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MORRISON, Colo. - Winning is all relative for two-time Pro Modified Champion Mike Ashley, whether it's behind the wheel of a 2,500 horsepower Pro Modified coupe or an 8,000-horse nitro-burning Funny Car. The New York mortgage banker will embark on a new chapter of his drag racing career when he pilots the new Evan Knoll-owned SKULL Gear/Knoll Gas- Torco Race Fuels Funny Car managed by Don Schumacher Racing at the Mopar NHRA Mile High Nationals this weekend.
When Ashley rolls through the gates of Bandimere Speedway just outside of Denver, he's not racing for second place. The event not only marks the start of the NHRA POWERade tour's second-half but also provides Ashley the opportunity to start over after a "learning" experience.
"I know what it takes to win and how to get to the winner's circle," Ashley said. "We will have a large pool of assets, the same caliber of the assets that I won two world championships and the last Pro Mod race at St. Louis with in which to draw upon this weekend. When I look at that vision, I see success, and I'm excited about that."
"The first half of the season was an incredible learning experience under the guidance of Del [Worsham] and Mark [Oswald - former crew chief]. I learned a lot about driving, the tuning of one of these nitro beasts, and how some of the decisions are made. I'm going to use that experience to springboard into our new program. It was an excellent growing experience.
"You can't expect to come into a class of this caliber and expect to go right to the top. Arguably, this class is the toughest it has ever been right now. You have to pay your dues, and I was ready to pay mine."
Ashley's attitude of success has proven anything but idle chatter. He opted to forgo driving the Funny Car in St. Louis to prepare for this weekend's debut. The off-weekend was short-lived however as Ashley decided to race the same Pro Modified car he piloted to the 2004 championship. The end result was a career ninth national event victory despite not having been behind the wheel of a Pro Modified car in eight months.
"Winning is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity, and that win was a momentum builder for me," he said. "The team was prepared for the weekend the same as they were when we won our championships. I haven't forgotten how to win and it doesn't matter which class I drive. Winning is winning - you still have the same core components.
"This merger with DSR under the leadership of crew chief Brian Corradi has huge potential for success. I think preparation has been tough because we've only had two weeks to put together our crew. I know it's been a strain, but I have ultimate confidence that we're ready to race on Friday.
"With the equipment and the knowledge that Don Schumacher's organization offers, we have the opportunity to be successful. If you look at success and winning as a puzzle, I think we have the pieces. It's just a matter of neatly putting them all together. That will come over the next few races."
Ashley’s Lend America the official mortgage source of the NHRA will partner with The Merritt Group - a Denver-based real estate group, for this race. Ranked in the top 3% of Realtors in Denver, The Merritt Group will be supporting Ashley's Lend America mortgage company during the weekend.
Racing begins on Friday, July 14 with qualifying sessions at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. and continues Saturday with sessions at 3:30 and 6 p.m. Final eliminations begin at noon on Sunday.
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. Knol 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. Products can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: http://www.torcoracingfuels.com/
Roger McCombs RV SuperCenter
To learn more about Roger McCombs RV SuperCenter & Race Car Trailer Sales and to search their extensive inventory of RVs and Trailers, visit the company's website: www.RogerMcCombsRVSuperCenter.com
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
* Oakley - www.Oakley.com
* Optima Aluminum Trailers - www.OptimaTrailers.com
* Lend America - www.LendAmerica.com
* Impact Racing - www.ImpactRaceProducts.com
* Knoll Gas Motorsports - www.TorcoRacingFuels.com
* RPM Depot - www.RPMperformance.net
* SKULL Shine - www.TorcoRacingFuels.com
* SKULL H2O - www.TorcoRacingFuels.com
Mike Ashley Embarks on New Chapter with New Team; Two-time Champion is prepared to win
MORRISON, Colo. - Winning is all relative for two-time Pro Modified Champion Mike Ashley, whether it's behind the wheel of a 2,500 horsepower Pro Modified coupe or an 8,000-horse nitro-burning Funny Car. The New York mortgage banker will embark on a new chapter of his drag racing career when he pilots the new Evan Knoll-owned SKULL Gear/Knoll Gas- Torco Race Fuels Funny Car managed by Don Schumacher Racing at the Mopar NHRA Mile High Nationals this weekend.
When Ashley rolls through the gates of Bandimere Speedway just outside of Denver, he's not racing for second place. The event not only marks the start of the NHRA POWERade tour's second-half but also provides Ashley the opportunity to start over after a "learning" experience.
"I know what it takes to win and how to get to the winner's circle," Ashley said. "We will have a large pool of assets, the same caliber of the assets that I won two world championships and the last Pro Mod race at St. Louis with in which to draw upon this weekend. When I look at that vision, I see success, and I'm excited about that."
"The first half of the season was an incredible learning experience under the guidance of Del [Worsham] and Mark [Oswald - former crew chief]. I learned a lot about driving, the tuning of one of these nitro beasts, and how some of the decisions are made. I'm going to use that experience to springboard into our new program. It was an excellent growing experience.
"You can't expect to come into a class of this caliber and expect to go right to the top. Arguably, this class is the toughest it has ever been right now. You have to pay your dues, and I was ready to pay mine."
Ashley's attitude of success has proven anything but idle chatter. He opted to forgo driving the Funny Car in St. Louis to prepare for this weekend's debut. The off-weekend was short-lived however as Ashley decided to race the same Pro Modified car he piloted to the 2004 championship. The end result was a career ninth national event victory despite not having been behind the wheel of a Pro Modified car in eight months.
"Winning is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity, and that win was a momentum builder for me," he said. "The team was prepared for the weekend the same as they were when we won our championships. I haven't forgotten how to win and it doesn't matter which class I drive. Winning is winning - you still have the same core components.
"This merger with DSR under the leadership of crew chief Brian Corradi has huge potential for success. I think preparation has been tough because we've only had two weeks to put together our crew. I know it's been a strain, but I have ultimate confidence that we're ready to race on Friday.
"With the equipment and the knowledge that Don Schumacher's organization offers, we have the opportunity to be successful. If you look at success and winning as a puzzle, I think we have the pieces. It's just a matter of neatly putting them all together. That will come over the next few races."
Ashley’s Lend America the official mortgage source of the NHRA will partner with The Merritt Group - a Denver-based real estate group, for this race. Ranked in the top 3% of Realtors in Denver, The Merritt Group will be supporting Ashley's Lend America mortgage company during the weekend.
Racing begins on Friday, July 14 with qualifying sessions at 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. and continues Saturday with sessions at 3:30 and 6 p.m. Final eliminations begin at noon on Sunday.
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. Knol 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. Products can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: http://www.torcoracingfuels.com/
Roger McCombs RV SuperCenter
To learn more about Roger McCombs RV SuperCenter & Race Car Trailer Sales and to search their extensive inventory of RVs and Trailers, visit the company's website: www.RogerMcCombsRVSuperCenter.com
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
* Oakley - www.Oakley.com
* Optima Aluminum Trailers - www.OptimaTrailers.com
* Lend America - www.LendAmerica.com
* Impact Racing - www.ImpactRaceProducts.com
* Knoll Gas Motorsports - www.TorcoRacingFuels.com
* RPM Depot - www.RPMperformance.net
* SKULL Shine - www.TorcoRacingFuels.com
* SKULL H2O - www.TorcoRacingFuels.com
