts.com on my Mustang because it is just another example of how Ford is connected to the consumers’ needs and wants.”
Pomona Race Notes
- Tasca qualified fifth during last year’s event at Pomona and lost in the second round to Ron Capps.
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
- Earned two wins in 2009 – Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL and Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, PA
- Finished eighth in series points in 2009
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Notes
- 2010 marks the third 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’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities in 2010. Visit www.quicklane.com to find the one of the Quick Lanes in the greater Pomona 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, Feb. 13, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 11 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day, at 10 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, Nov. 15, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of final eliminations at 8 p.m. (ET).
Satellite (Analog feed)
Friday, Feb. 12, 8:30 - 9 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K
Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K
Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 9 / Transponder 18K
Download frequency AMC 9 / Transponder 18K (12060 MHz, horizontal) (Analog feed)
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 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 Tire & Auto Centers
Quick Lane® provides automotive quick services for all makes and models. Quick Lane’s nationwide network will surpass 600 facilities, each providing 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 Fordparts.com
Fordparts.com allows customers to shop for, order and receive original equipment parts. Fordparts.com enables customers to remain connected to a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership of their choice for the parts expertise, personal delivery assistance, and post-sale follow-up associated with a traditional purchase at a parts counter. The user functionality and convenience of the website is for individual “do-it-yourselfers” who service and repair their vehicles themselves, to fleet managers purchasing parts for a company’s fleet of vehicles, to a repair shop or “installer” purchasing parts on behalf of a customer visiting their facility for automotive service. For more information, visit www.fordparts.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 200,000 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.
# # # #
Monday, February 8, 2010
Elliott Puts the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion In the Daytona 500
Bill Elliott and the crew of the Motorcraft Quick Lane No. 21 Ford Fusion headed into Saturday’s Daytona 500 qualifying session with a seemingly modest, but extremely important goal - to secure a starting spot for the Great American Race.
But Elliott and his David Hyder-led Wood Brothers team blew by that simple goal in a big way, nailing down the fourth qualifying position and leading the way for Ford Motor Company. His was the only Fusion among the top 10 qualifiers. Elliott’s lap at 190.573 miles per hour was just a few ticks of the stopwatch slower than Mark Martin’s pole winning run of 191.188 mph, giving two of the top four starting spots to drivers over age 50.
But, as Elliott pointed out, success in qualifying at Daytona is as much or more about teamwork than driver performance or experience. And his crew came through for him with flying colors. “We worked hard,” he said. “We did our homework.”
Team co-owner Eddie Wood said that while the crew accomplished its goal of being the fastest of the teams outside the top 35 in car owner points and therefore not assured of a starting spot, it could have been a lot more interesting if the backstretch tailwinds that propelled some of the earlier qualifiers hadn’t subsided before Elliott hit the track. “We would have loved to have been on the pole, but going out late hurt us there,” Wood said. “But the important thing is that we’re in the Daytona 500.”
Just like last year at Daytona, the No. 21 Motorcraft Quick Lane entry drew praise for its workmanship from both garage insiders and TV commentators covering the race. FOX broadcaster Larry McReynolds, a former crew chief, pointed out to viewers that hundreds of hours were spent sanding and polishing and tweaking on the car to come up with a sleek finished product that outran 50 other competitors.
Elliott, who knows a thing or two about car preparation himself having been a hands-on mechanic earlier in his career, joined in the praise of the Wood Brothers’ work. “I’m telling you, this is a gorgeous race car, very well put together,” he said. “I’m just proud to race it come Sunday afternoon.”
His qualifying lap assures him of a Daytona 500 start no matter how he finishes in Thursday’s 150-mile Gatorade Duels that will determine the starting line-up for the 500. Elliott said that now that the initial Daytona goal has been met, the celebration needs to be short because it’s time for him and the crew to get back to work preparing for Thursday’s Duel and then the Daytona 500 next Sunday. “Our sights are set on the Daytona 500,” he said. “I think we’ve got a pretty good idea of what we need to do, and that is to let the guys do their magic in the garage and then see what we can do on the race track.”
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wood Brothers 2010 Daytona 500 Preview
David Hyder and the crew of the Wood Brothers No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion passed their first major test of 2010 Speedweeks on Monday.
Their driver, Bill Elliott, the 1988 Sprint Cup champion and a 44-time Cup winner, gave the Hyder-led crew an enthusiastic thumbs up for their preparation of his Daytona 500 car.
“They’ve got me a hot rod that’s ultra nice,” said Elliott, who drove over from his north Georgia home early Monday morning to help make sure his seat fit just right. “They’re flat stepping it up.”
Elliott said the work at the shop over the winter, coupled with the team’s strong finish at Homestead, where Elliott qualified ninth, then sped through the field late in the race to claim a strong 16th-place finish, have him pumped up about the upcoming season, where he’ll run 13 Cup races in the famed No. 21.
“With what they’ve got going on at the shop, and the way we ended up last year, I believe we can step up our program and be better still,” Elliott said. And at age 54, Elliott says he’s plenty fit physically to give the Motorcraft/Quick Lane red No. 21 Fusion a good workout. He said his performance last year, with strong runs at demanding tracks like Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he qualified fourth and ran up front for much of the race, as well as the strong showing by fellow fiftysomething driver Mark Martin, show that age isn’t a big deterrent to success in the Sprint Cup Series. “Absolutely not,” Elliott said.
While Elliott may have a few seasons under his belt, his Daytona 500 car is a brand-new one for all practical purposes. It was last year’s back-up Daytona car, but it was stripped to the bare metal frame and completely redone. Last year’s primary car was freshened up and will serve as the back-up.
Team co-owner Eddie Wood said the team will take things one step at a time heading into the sport’s showcase race. Without the luxury of a guaranteed starting spot, the first goal will be to run fast enough in qualifying to be locked in for a Daytona 500 starting berth. That way they won’t have to be under so much pressure in Thursday’s 150-mile Gatorade Duels.
“We’ve worked hard all winter, and hopefully we’ll be fast enough to get in the 500 during qualifying,” he said.
While Elliott and the Woods are mostly looking forward as they head to Daytona, this Speedweeks also will be a time for looking back.
It’ll be the 63rd trip to Daytona for Eddie’s father, team founder Glen Wood, a string that dates all the way back to when races were held on partly on the beach and partly on Highway A1A. And it’ll mark the start of the 60th NASCAR season for the Wood Brothers racing team. A special logo on the B pillar of the car will commemorate the anniversary.
Although the second and third generations of the Wood family weren’t around to witness those early days, Eddie Wood points out that one of the great things about being in Daytona is the opportunity to see the places where early racing history was made.
“The beach is still there, and so is A1A,” he said. And when he enters Daytona International Speedway, he still can drive through the same corrugated metal tunnel that his father and uncles drove through when they scored the team’s first four wins in the Great American Race, in 1963, 1968, 1972 and 1976, and where Elliott drove in when he won the 500 in 1985 and 1987.
Although much has changed over the years, like a new tunnel, new garages and an amusement park atmosphere outside the track, one thing remain the same for Elliott and the Woods - when they hit the track, they’ll be carrying the colors of Ford Motor Company.
“Loyalty is still alive and well in the United States of America,” Wood said.
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