Tasca Re-Signs Crew Chiefs, Team to 2010 Season
TASCA RE-SIGNS CREW CHIEFS, TEAM TO 2010 SEASON CONCORD, NC, January 20, 2010 – Behind every great NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series driver, there is a team of dedicated crew chiefs, engineers and specialists that build, tune and perfect an 8,000-horsepower machine down a 1,000-foot track. For Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team, crew chiefs, engineers and specialists are the first component considered when building their championship-winning program. The success of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team is built around a group of people that have the knowledge and expertise to build a race car that is fast and safe at 300 miles per hour. “It’s been just great to be able to work with such talented people for the last couple of years,” said driver/owner Bob Tasca III. “A big part of our extension with Motorcraft and Quick Lane this year was about securing our future as a program. When you know you have a big long-term commitment from your sponsor, then you can go back to the team that’s done such a great job and give them a long-term future.” 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. “Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner signed a multi-year contract extension with our program,” continued Tasca. “With Chris and Marc back on board, our core group remains together. Marc and Chris set the agenda and ultimately dictate the success of the race car. “As an owner, my first priority is to build a team and keep the team together,” said Tasca. “As a driver, I have to do my job in the seat, and clearly going into my third year I have high expectations on myself and the team.” Led by crew chiefs Chris Cunningham and Marc Denner, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Nitro Funny Car will be crewed by Team Leader, Tom Leskovan; Cale Hood, cylinder heads; Daniel Gilbert, clutch; Larry Lush, engine builder; Mike Cunningham, supercharger; Mike Cleaver, cylinder heads; and Geff Whitt, hospitality coordinator. “Bob and the Tasca family have treated me like family,” said Chris Cunningham, crew chief. “They extended their gratitude and offered me a multi-year contract and I couldn’t be happier.” Cunningham came to Tasca Racing as the co-crew chief in November 2007 and brought with him more than 25 years of NHRA experience. Cunningham has been eager to get back to the track after a solid 2009 season. “I’m looking forward to getting back to the track, improving our performance, and winning races,” continued Cunningham. “Winning a championship is our ultimate goal. We did well in 2009 by winning two races, getting to finals and putting round wins on the board, but in the end, it’s not enough. We want to win a championship and that’s why we’re are out here.” “On top of Marc and Chris signing, every member on the team from last year has signed for this current season,” said Tasca. “We have the crew chiefs in place for multiple years for future years to come, but more importantly we have everyone on the team together to go into the 2010 season. I’m excited about it, I know Marc and Chris are excited, and we’re getting ready to hit the gas here really soon.” Cunningham looks to build on the success of the 2009 season with the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team. As the leader of the team, Cunningham relies on consistency and dedication from his crew “I’m glad we are keeping the entire Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team intact for the 2010 season,” continued Cunningham. “Since most of us have been with the team since 2008, we’re able to build on the continuity. I know what to expect out of the team, so there’s more time to improve.” The 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season begins with the 50th Annual Kragen O’Reilly Parts NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., on Thursday, February 11. 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 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. # # # # Photo Attachment: Marc Denner, Bob Tasca III, Chris Cunningham celebrate 2009 Reading win. MEDIA CONTACT: Susan Pollack Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center 313.203.7162 | 313.434.6912 spollack@pcgcampbell.com www.twitter.com/MQL_Racing www.facebook.com/MQLRacing