For the first time since 2015, Bob Tasca III will not compete during NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series eliminations.
In a stacked 19-car field at the annual NHRA Winternationals at Pomona (Calif.) Dragstrip., Tasca’s four qualifying efforts proved to not be enough as he was bumped from the field after a top pass of 4.057 ET at 271.13 mph in Q4.
The last time Tasca failed to qualify for an NHRA event was the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at North Carolina’s zMAX Dragway 10 years ago.
Blake Alexander also had to wait it out in qualifying as he watched Jason Rupert unable to improve on his run. It allowed Alexander and Chad Green Motorsports to solidify the 16th and final spot in Sunday’s eliminations.
It was a flip of the script as Tasca was the No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Arizona Nationals one week ago.
“It’s hard to believe,” Tasca began. “Leave Phoenix the No. 1 qualifier, car going up and down the track. It’s humbling. This sport is tough. Live by the sword, you die by the sword. Very disappointed in our team not making this round.
“But, one thing racing teaches you… you never give up and this team will not give up.”
Tasca’s co-crew chief, Aaron Brooks, didn’t mince words with the result.
“We missed it, “Brooks began. “Got behind yesterday. We’ve been fighting it all weekend. Came off a good weekend a few days ago. No idea.”
Prior to eliminations, Tasca sits third in the standings, eight points out of first place.
