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BRISTOL, Tenn., May 17, 2008 -- Mike Ashley came within .012-second Saturday of making the starting Funny Car lineup for Sunday's O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
But he will be racing on Sunday anyway, thanks to his versatility and love of Pro Mod racing. Ashley, who began the weekend with an entry in each category, won his opening Pro Mod race Saturday soon after his last Funny Car run of 4.916 seconds. He needed to run better than 4.904 seconds to grab 16th place.
Melanie Troxel, driver of the Gotham City Racing ProCare Rx Dodge Charger R/T, held onto 11th place and meets Tony Pedregon in the first round.
"Both cars ran good today," said Ashley. "We just missed getting in by just a little bit, but I think (crew chief) Aaron Brooks and the Lend America/ProCare Rx/Gotham City Dodge Charger R/T crew have a good handle on the car.
"I am really excited about winning the first round in Pro Mod. Right now, I'm focusing on winning the second round tomorrow. We'll get the Funny Car ready for Topeka (May 30-June 1). I won my first NHRA Funny Car race at Topeka last year and I'm looking forward to going back to defend my title."
MIKE ASHLEY JUST MISSES BRISTOL STARTING LINEUP
Advances to second round of Pro Modified...
BRISTOL, Tenn., May 17, 2008 -- Mike Ashley came within .012-second Saturday of making the starting Funny Car lineup for Sunday's O'Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.
But he will be racing on Sunday anyway, thanks to his versatility and love of Pro Mod racing. Ashley, who began the weekend with an entry in each category, won his opening Pro Mod race Saturday soon after his last Funny Car run of 4.916 seconds. He needed to run better than 4.904 seconds to grab 16th place.
Melanie Troxel, driver of the Gotham City Racing ProCare Rx Dodge Charger R/T, held onto 11th place and meets Tony Pedregon in the first round.
"Both cars ran good today," said Ashley. "We just missed getting in by just a little bit, but I think (crew chief) Aaron Brooks and the Lend America/ProCare Rx/Gotham City Dodge Charger R/T crew have a good handle on the car.
"I am really excited about winning the first round in Pro Mod. Right now, I'm focusing on winning the second round tomorrow. We'll get the Funny Car ready for Topeka (May 30-June 1). I won my first NHRA Funny Car race at Topeka last year and I'm looking forward to going back to defend my title."
