in Englishtown
Rain showers quieted the familiar rumble of race cars at Old Bridge Township Park in Englishtown on
Saturday. With only three rounds of qualifying complete, NHRA cancelled the fourth and final
qualifying session when rain halted all on-track activity. The field was set based on the best
qualifying times of the weekend.
Friday afternoon's cooler temperatures allowed Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby
team to post their best run of the weekend. Tasca piloted his red and black Mustang to the 1000-ft
mark in 4.166 seconds at a top speed of 292.77 miles per hour. Tasca is the fifth seed and will
face Jeff Arend in the first round on Sunday.
"We made three runs this weekend and our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang made it down the race
track every time," said Tasca. "The secret to our success this year has been a consistent and
predictable hot rod that puts us in a position to win. Obviously, we always shoot for the No. 1
spot, but sitting fifth on the ladder, we're solidly in the top half of the field."
Despite rain ending Saturday's final qualifying attempt, Tasca spent time with fans and
Motorcraft/Quick Lane sponsors.
"Ford Customer Service Division President Darryl Hazel, and Director of Marketing, Brett Wheatley
from Motorcraft came out to see what we do, visit the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing Experience Nitro
Alley display and meet the fans."
Despite a shortened Saturday schedule, Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are hoping their
hometown advantage comes into play once the elimination rounds start on Sunday morning.
"This is my hometown track and it is important for us to do well here," said Tasca. "We're in an
exciting point of the season. I'm happy to be in Englishtown with friends and family and to put on
a good show for the fans tomorrow."
