INDIANAPOLIS – Longtime nitro tuner Mike Neff has been signed as a full-time co-crew chief of Bob Tasca III’s NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car, effective immediately.
Neff was already working with Tasca this season, on loan from Don Schumacher Racing as Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel dragster team sits idle without sponsorship, prior to Tuesday afternoon’s formal acquisition.
Neff will work alongside Jon Schaffer, who joined Tasca Racing in May, as co-crew chief of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Funny Car.
Per Tasca, Neff’s deal with the team is a multi-year agreement.
“Mike Neff brings a level of experience and tone to the team that is invaluable,” Tasca said. “Neff and Jon compliment each other so well. Our success on track this year shows it. It’s so important to have the right combination of people behind you and I think we’ve done that.”
So far this season, Tasca has two wins, two runner-up finishes and three semifinal finishes on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series trail. He sits fifth in points with two playoff races to go on the year.
“I’m excited to be back working on a Funny Car,” Neff said. “And I’m excited to be back with Jon (Schaffer). Jon and I have worked together quite a bit in the past and we have a great working relationship. It’s good to be back working with Bob and his family, too. Bob worked hard to get Ford back. They have a great team over there at Ford Performance and it’s good to see them in drag racing again.”