PPG Announces 2026 NHRA Schedule with Tasca Racing
PPG (NYSE: PPG) has unveiled its 2026 NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION® (NHRA®) Mission Foods Drag Racing Series primary race schedule in collaboration with Tasca Racing. The upcoming season represents a new chapter in the partnership as two-time and reigning NHRA Funny Car world champion Austin Prock takes the wheel of the PPG NITRO MUSTANG DARK HORSE® Funny Car, following recent changes to Tasca Racing’s driver lineup.
2026 Race Schedule
The PPG Funny Car will compete at four NHRA national events in 2026:
- AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals – March 6-8, Gainesville, Fla.
- Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals – April 9-12, Pomona, Calif.
- NHRA Potomac Nationals – May 29-31, Mechanicsville, Md.
- Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals – June 12-14, Bristol, Tenn.
A Legacy of Innovation and Performance
The PPG-Tasca Racing partnership has long been defined by innovation and standout performance moments. Bob Tasca III made history in the PPG Funny Car by becoming the first driver in a wheel-driven dragster to exceed 340 mph. Austin Prock is the only other Funny Car driver to surpass this milestone, reinforcing the high-performance foundation as the team enters the 2026 season.
PPG’s Commitment to Excellence
“As Tasca Racing enters this new phase, we’re proud to continue supporting a team that consistently pushes the limits of performance,” said Rodolfo Ramirez, PPG vice president, Automotive Refinish, Americas. “Austin stepping into the PPG Funny Car represents the next evolution of our strategic partnership – one that extends far beyond the track through shared innovation, technical collaboration and our mutual commitment to advancing automotive excellence.”
Tasca Racing Leadership Transition
Team owner Bob Tasca III will shift from driving duties to full-time leadership in 2026. Tasca emphasized that PPG remains a foundational partner during this transition.
“PPG has been with us since the beginning, on and off the racetrack,” Tasca said. “This year brings big change for our organization, and having Austin behind the wheel of the PPG Funny Car builds on the performance legacy we’ve created together.”
Austin Prock Joins the Team
Austin Prock, who joins Tasca Racing along with the rest of the Prock family crew, highlighted the significance of driving the PPG Funny Car.
“Driving the PPG Funny Car is a tremendous opportunity,” Prock said. “Tasca Racing and PPG both have deep roots in this sport, and we’re ready to deliver a championship-level performance together.”
Longstanding Partnership
For more than 25 years, PPG and Tasca Racing have cultivated a strong relationship both on and off the track. The Tasca Automotive Group operates multiple franchise dealerships, collision centers, and service centers that rely on PPG products. The PPG ENVIROBASE® High Performance paint system serves as the preferred system across Tasca’s collision center network.
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