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BRISTOL, Tenn. - Unsure of a green track at Bristol Dragway, Mike Ashley smoked the tires after 1000 feet on his first qualifying run and sat precariously on the bump with his Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger R/T at the rescheduled O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. Unphazed, Ashley thundered to the provisional No. 4 position with a 4.850/323.74 - running the fastest speed of all Funny Cars.
"I've said it again and again - the Friday night session is critical, and Brian [Corradi] really nailed the tune-up that time," Ashley said.
"The first round, we were a little too aggressive and smoked the tires because we didn't know what the track would hold. After we took a look at the data we got from that first run, the guys got after it and really did a great job.
"Actually, the track is in really good condition, considering that just days ago there wasn't any rubber on it at all. I have to hand it to the staff at Bristol Dragway and the NHRA Safety Safari, they have done a great job getting things put together," Ashley said.
"This track is one of the best on the tour and I've always loved racing here. Tomorrow, we'll work on our race-day tune up and get ready for Sunday," he said.
Qualifying continues tomorrow with sessions scheduled at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday, July 8.
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For more information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: MIKEASHLEY.COM.
About Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing:
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Torco Race Fuels, Inc., the world's largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Torco Race Fuels has a full line of racing gasoline in addition to methanol, nitromethane and fuel additives. Torco's fuel product line is complimented by SKULL Shine -- a complete line of car care appearance products and SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Products can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: Torco Racing Fuels
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
* Knoll Gas Motorsports - Torco Racing Fuels
* Lucas Oil Products - Lucas Oil
* Dixie Chopper - Dixie Chopper
* Oakley - Oakley - The Official Site
* The Hyperbaric Therapy Center - Hyperbaric Therapy Center - Hyperbaric Chamber
* Lend America - Nationwide, direct lender, Lend America offers mortgages, loans, with little to no money down, quick loan process
Lend America is a nationwide direct lender, specializing in residential financing for one to four family homes. Lend America combines a flexible, common sense loan review process with hundreds of loan programs to provide exceptional service for its clients. Lend America's Motto "Don't take NO for an answer" is in direct relation to its commitment to service borrowers with "lending or credit challenges." Contact Lend America today, (877) 4-RACE LOAN.
Ashley thunders off the bump to Provisional No. 4 spot
BRISTOL, Tenn. - Unsure of a green track at Bristol Dragway, Mike Ashley smoked the tires after 1000 feet on his first qualifying run and sat precariously on the bump with his Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger R/T at the rescheduled O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee. Unphazed, Ashley thundered to the provisional No. 4 position with a 4.850/323.74 - running the fastest speed of all Funny Cars.
"I've said it again and again - the Friday night session is critical, and Brian [Corradi] really nailed the tune-up that time," Ashley said.
"The first round, we were a little too aggressive and smoked the tires because we didn't know what the track would hold. After we took a look at the data we got from that first run, the guys got after it and really did a great job.
"Actually, the track is in really good condition, considering that just days ago there wasn't any rubber on it at all. I have to hand it to the staff at Bristol Dragway and the NHRA Safety Safari, they have done a great job getting things put together," Ashley said.
"This track is one of the best on the tour and I've always loved racing here. Tomorrow, we'll work on our race-day tune up and get ready for Sunday," he said.
Qualifying continues tomorrow with sessions scheduled at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday, July 8.
###
For more information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: MIKEASHLEY.COM.
About Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing:
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Torco Race Fuels, Inc., the world's largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Torco Race Fuels has a full line of racing gasoline in addition to methanol, nitromethane and fuel additives. Torco's fuel product line is complimented by SKULL Shine -- a complete line of car care appearance products and SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Products can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: Torco Racing Fuels
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
* Knoll Gas Motorsports - Torco Racing Fuels
* Lucas Oil Products - Lucas Oil
* Dixie Chopper - Dixie Chopper
* Oakley - Oakley - The Official Site
* The Hyperbaric Therapy Center - Hyperbaric Therapy Center - Hyperbaric Chamber
* Lend America - Nationwide, direct lender, Lend America offers mortgages, loans, with little to no money down, quick loan process
Lend America is a nationwide direct lender, specializing in residential financing for one to four family homes. Lend America combines a flexible, common sense loan review process with hundreds of loan programs to provide exceptional service for its clients. Lend America's Motto "Don't take NO for an answer" is in direct relation to its commitment to service borrowers with "lending or credit challenges." Contact Lend America today, (877) 4-RACE LOAN.
