Veteran fuel and alcohol Funny Car driver Jonnie Lindberg will make his return to the driver’s seat at this week’s E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals at Indianapolis in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Funny Car in place of car owner and driver Bob Tasca III, who was recently diagnosed with COVID-19.

“What makes this so scary is how good I felt for almost seven days from being exposed,” Tasca III said. “I had no symptoms but tested positive. I couldn’t believe it. Then day eight through 10 came and I have never been so sick in my life. It’s so important we all practice social distancing and wearing masks. We all need to play a role in limiting the dangers of COVID-19. I am so disappointed I will not be with my team this week, but I know they will make us Ford fans proud. If I can help one other person make those choices, it’s worth me sharing my experience.”

Lindberg, a two-time NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car champion, drove for Jim Head in the Funny Car class from 2017 to 2019, appearing in four final rounds. He has six career Top Alcohol Funny Car wins in 10 final round appearances.

Photo courtesy NHRA/National Dragster

Tasca thanks friends and family for the well-wishes and support he’s gotten during this time, including from his parents, wife Terri and sons, Bob IV, Cameron, Austin and Dylan. Tasca plans to return to the driver’s seat after getting the go-ahead from his doctor.