Dallas: Bob Tasca III Friday notes

Tasca One of Seven Drivers Still Seeking Spot for Fall Nationals

ENNIS, Texas (Sept. 19, 2008) -- Bob Tasca III made his first passes at Texas Motorplex on Friday, and while putting together a solid run in the afternoon, the rookie unfortunately smoked the tires during the night run and will have to fight for one of the four remaining qualifying spots still up for grabs for Sunday's NHRA Fall Nationals.

"The first run was so encouraging because the car made a great run," said Tasca. "When you get into the night run, you want to run the big numbers. Unfortunately, the difference between running a big number and smoking the tires is paper-thin. If the fans only knew just how close the adjustments are, it's just mind-boggling."

Tasca was the 14th-quickest driver on the day, but will enter day two of racing without a recorded qualifying time. Under NHRA rules, only the top 12 times from Friday carry over into Saturday qualifying.

"We've just been struggling on Friday nights," said Tasca. "We make some of the quickest runs on Saturday morning, so that plays into our favor going into tomorrow, and I know that Chris [Cunningham, crew chief] will figure it out. I've got a lot of confidence in him and my team, and I'm really comfortable in the car. And hey, when our backs have been against the wall this season, we've performed and I expect no different tomorrow."

Tasca's first run on tomorrow will be at noon as the rookie driver looks to earn a spot in Sunday's race and make his 19th start of his career.

-credit: tasca/motorcraft