Ford makes a return to the NHRA and is joining a team that's clearly gunning for a title


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Ford has announced its official return to NHRA Funny Car drag racing today at SEMA.

The move sees them teaming up with veteran drag racer Bob Tasca III, and the Tasca racing team for the 2018 season. With Ford Performance in their corner, the idea is to make Tasca's funny car more "slippery," by improving on aerodynamics. Ford will be a full sponsor for 16 races next year, and will continue as a co-sponsor for the remainder of the season. Ford Performance had this to say according to Tascaracing.com:

"We're excited about partnering with Tasca Racing and helping them return to NHRA for a championship run," said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. "We believe we have the technology tools to help the team be competitive on the track long-term, and are looking forward to the effort starting in 2018. "The Tasca family has always been a pioneer in racing, and a leader in Ford vehicle and parts sales for many decades," said Pericak. "This partnership will only serve to strengthen that legacy."

With Tasca Racing teaming up with Don Schumacher Motorsports as well, its clear they are gunning for the NHRA Funny Car Title next year. During Tasca's long career with NHRA he as won four races, 11 finals appearances and has qualified three times for the Countdown to the Championship. His personal best ET is a 3.892 and his fastest speed is 326.56. Bob Tasca posted this on Tascaracing.com:

"This is a very exciting day for me personally, and for everyone involved at Tasca Racing," said Bob Tasca III. "We have always been a Ford family and have a long history with drag racing, so to be able to return to NHRA Funny Car full-time in 2018 with the support of our long-time friends at Ford is the perfect scenario for us."

"This is something we have been working on for months now, so it's great to be able to finally talk about it. We are ramping up for a full-season effort on the track, but also are ready to start working with our Ford partners to help reach their business goals and to help recruit technicians and mechanics for Ford dealerships by leveraging the NHRA platform. My team is focused on winning a Championship for all the Ford fans that have supported Tasca and Ford since the 1960's! My grandfather coined the phrase 'Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.' That statement is alive and well within the NHRA. We can't wait to get started."

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