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CHANDLER, Ariz. - In his first outing in the role of team owner/driver, Torco Race Fuels-backed nitro Funny Car driver Mike Ashley posted the fastest speed and fourth-quickest time of the National Time Trials on Saturday at Firebird International Raceway.
Sunny, clear skies and near-70 degree temperatures combined with a tight track created a virtual crew chief's playground. Ashley's first full lap of the weekend came during the Saturday morning Funny Car session when he ran 5.202/206, clicking it off around 1000 feet. He delivered a stellar 4.744/331.12performance in the twilight session, joining Ron Capps, John Force and Jack Beckman as leaders in the field of 18 drivers.
"Brian [Corradi, crew chief] had the car tuned to perfection on that last run," Ashley said.
"We made several short hops yesterday just to get the feel of things and see how the new parts would work together, so I didn't know what to expect today. When I passed half-track and it still felt good, I knew it was going to put down a good number, so I stayed in it and just enjoyed the ride.
"It's good to be back," he said. "There really is something about the smell of the nitro, the sound of the engines, and the pounding of the horsepower as the cars go down the track. I love it."
Alongside Corradi, past champion Mark Oswald and the Gotham City Racing crew took advantage of the optimal conditions to prepare for season without the pressure of racing.
"I know testing is when teams work out bugs and try new things, but honestly, I think we're in a great place because of everything we've done during the off-season. The guys have all worked so hard to get to this point, it feels great to be on the race track and running such good numbers," he said.
"I'm getting ready mentally, and the guys are getting their routines down while we're out here, so it's a really valuable time. Our whole team has really jelled since I made the move to ownership.
"Now we can fine tune and really be strategic in our racing - and that's when it gets fun," Ashley said. "I think it's just a preview of what we can expect this year."
The 2007 NHRA POWERade season officially begins in less than two weeks, at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, February 8-11 in Pomona, California.
About Gotham City Racing
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Torco Racing Fuels, Inc., the world's largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Torco Race Fuels, Inc. has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of fuels and additives is complimented by SKULL Shine -- a complete line of automotive care and appearance products, and Skull Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Product can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: Torco Racing Fuels
Website: Torco Racing Fuels
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is sponsored by:
Torco Racing Fuels, Inc.
SKULL Shine
SKULL Gear
Knoll Gas Energy
Knoll Gas Motorsports
Lend America
Ashley Posts Provisional Top Speed at Phoenix Time Trials
CHANDLER, Ariz. - In his first outing in the role of team owner/driver, Torco Race Fuels-backed nitro Funny Car driver Mike Ashley posted the fastest speed and fourth-quickest time of the National Time Trials on Saturday at Firebird International Raceway.
Sunny, clear skies and near-70 degree temperatures combined with a tight track created a virtual crew chief's playground. Ashley's first full lap of the weekend came during the Saturday morning Funny Car session when he ran 5.202/206, clicking it off around 1000 feet. He delivered a stellar 4.744/331.12performance in the twilight session, joining Ron Capps, John Force and Jack Beckman as leaders in the field of 18 drivers.
"Brian [Corradi, crew chief] had the car tuned to perfection on that last run," Ashley said.
"We made several short hops yesterday just to get the feel of things and see how the new parts would work together, so I didn't know what to expect today. When I passed half-track and it still felt good, I knew it was going to put down a good number, so I stayed in it and just enjoyed the ride.
"It's good to be back," he said. "There really is something about the smell of the nitro, the sound of the engines, and the pounding of the horsepower as the cars go down the track. I love it."
Alongside Corradi, past champion Mark Oswald and the Gotham City Racing crew took advantage of the optimal conditions to prepare for season without the pressure of racing.
"I know testing is when teams work out bugs and try new things, but honestly, I think we're in a great place because of everything we've done during the off-season. The guys have all worked so hard to get to this point, it feels great to be on the race track and running such good numbers," he said.
"I'm getting ready mentally, and the guys are getting their routines down while we're out here, so it's a really valuable time. Our whole team has really jelled since I made the move to ownership.
"Now we can fine tune and really be strategic in our racing - and that's when it gets fun," Ashley said. "I think it's just a preview of what we can expect this year."
The 2007 NHRA POWERade season officially begins in less than two weeks, at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, February 8-11 in Pomona, California.
About Gotham City Racing
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Torco Racing Fuels, Inc., the world's largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Torco Race Fuels, Inc. has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of fuels and additives is complimented by SKULL Shine -- a complete line of automotive care and appearance products, and Skull Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Product can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: Torco Racing Fuels
Website: Torco Racing Fuels
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is sponsored by:
Torco Racing Fuels, Inc.
SKULL Shine
SKULL Gear
Knoll Gas Energy
Knoll Gas Motorsports
Lend America
