LAS VEGAS (April 2, 2009) -- When Tim Wilkerson and Bob Tasca III formed a strategic alliance between their two NHRA Funny Car organizations this year, the prime objective was for Wilkerson's Levi, Ray & Shoup program and Tasca's Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang organization to improve performance by sharing information.  The two owner/drivers also knew, however, that their combined resources might make them more attractive marketing partners as the season unfolded, and as such they have announced an exciting new program for this weekend's SummitRacing.com Nationals, in Las Vegas, in which both Wilkerson and Tasca will fly the logo of Mandalay Bay, one of Las Vegas' most distinguished destination resorts.

In conjunction with the program, Mandalay Bay will host the Wilkerson and Tasca teams throughout the race weekend, while both Shelby Mustangs will be adorned with the Mandalay Bay logo, as the two popular drivers spread the word to millions of NHRA fans around the world, letting them know Mandalay Bay is the place to stay when visiting Las Vegas, whether it's for the NHRA drag races, for business, or just for fun.

"Compared to just about any of the other races on our circuit, the two Las Vegas stops have developed into real vacation destinations for our fans, and they come from around the world to have a great time in one of the most exciting cities in the world," said Tasca III.  "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to remind all of our fans, whether they're coming to this race, the one in the fall, or maybe just coming to Las Vegas at any point during the year, that there's one special place for them, where they can enjoy the full Vegas experience, and that's Mandalay Bay."

It was Tasca who took the initiative to put the program together for both teams, and Wilkerson was more than appreciative of the effort.  The hard-working native of Springfield, Ill. has always been known as a guy who has been able to "do more with less" throughout his NHRA career, including his electrifying run for the championship in 2008, when he came within one day of winning the Funny Car crown.  The Mandalay Bay program allows him to provide his hard-working team with a first class stay at their Las Vegas "job site" this weekend.

"We're pretty serious about the way we race the car, and about how we go about our business, and we watch every dollar we spend to make sure we can compete with some of the bigger teams out here, so this sort of deal not only helps us in that respect, it also pays our guys back for some of the not-so-luxurious places we stay on the tour," Wilkerson said.  "We'll still be all-business this weekend, because this is our job and we're here to work, but we'll have the pleasure of spending our evenings in one of the nicest resorts in Las Vegas, or in the world for that matter, and we'll do our best to let NHRA fans know how much they can enjoy the city if they stay at Mandalay Bay."

Representing Mandalay Bay, Scott Voeller, Vice President of Marketing, was pleased to agree to this marketing alliance, and is looking forward to putting Mandalay Bay at the top of the priority list for NHRA fans.

"Las Vegas is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and there's always something big going on here," Voeller said.  "With that being said, it's not that easy for any event to gain a special place as one of the premier attractions in town, whether it be a convention, a musical event, or a sports event.  The two NHRA races, however, are quickly becoming 'must see' attractions here, and the influx of out-of-town race fans has become more and more noticeable with each passing year.  At Mandalay Bay, we're perfectly positioned to provide NHRA fans a complete taste of what we're all about, and we can help them have a stay they'll never forget.  We're excited to work with Bob Tasca III and Tim Wilkerson, and we're proud to have the Mandalay Bay logo on their 300 mph Funny Cars."

In a city built on chance, it's always a welcome moment when a visitor can pick a "sure thing."   A stay at Mandalay Bay is just that.

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