Bob Tasca III announced earlier this month his return to NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competition. He revealed today who would be tuning his Ford Mustang Funny Car.

“I’m thrilled to announce Eric Lane as my crew chief," Tasca said. "I have known Eric for many years, and I have watched him climb up the ranks from an entry-level crew guy to a co-crew chief. Over the last two years, he went out of his way to help our part-time team achieve amazing results. I told him on many occasions, ‘Imagine if we had real funding - we’d be dangerous together!’ Well, we don’t need to imagine that anymore. Now, all we need to do is win.” 

Tasca's objective is bringing the right chemistry together.

“The most experienced teams don’t always win; you need to find the right group of guys that support each other over the course of a season," Tasca explained. "The teams that win know how to work together and deal with the ups and downs of a long season. Eric is very respected within the sport and is already pulling together a great group of experienced guys.” 

Lane most recently assisted the NAPA Funny car team driven by Ron Capps with eight wins in 12 finals. During the four seasons with Capps, the NAPA team won a total of 17 races and earned six No. 1 qualifiers.

“Eric has learned from some of the best of the best in the sport: Austin Coil, Jimmy Prock, and Rahn Tobler - just to name a few," Tasca said. "With over 30 wins and two world championships, Eric knows how to win." 

Lane is excited about the opportunity.

"I am excited to be teaming up with Ford Performance and tuning a Ford Mustang again," Lane said. "I'm looking forward to getting a Ford back into the Winner’s Circle. Having them (Ford) back in NHRA is so huge not only to me personally but our sport as well. I am honored to be a part of this next chapter for not only Ford but for the Tasca Family as well. I am so excited to be working with a family that has been racing for years and has the same values and goals that I do."