NHRA Funny Car - Chicago: Look Out Record Books - Tasca Coming To Chicago

Joliet, July 7, 2011: At Route 66 Raceway, there’s no escaping the raw power and speed that is NHRA Full Throttle Series drag racing. But then, why would you want to? When Bob Tasca III starts the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Funny Car and pulls up to make his first qualifying pass, every spectator will feel the power of the 7,000 horsepower machine. And with all four qualifying passes scheduled at night – the first race of the year that features all night qualifying – it’s bound to be a wild ride.

“It’s a tremendous racing surface,” Tasca said. “It positions itself as one of those races where you can break records.”

Route 66 Raceway has a lot going for it with its unique wrap-around seating that amplifies the sound of the engines and smell of nitromethane. It’s drag racing, Major League Baseball style – in a town that loves its sports.

“Chicago fans are awesome and the place is full of energy,” Tasca said. “I know a lot of people look forward to the race. On a multitude of levels, it’s a place you just love racing at.”

Tasca has a special fight on his hands in Joliet. Ford Racing earned its 199th win in Funny Car with Mike Neff’s victory in Norwalk, Ohio at the previous event. Now the next driver to win will go down in history as the driver who earned Ford its 200th. It would be an incredibly special moment for Tasca, who campaigns with Ford’s Motorcraft, Quick Lane and FordParts.com colors on his Mustang.

Motorcraft in particular carries a proud history in motorsports, including numerous campaigns in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NHRA. Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement 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 nationwide at Ford and Lincoln dealers, independent distributors, and automotive parts retailers and are backed by Ford Motor Company’s Service Parts Limited Warranty.

“A win is a win, but when it’s the 200th win for Ford Racing, I guess you could say a win isn’t just a win,” Tasca said. “It’s certainly a big-time deal. It’s an amazing accomplishment. I’ve played a small role adding a few to that number, but it’d be great to add the 200th.

“It would mean a lot from a historic standpoint. Certainly, we go to win every race we enter. It would mean a lot. Clearly, 200 is a big mark, but if my grandfather (Bob Tasca Sr.) were here he wouldn’t spend much time celebrating. He’d be worried about getting the next 200, so I think that’s the mindset you’ve got to have. You can look back and reflect, but at the end of the day the sport of racing is about looking forward to the next win. I’d love to get 200. I’d love to get 201, too. So it’ll be an exciting moment for sure, but these Ford teams are looking down the road for a championship.”