(Photo Courtesy NHRA)

By Jim Pedley | Managing Editor
RacinToday.com 

The names of drivers in the NHRA’s glamour division, Funny Car, are well known. They include high-profilers like John Force, Ron Capps, Ashley Force. 

Then, or make that now, there is Bob Tasca III. In just his second full season in the NHRA Full Throttle series, Tasca is hard at work in the early stages of 2009 on that profile.

After three events, Tasca is second in points, just 38 points behind Ron Capps. From the sound of it, Tasca himself is a bit surprised by his early season success.

“We’re very early into the season and being No. 2 in the points, going into Houston (this weekend) is a good place to be,” Tasca said. “You’ve got to be in the top 10 to run for the championship and that’s really our focus right now.”

Last year, Tasca finished 12th in points.

Why second heading to Houston for the O’Reilly Spring Nationals?

 “I think the biggest difference for me from last year to this year is to know the unknown,” Tasca said. “From last year to this year, everything happens slower in the car. I’m more relaxed because I have a pretty good feel for what’s going to happen when I hit the gas.” 

Tasca arrives in Houston two weeks after having a wonderful time at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. He was top qualifier there and then went on to beat Tony Pedregon in the finals to get his first career victory.

Understandably, Tasca says he can’t wait to get back in his Mustang.

 “Having a week off has been great to reflect on and appreciate Gainesville, but I can assure you, Friday morning, Gainesville is over and Houston begins,” he said. “I’m looking forward to keeping this momentum and building on what we have established early in the season. I’m ready for Houston.”