NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Ford Customer Service Division, parent organization for Motorcraft, Omnicraft and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, today announces its return to the National Hot Rod Association after a 10-year hiatus. Ford Customer Service Division will be primary and secondary sponsors for Bob Tasca III’s nitro-powered Mustang Funny Car for 2018.

Motorcraft also will serve as co-sponsor of Tasca Racing for the remaining seven races, building on the company’s legacy of drag racing that dates to the start of the sport.

“We are excited to return Motorcraft as primary livery to Bob Tasca Racing in NHRA,” said Matt Bradley, sales and marketing director, Ford Customer Service Division. “Joining Tasca Racing expands our reach beyond the racetrack, widening our brand's footprint and getting us in front of our core audiences.”

"Drag racing fans are loyal and dedicated hands-on customers who appreciate impeccable customer care and high-quality replacement parts, such as Motorcraft and Omnicraft, at competitive prices," Bradley added.

Ford Customer Service Division and its associated brands won a place in the hearts and minds of drag racing fans everywhere in the late 1980s and early 1990s, sponsoring Ford hall-of-famer Bob Glidden, a 10-time NHRA Pro Stock champ, and NHRA legend Kenny Bernstein, among others.

The name Tasca holds a significance of its own in NHRA. Bob Tasca III, who grew up in and around Ford Motor Company dealerships, is the grandson of famed Rhode Island Ford dealer Bob Tasca. Throughout his decade as an NHRA Funny Car competitor, he has four race wins and 11 finals appearances. He qualified three times for Countdown to the Championship. His career-best elapsed time is 3.892 seconds while his career-best speed is 326.56 mph.

“Returning to full-time racing with Motorcraft is incredibly exciting,” said Tasca. “With the technical support of Ford Performance, we are thrilled to bring back our NHRA nitro-powered Mustang Funny Car and look forward to returning Ford back to victory lane where it belongs.”

Tasca recently hired Eric Lane to become his full-time crew chief. Lane, a first-time crew chief, comes from the crew of 2016 Funny Car champion Ron Capps. The duo will chase down a championship in a crowded field in 2018. The season kicks off on February 8 at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals Presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com.