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NORWALK, Ohio (June 29, 2007) - Mike Ashley breathed a sigh of relief Friday as he drove the Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger R/T to the provisional No. 8 qualifying position at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. Ashley's run of 4.778/329.58 was the fastest run of the session, returning to the dominant speed form that led him to his first-ever event win at Topeka, Kan. June 3.
"It wasn't a spectacular run overall, but after the past two weeks, it was spectacular for our team," Ashley said. "We've struggled the past two races, and it feels really good to get a good lap under our belts.
"I want to say that I'm so proud of this team. They really stepped it up tonight, and I think we've got our hot rod back. Brian [Corradi, crew chief] and the guys spent a lot of time working things out, trying to find the gremlins that were frustrating us.
"Now that we're in the show, we can focus tomorrow on improving our position and getting ready for Sunday.
"I can honestly say that I'll sleep a lot better tonight knowing we've made a full pass down the track and are sitting in the top half of the field," Ashley said.
Qualifying continues in the 11th of 23 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park on Saturday, June 30 with nitro Funny car sessions scheduled at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 1.
Ashley back to form, sits No. 8 in Norwalk and runs top speed of the meet
NORWALK, Ohio (June 29, 2007) - Mike Ashley breathed a sigh of relief Friday as he drove the Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger R/T to the provisional No. 8 qualifying position at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. Ashley's run of 4.778/329.58 was the fastest run of the session, returning to the dominant speed form that led him to his first-ever event win at Topeka, Kan. June 3.
"It wasn't a spectacular run overall, but after the past two weeks, it was spectacular for our team," Ashley said. "We've struggled the past two races, and it feels really good to get a good lap under our belts.
"I want to say that I'm so proud of this team. They really stepped it up tonight, and I think we've got our hot rod back. Brian [Corradi, crew chief] and the guys spent a lot of time working things out, trying to find the gremlins that were frustrating us.
"Now that we're in the show, we can focus tomorrow on improving our position and getting ready for Sunday.
"I can honestly say that I'll sleep a lot better tonight knowing we've made a full pass down the track and are sitting in the top half of the field," Ashley said.
Qualifying continues in the 11th of 23 events in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park on Saturday, June 30 with nitro Funny car sessions scheduled at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 1.
