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POMONA, Calif. - In recognition of his return as a team owner and driver in 2007, Mike Ashley adds another chapter to his colorful history in drag racing this week, announcing the launch of his "007 Bat with a Vengeance Tour." The popular nitro Funny Car driver-by-weekend and mortgage banker-by-week begins his journey toward the NHRA Countdown to the Championship to compete for the 2007 Funny Car crown this weekend at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.
Coming in to the season opener in Pomona, Ashley brings an arsenal of power lead by crew chief Brian Corradi. Former champion Mark Oswald and Ashley's Pro Mod crew chief Chuck Ford head up the team's research and development efforts, giving the team an added technology advantage.
"I'm excited about our '007 Tour' and the prospects for our success this year", Ashley said. "Our initial test session went pretty much according to plan. There are several key components that have been tested are now on our car, and we are already showing improvement, consistency, and performance. I have to say Brian Corradi, Mark Oswald and the entire team have really impressed me."
When the team rolls through the gates at Pomona, thousands of nitro racing-starved fans will see Ashley's newest "007 Tour theme car." Ashley will carry the flag for his friend Evan Knoll and the booming Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels, Inc. The 2007 Dodge Charger will bear a new and improved paint scheme and theme, reiterating the team's support of the Untied States Military. Additional sponsors include, Lucas Oil Products, Dixie Chopper, Oakley, Vita Hyperbaric Therapy Center, and Lend America.
The team's Alliance with the rest of the Torco and Lucas Oil teams brings additional resources and experience to the field as well.
"The Alliance will give us more wheels on the track and more data to base our decisions on. I don't just want to compete this year - I expect to win. With such a great group of minds and resources we're positioned to do just that," Ashley said. "Here's the thing: racing is all about numbers and percentages, and making them work in your favor. The difference between first and last is fractions of a second, a small percentage, and I know we've planned and prepared this team that will make the difference.
"I'm ready to go," he said.
The team will launch their '007 Tour' on the quarter mile at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, with qualifying scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 8-9, and 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 10. Pre-race ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday Feb. 11, followed by the first round of professional eliminations at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION: On Saturday, Feb. 10, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying at 10 p.m. (ET). On Sunday, Feb. 11, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will broadcast NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at 11 a.m. (ET) and televise three hours of eliminations at 8 p.m. (ET).
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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
* Lend America - Lend America
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 it's commitment to service borrowers with "lending or credit challenges." Contact Lend America today, (877) 4-RACELOAN.
It's Ashley... MIKE Ashley, that is! 007 Tour to kick off in Pomona
POMONA, Calif. - In recognition of his return as a team owner and driver in 2007, Mike Ashley adds another chapter to his colorful history in drag racing this week, announcing the launch of his "007 Bat with a Vengeance Tour." The popular nitro Funny Car driver-by-weekend and mortgage banker-by-week begins his journey toward the NHRA Countdown to the Championship to compete for the 2007 Funny Car crown this weekend at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.
Coming in to the season opener in Pomona, Ashley brings an arsenal of power lead by crew chief Brian Corradi. Former champion Mark Oswald and Ashley's Pro Mod crew chief Chuck Ford head up the team's research and development efforts, giving the team an added technology advantage.
"I'm excited about our '007 Tour' and the prospects for our success this year", Ashley said. "Our initial test session went pretty much according to plan. There are several key components that have been tested are now on our car, and we are already showing improvement, consistency, and performance. I have to say Brian Corradi, Mark Oswald and the entire team have really impressed me."
When the team rolls through the gates at Pomona, thousands of nitro racing-starved fans will see Ashley's newest "007 Tour theme car." Ashley will carry the flag for his friend Evan Knoll and the booming Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels, Inc. The 2007 Dodge Charger will bear a new and improved paint scheme and theme, reiterating the team's support of the Untied States Military. Additional sponsors include, Lucas Oil Products, Dixie Chopper, Oakley, Vita Hyperbaric Therapy Center, and Lend America.
The team's Alliance with the rest of the Torco and Lucas Oil teams brings additional resources and experience to the field as well.
"The Alliance will give us more wheels on the track and more data to base our decisions on. I don't just want to compete this year - I expect to win. With such a great group of minds and resources we're positioned to do just that," Ashley said. "Here's the thing: racing is all about numbers and percentages, and making them work in your favor. The difference between first and last is fractions of a second, a small percentage, and I know we've planned and prepared this team that will make the difference.
"I'm ready to go," he said.
The team will launch their '007 Tour' on the quarter mile at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals, with qualifying scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 8-9, and 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 10. Pre-race ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday Feb. 11, followed by the first round of professional eliminations at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION: On Saturday, Feb. 10, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying at 10 p.m. (ET). On Sunday, Feb. 11, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will broadcast NHRA Race Day, a 30-minute pre-race show, at 11 a.m. (ET) and televise three hours of eliminations at 8 p.m. (ET).
###
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
* Lend America - Lend America
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 it's commitment to service borrowers with "lending or credit challenges." Contact Lend America today, (877) 4-RACELOAN.
