Mustang Captures Victory in NHRA Season Opener

Source: Ford Media
Feb 08, 2008

DEARBORN, MI – Ford Racing fans saw the 2008 NHRA season open the same way that the 2007 season ended, with a Robert Hight victory in Pomona, Calif. Hight led the rest of the Ford Mustang drivers by defeating Cruz Pedregon in the final round, winning for the third time overall at his hometown track.

Hight’s wasn’t the only Mustang to make deep into the race. Teammates John Force and Ashley Force were both in the semifinals as well. The John Force Racing crew did exceptionally well considering that they were running newly designed cars.

“After the first two rounds I didn't give us a chance," said Hight. "We didn't do well in qualifying and we didn't get to test in the off-season because we got these cars so late. Jimmy [Prock, crew chief] told me earlier this weekend that we're still testing to a large extent and that's what it was like.

“I can see so well in this car. I had to pedal in the first two rounds and I was able to see where I was and when I could get back on it so much quicker. I'm giving this trophy to Niranjan Singh, the Ford engineer who worked night and day to build this new car. He came over from Formula 1 and he's been relentless working on this thing to get it ready in time.”

A couple of Ford’s newest drivers also kicked off their seasons in Pomona. Bob Tasca III made his Funny Car debut by defeating Melanie Troxel in his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang before losing to Ashley Force in the second round. Mike Neff’s rookie season began with a great start at the light, but there was an issue with engine after 1,000 feet and Neff lost to Cruz Pedregon in the first round.