EPPING — Bob Tasca III is returning to the first race track he ever drove on this weekend. Tasca has made it to the pinnacle of his sport, competing in the National Hot Rod Association’s Nitro Funny Car division, and when the NHRA comes back to New England Saturday it will very much be a homecoming.
However, Tasca, a native of Rhode Island, is bringing something with him that he has never brought to the track before - the Funny Car points lead.
Tasca already has a pair of wins on his resume for the 2021 season, but he said winning back at home would be very special if he is able to pull it off.
“I have won in every car I have ever driven at New England Dragway, except my Nitro Funny Car,” Tasca said. “We’ve had some tough luck there in this car, but this year we have a great car and a great set up and a lot of momentum. I am really confident going into this weekend.”
Coming back to New England Dragway isn’t just coming home to a track that Tasca knows and loves, but it is coming back to a community of people who he also knows and loves. He said this year will be even more special after the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancelation of last year’s New England Nationals.
“I almost get emotional thinking about the fans and the community in New England,” he said. “Fans up there know racing, and they know what to expect. They are always great to talk to. And of course, this is the race where I have the most family and friends come out and see me compete.”
Tasca, who speaks with a thick New England accent, also quipped that it is the only stop on the NHRA schedule where fans don’t comment that he talks funny. Anybody who has ever returned home after time away can attest to the level of comfort that comes with that return. Tasca is no different.
“We have already had a nice start to the season, led by (Co-Crew Chiefs) Mike Neff and John Schaffer,” he said. “I told them though, as nice as it is to start the season with some early wins, we have to save some for the Countdown. Except when we race in Epping. We don’t want to save anything here. This is one I really want to win. It would mean the world to me to win one here.”
When people ask Tasca if he feels any pressure returning to compete at New England Dragway, his answer is simple.
“I tell them no,” he said. “I want to win every race, so the pressure to win is always there. If anything I am more relaxed here, because it is a homecoming for me. I know the people, the track, the area, so there is no extra pressure coming back here to compete.”
Hopes are particularly high for this weekend due to the weather forecast. Drivers across all of the NHRA’s top categories could be setting a blistering pace throughout the weekend, as cooler temperatures create the potential for very fast times throughout the weekend. While those factors make the racing fun for fans, it creates a small margin of error for the teams that are competing, something that gives Tasca even more confidence.
“We are supposed to have great weather, and great weather is always a wild card,” he said. “But we have such a strong team. These guys know what they are doing, and they are ready for anything. If you’re a betting man, I would consider putting money on this team.”
The Link LonkJune 12, 2021 at 06:51AM
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NHRA: Tasca looking for a happy homecoming this weekend at New England Dragway - Seacoastonline.com
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