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POMONA, Calif. - NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Mike Ashley and his fans experienced a series of tense moments during the first round of the 42nd annual Automobile Club of Southern California Finals at Pomona. Ashley, driver of the Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels Nitro Funny Car, hit the finish line timing cones and made contact with the retaining wall after the car got loose at 800 feet into his run. He was uninjured in the mishap. Ashley had already red-lighted against opponent Tony Pedregon negating a disqualification from crossing the center-line.
Ashley entered today's eliminations as the eight quickest with a 4.730 elapsed time at 331.85 miles per hour.
"I'm obviously disappointed with today's outcome," Ashley said. "There has been alot of "drama" this weekend with our team and the separation from DSR. Right up until the minute I got in the car I have had my mind cluttered with race related stressers. That being said there is no excuse. I know better, I just didn't act better. I am ready to move forward with our team and we are looking to 2007. Both Evan Knoll and I are ready and committed to build the next "super team" in drag racing and believe me the plans are more then just on the drawing board. Keep an eye out for some key announcements forthcoming.
"I have to say, Brian Corradi is a fantastic crew chief, he has given me a great car and I am very proud and blessed to have him continue to lead our team. Rob, Tom, Benny, Cameron, Dan, Mark, Allen, Mick, Steve, form the best team anyone could ask for and I know next season will be great.
"When you think about it we basically put together a group of talented individuals who had never worked together as a team and they immediately hit the track running. We have never looked back and the success of this season provides a solid foundation for next season."
As disappointing as this conclusion to the 2006 season is, Ashley qualified in the top half of the field an impressive five times since July and that included a stop on the IHRA tour where landed in the top spot. He also added a final round appearance, two semi-final finishes and reached the quarter-finals three times.
Just to think, this was with a team that was put together in July.
Ashley Closes Season with Tense Moments at Pomona
POMONA, Calif. - NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Mike Ashley and his fans experienced a series of tense moments during the first round of the 42nd annual Automobile Club of Southern California Finals at Pomona. Ashley, driver of the Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels Nitro Funny Car, hit the finish line timing cones and made contact with the retaining wall after the car got loose at 800 feet into his run. He was uninjured in the mishap. Ashley had already red-lighted against opponent Tony Pedregon negating a disqualification from crossing the center-line.
Ashley entered today's eliminations as the eight quickest with a 4.730 elapsed time at 331.85 miles per hour.
"I'm obviously disappointed with today's outcome," Ashley said. "There has been alot of "drama" this weekend with our team and the separation from DSR. Right up until the minute I got in the car I have had my mind cluttered with race related stressers. That being said there is no excuse. I know better, I just didn't act better. I am ready to move forward with our team and we are looking to 2007. Both Evan Knoll and I are ready and committed to build the next "super team" in drag racing and believe me the plans are more then just on the drawing board. Keep an eye out for some key announcements forthcoming.
"I have to say, Brian Corradi is a fantastic crew chief, he has given me a great car and I am very proud and blessed to have him continue to lead our team. Rob, Tom, Benny, Cameron, Dan, Mark, Allen, Mick, Steve, form the best team anyone could ask for and I know next season will be great.
"When you think about it we basically put together a group of talented individuals who had never worked together as a team and they immediately hit the track running. We have never looked back and the success of this season provides a solid foundation for next season."
As disappointing as this conclusion to the 2006 season is, Ashley qualified in the top half of the field an impressive five times since July and that included a stop on the IHRA tour where landed in the top spot. He also added a final round appearance, two semi-final finishes and reached the quarter-finals three times.
Just to think, this was with a team that was put together in July.
