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.
In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Carl Edwards was the top finishing Ford in the Budweiser Shootout in Daytona, Fla., taking 12th place in his No. 99 Fusion. The shootout is a short exhibition race that happens a week before the NASCAR season begins with the Daytona 500.
“I learned a lot,” said Edwards of the information he gained for the race next weekend. “It’s gonna be an interesting race. Hopefully, it’s sunny. We’re not the fastest down the straightaway, but we’ve got a real good handling package.”
Next weekend the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will open the 2008 NASCAR season at the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla.-Ford
