NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Tasca Racing will compete in the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals presented by Minties at Heartland Park Topeka with backing from Gary Crossley Ford.

“Todd Crossley, the owner of Crossley Ford, is a close friend of mine, and I’m proud to represent his family and team back at the dealership out on the track,” said team owner and driver Bob Tasca III. “The number one question I get asked at the track is why Ford pulled out of NHRA [Funny Car] racing. Truthfully, I really don’t know why, but I strongly believe they will come back. Right now, we have people like Todd who see the value in NHRA and want to help keep Tasca Racing and the Ford name out on the track.”

Tasca Racing continues to pick up steam as the season builds, running three-second passes in both Gainesville and Charlotte.

“What a difference a year make,” said Tasca. “Even though we are only a part-time team for now, we have made big improvements in our performance! Last year at this time we were working hard to break back into the threes; now we’re close to breaking into the 3.8s! It’s going to be great to go back to Topeka with the race car we have right now. Last year Topeka produced the fastest speeds ever in a Funny Car. I can’t wait to see what we can do this year.

“We were very happy with our first two races. We qualified great in Charlotte, running a 3.96 at 323 mph, and we had a really good shot at winning that first round in Charlotte right up until my supercharger belt broke. With these first two races under our belt, my team has a lot of confidence going into Topeka. I know this is a big deal for Todd and his family, and we really want to perform well.”

Crossley, one of the largest Ford dealers in the country, added, “Last year was incredible. The turnout was amazing, and the speeds were record setting! Having been both a racer and a race fan my whole life, it gives me great pride to be part of the team bringing a Ford Mustang back to the NHRA Mello Yello Series this season, and who better to drive than one of my best friends, Bob Tasca III. Drag racing is a team sport, but it takes great sponsors like Mello Yello and Ford to produce a product worthy of our race fans. I’m optimistic that Ford will see the excitement that our participation is creating and work to increase their involvement in the near future.”