Bob Tasca III, whose grandfather was instrumental in launching Ford’s return to professional drag racing more than four decades ago, will drive the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers Shelby Mustang NHRA Funny Car in 2009.

Tasca, with his Tasca Racing team, jumped to a Nitro Funny Car after competing in an Alcohol Funny Car from ’06-’07. He holds the AFC division’s record for quickest elapsed time in the quarter mile at 5.541 seconds at 263 mph.

He’s licensed in both Super Comp and Pro Stock cars.