ashley buys matco team

[Walter]

Seems like he went from two unsponsored funny car teams to one sponsored top fuel team........two years at that. Good business move if you ask me. Looks like a thinner top fuel field as well.

I think your assessment is spot on.

 

[NCC250]

Id take an Oswald-Corradi tuning team over Beard any day.

Hopefully this isnt just flash in the pants deal again. I thought he was sitting out to get Lend America thru the housing slump. Unless thats over?? Last time I checked we were fairly far from anything but settled with the economy. Just my .02

 

[TJ]

Ashleys choice is very top shelf but you cannot put Beard beneath them in regards to success and the real test will be on race day.

Aside from Beard being a top 5 tuner---there is another top notch tuner out there---Kloeber

 

[none]

That would be funny if he ended up back at DSR!!

Who knows, he could end up back there eventually. I wish he would go back to DSR...especially after the way Cory got screwed when Green was pulled away from the Fram team to tune Tonys car. That was bu!!sh*t.

 

[Nunz]

I know Mike's business got hit hard through all this, but he's a sharp guy, with an aggressive, positive attitude, and he must be confident in the direction of his company to do this. Either way, it's his business and his money, and I think it's great that he is staying in the sport. We need more guys like him out there.

 

[Randy]

"Like sands through the hour glass, these are the days of our lives"

TJ, you gotta put that remote down once in a while. I could hear the stringed instruments playing when I read your post. LOL.

 

[megadeth]

I know Mike's business got hit hard through all this, but he's a sharp guy, with an aggressive, positive attitude, and he must be confident in the direction of his company to do this. Either way, it's his business and his money, and I think it's great that he is staying in the sport. We need more guys like him out there.

I don't think his business took any hit at all he always played by the book. I think he took time off to restructure his business and put it in a better position for all the govenment changes.
Mike is a very smart person and I'm stoked to see him back in the sport.
I wouldn't worry about Lee he will land on his feet you can bank on it. He is one of the top tuners thats for sure.

 

[Z28LT1]

This is great news! Go Mike and Antron! Thanks for sticking around Matco!

 

[Mike]

Happy New Year! Thank's to all of you for your support. I am very excited to be back racing again. I never planned on a long sabatical. The bottom line was I wanted to focus 100% on Lend America and it's paying off. I am NOT ready to drive but I am ready to resume my role as a team owner and I plan on doing an outstanding job for Matco. They deserve it. What a company, to step up at a time like this and show their support for our team and the sport shows that they are committed to success. It would be great for all NHRA fans to support Matco in a big way. We need to show them we appreciate their commitment.

I feel blessed to be reunited with Brian, Mark and several other's from my team. It was a GD given blessing. Believe in miracles. Brian emailed me that
R2B2 released the team at 9:20 am December 23rd and that afternoon I received a call with this opportunity. Can you believe that?? It's a lesson for all of us. There is alway's a bright side in any adverse situation. Everything happens for a reason and the big man upstairs is calling the shots. 2009 will be different for our country, our economy and our sport but let's make the best out of it. Things could always be worse.

I have to give credit to Tim Buckley and David Powers they really built a solid foundation alongside Matco and I am lucky to be able to build on the team from here.

Finally, Antron is a great person. He is really electric. We're going to have a great season. I know everyone's watching Shumacher and Johnson but don't forget about us, we ......expect to win!

See you at Pomona!

 

[my friends call me Zappy]

Congrats Mike & team. Great news indeed. Have a safe & super season.

 

[paoldtimer]

Thanks, Mike! This is great news. Each day brings new surprises when perusing the internet but at least this is positive news...not another team shutting its doors.

I love that motto.."Expect to win". A positive attitude is a great start.
Wishing you and the team all the best!!

 

[JL]

Happy New Year! Thank's to all of you for your support. I am very excited to be back racing again. I never planned on a long sabatical. The bottom line was I wanted to focus 100% on Lend America and it's paying off. I am NOT ready to drive but I am ready to resume my role as a team owner and I plan on doing an outstanding job for Matco. They deserve it. What a company, to step up at a time like this and show their support for our team and the sport shows that they are committed to success. It would be great for all NHRA fans to support Matco in a big way. We need to show them we appreciate their commitment.

I feel blessed to be reunited with Brian, Mark and several other's from my team. It was a GD given blessing. Believe in miracles. Brian emailed me that
R2B2 released the team at 9:20 am December 23rd and that afternoon I received a call with this opportunity. Can you believe that?? It's a lesson for all of us. There is alway's a bright side in any adverse situation. Everything happens for a reason and the big man upstairs is calling the shots. 2009 will be different for our country, our economy and our sport but let's make the best out of it. Things could always be worse.

I have to give credit to Tim Buckley and David Powers they really built a solid foundation alongside Matco and I am lucky to be able to build on the team from here.

Finally, Antron is a great person. He is really electric. We're going to have a great season. I know everyone's watching Shumacher and Johnson but don't forget about us, we ......expect to win!

See you at Pomona!

And that is why people support you! Best of luck MAR...

 

[kd]

Id take an Oswald-Corradi tuning team over Beard any day.

Hopefully this isnt just flash in the pants deal again. I thought he was sitting out to get Lend America thru the housing slump. Unless thats over?? Last time I checked we were fairly far from anything but settled with the economy. Just my .02

...If my motto was "Expect to Win"...I would "expect" to win more often with a "World Champion-55 win" crew chief...

...NOTHING against Brian & Mark, but, werent their wins in FC...?

 

[dragsterchic]

Mark knows tf very well I think this team will do quite well they work well together.

 

[bukweet]

Faith! It's what keeps us striving for the finish line.
For anyone to be investing in our favorite sport at this time is a huge plus.
Mike Ashley and Lend America are all over TV with commercial spots. Might we see a Lend America commercial with the race car included somehow?
As a Realtor, my clients need to be able to trust in solid financing/refinancing to get the job done.
As a gearhead, we place our trust in a quality tool to get the job done.
I'll be waiting to purchase a Lend America/MATCO Tools poster for my office.

 

[Paul]

Good luck Mike and it is great to see you back. With rates so low I am sure your business is doing well, I know I will be refinancing my 5 year arm in the upcoming months and I will be sure to give your company a call to see what they offer me. Good luck to Antron and the Matco team this year!

 

[Dubs]

Good luck Mike....

As far as Lee goes, I wouldn't be surprised if he wrenches on his sons car for a year. His son is in top alcohol, correct?

 

[vegasnitro]

So good to have Mike Ashley back in the mix.

Have a great '09!!!

 

[megadeth]

Wouldn't appear so, guys.
http://www.nitromater.com/nhra/19994-don-schumacher-confirms-personnel-changes-dsr-2009-a.html

Drag Racing Internet Magazine - Competition Plus.com - BEARD NAMED GM AT DSR

 

[willy]

...If my motto was "Expect to Win"...I would "expect" to win more often with a "World Champion-55 win" crew chief...

...NOTHING against Brian & Mark, but, werent their wins in FC...?

You are always the bright spot on a cloudy day, Kevin.

Good luck, Mike...and congrats.