Bob Tasca III Clinches Second Sonoma Win in Three Years at NHRA Sonoma Nationals

Bob Tasca III was a force to be reckoned with all weekend at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, culminating in a thrilling victory in the final round. Racing in his 12,000-horsepower Motorcraft/Quick Lane nitro Mustang Dark Horse funny car, Tasca secured his second Sonoma win in three years by defeating Ron Capps. This triumph marks Tasca's third win of the year, solidifying his position as second in points and further establishing his championship credentials.

Tasca’s weekend performance was nothing short of spectacular. He qualified No. 1 with a remarkable 338-mph run, a feat that set the tone for his dominant showing. In the opening round, he delivered a weekend-best run of 338.77 mph against Buddy Hull, demonstrating his car's exceptional power and his skillful driving. Tasca continued his winning streak by driving past Paul Lee and points leader Austin Prock to reach the final round. The semifinal against Prock was particularly thrilling, with Tasca clinching the win on a holeshot with a .022 reaction time. This crucial victory propelled him into the final round, where he held on to the win against Capps in a nail-biting finish.

Reflecting on his victory, Tasca expressed gratitude and admiration for his team. “It’s incredibly difficult to win these events, and that’s a testament to my crew, Todd Okuhara and Aaron Brooks,” Tasca said. “They pulled it back and still ran 337 mph. I was a bit surprised in the final. It was pulling great and then it knocked the tires off. You have no idea how that feels. I looked out the side window because I expected him to come by me. Fortunately, I got it to recover.

“I thought if we could get the car to run like it did in Q4, we could beat him, and I said that to Todd. I said, ‘Let’s run as quick as we can, and if he beats us, I’ll be the first to congratulate him.’” This victory adds to Tasca's impressive career total of 18 wins, underscoring his status as a leading contender in the championship race.

Tasca's journey to victory at Sonoma highlights his driving prowess and the strength and coordination of his entire team. From the high-speed qualifying runs to the strategic decisions made during each race, every member of Tasca’s crew played a vital role in achieving this success. The collaborative effort and meticulous preparation were evident as Tasca navigated through the intense competition, ultimately emerging victorious.

As the season progresses, Tasca’s latest victory positions him as a strong contender for the championship. His consistent performance and strategic acumen will be critical as he continues to compete against the best in the sport. The support of his team, coupled with his determination, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his pursuit of further victories.