<img src="http://gallery.nitromater.com/files/6/5/M_Ashley.jpg" alt="M_Ashley" align="right"borders="0"/>
INDIANAPOLIS --Mike Ashley, driver of the Knoll-Gas Torco Race Fuels Funny Car, graduated to the nitro ranks exactly one year ago this weekend. Last year Ashley fell one spot short of qualifying in his debut, but this year was a totally different story.
This year he looked like a seasoned veteran after reaching the ninth qualifying position with runs of a 4.802, 4.737, 4.771 and a 4.809. Next, Ashley opened final eliminations by taking out former world champion Tony Pedregon on a holeshot. He maintained a .006 lead for much of the quarter-mile by winning by a 4.754 to 4.753 margin.
Ashley gained lane choice for the quarter-final match opposite of Jim Head. Once again Ashley was the quicker of the two off the line but within 100-feet his car smoked the tires costing him the match. Some people spend their careers looking for a weekend that consistent but Ashley made it look effortless. Ashley was not discouraged by the loss. Instead, he was just the opposite.
“Just qualifying for this program says a lot,” Ashley said. “When you add in the performance of the car - the car performed well during qualifying. We ran four laps between .73 and a .80. We were able to beat Tony Pedregon in the first round and that was a great boost. He’s a tough competitor.
“There was a huge oildown in front of us and the two cars before us could not get down that lane,” Ashley added. “Jim Head won the race with a 4.90 and that’s all it took. I’m not taking anything away from Jim because he’s a good driver and a good guy. I had .05 on him off of the line and a 4.75 tune up but just didn’t have the race track to handle the power.”
“This team is on a high and Brian Corradi is an awesome crew chief, tuner and leader and has demonstrated that through his actions and performance.” Ashley said. “This is Indianapolis. We did well here and people are starting to recognize us. Now we are winning. We are going rounds and sooner rather then later we will go four rounds on Sunday. I’m leaving here with the confidence meter pegged.”
Ashley spent much of the weekend consulting with drag racing school instructor Frank Hawley working on honing his driving techniques including staging and reaction time strategy.
“We have seen instantaneous results,’ Ashley said. “When you get to know Frank you realize he is brilliant and a great resource for driver improvement. He has been a tremendous help to me and I feel the most comfortable I have ever been as a driver. That means we can win races.”
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For More Information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: www.GothamCityRacing.com
About Gotham City Racing
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Knoll Gas Torco Race Fuels, the largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of additives is complimented by SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Product can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website.
Website: http://www.torco.com
Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com
To keep up with the latest in drag racing news including same day coverage of NHRA POWERade national events, click on Torco's CompetitionPlus.com.
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
Oakley
Optima Aluminum Trailers
Lend America
Impact Racing
Knoll Gas Motorsports
SKULL Shine
SKULL H2O
MIKE ASHLEY CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY WITH IMPRESSIVE INDY OUTING
INDIANAPOLIS --Mike Ashley, driver of the Knoll-Gas Torco Race Fuels Funny Car, graduated to the nitro ranks exactly one year ago this weekend. Last year Ashley fell one spot short of qualifying in his debut, but this year was a totally different story.
This year he looked like a seasoned veteran after reaching the ninth qualifying position with runs of a 4.802, 4.737, 4.771 and a 4.809. Next, Ashley opened final eliminations by taking out former world champion Tony Pedregon on a holeshot. He maintained a .006 lead for much of the quarter-mile by winning by a 4.754 to 4.753 margin.
Ashley gained lane choice for the quarter-final match opposite of Jim Head. Once again Ashley was the quicker of the two off the line but within 100-feet his car smoked the tires costing him the match. Some people spend their careers looking for a weekend that consistent but Ashley made it look effortless. Ashley was not discouraged by the loss. Instead, he was just the opposite.
“Just qualifying for this program says a lot,” Ashley said. “When you add in the performance of the car - the car performed well during qualifying. We ran four laps between .73 and a .80. We were able to beat Tony Pedregon in the first round and that was a great boost. He’s a tough competitor.
“There was a huge oildown in front of us and the two cars before us could not get down that lane,” Ashley added. “Jim Head won the race with a 4.90 and that’s all it took. I’m not taking anything away from Jim because he’s a good driver and a good guy. I had .05 on him off of the line and a 4.75 tune up but just didn’t have the race track to handle the power.”
“This team is on a high and Brian Corradi is an awesome crew chief, tuner and leader and has demonstrated that through his actions and performance.” Ashley said. “This is Indianapolis. We did well here and people are starting to recognize us. Now we are winning. We are going rounds and sooner rather then later we will go four rounds on Sunday. I’m leaving here with the confidence meter pegged.”
Ashley spent much of the weekend consulting with drag racing school instructor Frank Hawley working on honing his driving techniques including staging and reaction time strategy.
“We have seen instantaneous results,’ Ashley said. “When you get to know Frank you realize he is brilliant and a great resource for driver improvement. He has been a tremendous help to me and I feel the most comfortable I have ever been as a driver. That means we can win races.”
###
For More Information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: www.GothamCityRacing.com
About Gotham City Racing
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Knoll Gas Torco Race Fuels, the largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of additives is complimented by SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Product can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website.
Website: http://www.torco.com
Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com
To keep up with the latest in drag racing news including same day coverage of NHRA POWERade national events, click on Torco's CompetitionPlus.com.
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
Oakley
Optima Aluminum Trailers
Lend America
Impact Racing
Knoll Gas Motorsports
SKULL Shine
SKULL H2O
