Tasca And Motorcraft/Racing Use Brainers To Launch Countdown Momentum

DEARBORN, August 12, 2010: Fresh off a two-week break, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team are eager to get back to racing this weekend in Brainerd, Minn., looking to gain momentum for the Countdown to 1 playoffs that begin in Indianapolis in September.

“Even though we’re locked into the Countdown, we still have some work that needs to be done this weekend in Brainerd,” said Tasca. “We have our sights set on finishing the regular season in the fourth or fifth spot in the standings, which are both within our reach. Once the points reset and the Countdown begins, you can win from any spot.”

Tasca has an even record at Brainerd, with two round wins and two round losses, and would like to pilot his red and black Mustang a full four rounds at this weekend’s event. Even though the start of the Countdown is a short two weeks away, Tasca knows that success this weekend can only build into solid performances in the coming weeks. In addition to his performance, Tasca is eager to watch his fellow competitors both at the top and bottom of the ladder.

“Clearly, we’d like to go into the Countdown with some momentum and that is what we’re focused on this weekend,” said Tasca. “It will be interesting to watch John Force and Robert Hight battle for the top spot. We’ll also be watching Tony Pedregon and Jeff Arend battle for the final spot – that should be an exciting story. There is a lot of stuff happening this weekend and it’s great to be in the thick of it.”

Although Tasca and the Shelby Mustang are secure in the Countdown to 1 playoffs, Tasca is not taking Brainerd lightly. Determined to improve his position on the ladder, Tasca and crew chiefs Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner will not use Brainerd as a testing platform.

“Our testing needs to be focused on cool conditions and we won’t see those [conditions] this weekend,” said Tasca. “We’re going to be in race mode. We’ll be focused on testing as we get into the Countdown; it will probably be after the Charlotte or Reading races where we can work on the cool weather tune-up. It’s going to be a six-race shootout, and you’ve got to win at least two of them to get yourself in a place to win this championship going into Pomona.”

In addition to getting back into his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang, Tasca is eager to get back to Brainerd and the NHRA fans.

“I’m excited to get back to racing,” said Tasca. “It’s also great to see the fans get all fired up about an event. That’s what motivates us and makes all our hard work worthwhile – to get out to the track with the fans and the other racers and compete. I think it will be a pretty exciting close to the regular season.”

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