This weekend’s NHRA race in Topeka marks the halfway point until The Countdown for the NHRA POWERade championship begins, and the first visit for rookie Bob Tasca III to the Heartland Park quarter-mile track.

“We’re excited about going to Topeka,” said Tasca. “We found an issue with the cam gear after the Bristol race which affected the car’s performance. While it was disappointing to go out that first round, we were pleased with how the car ran before we had that problem on Saturday and Sunday. We feel like we’ve got it fixed and ready to go headed into this weekend.

“I’ve never even been to Topeka, not even as a spectator, so I’m looking to make it a memorable first visit,” said Tasca. “I think it will be an interesting race compared to the last couple that we’re coming off of, primarily because of the heat. The conditions show that it’s going to be real hot out there, which is really a big equalizer for all of the teams. From a traction standpoint, it’s more a finesses than it is a power deal.”

Tasca and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane/Custom Accessories Shelby Mustang team sit 12th in championship points, just 21 points outside the top 10, heading into the ninth race of season.

“Chris [Cunningham, crew chief] has a lot of experience at Topeka, and we’re definitely focused on getting this thing through a couple of rounds on Sunday,” said Tasca. “We know that we’re right within striking distance of the top 10. Everyone on my team believes that a win is just around the corner for us and it’d be nice to get one in Topeka.”

Reaching the halfway point before The Countdown to the championship begins, Tasca is confident about where his team stands in the points.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled about the position we’ve put ourselves in,” said Tasca. “To come up on the halfway point to the championship run, it makes me go back just nine races ago in Pomona. It was literally sleepless nights, hoping we’d make the show. We’ve progressed to a point now where making the show is expected. And not just hoping to be the No. 16 qualifier, but to be in the top half of the field going into Sunday.

“I feel pretty good to literally be only one run out of the top 10 after starting this team from scratch. I think we’re on everyone’s radar screen, but our biggest competition is ourselves, to just stay focused on our program. We’ve got a lot of excitement going into Topeka.”