<img src="http://gallery.nitromater.com/files/6/5/m_ashley06.jpg" alt="m_ashley06" align="right"borders="0"/>
MORRISON, Colo. --Until the body was lowered for Friday’s first qualifying session at the NHRA Mopar Mile High Nationals, Mike Ashley hadn’t even sat in the new Knoll Gas-Torco Race Fuels - owned Funny Car managed by DSR much less take it for a test spin. Three weeks ago, there wasn’t even a nut, bolt or body on the bare chassis or a tool in the trailer. But, that didn’t stop this newly formed team of veterans from delivering.
After working three weeks straight without a break, then driving from the DSR headquarters in Brownsburg Indiana straight through to Denver, the team still managed to qualify for an event that saw the most challenging conditions on the NHRA PowerAde tour.
“I have one name that explains it all – Brian Corradi,” Ashley said. “He guided the new team through 12 – 15 hour days and they worked through the holiday and beyond that, drove straight to Denver. The Don Schumacher organization is a well run operation chock full with instruments of success. He is deep in talent at key positions and that’s’ what it takes to build a championship caliber team.”
It was a “red” weekend for Ashley. New red car, red uniforms, red hot air, the track surface was red hot and a red light.
“I hate the red light,” Ashley said. “I really do. I have been working very hard for the last 10 weeks with a trainer to develop my natural reaction time in general. I think it is an important component in my development as a driver. It helps to stay ahead of the car as well as on the starting line.
“When I rolled to the line I had a feeling of certainty and confidence in the car, the team and myself. It’s a feeling I remember well from my Pro Mod days. As I reflect back on it I wanted to deliver for my sponsors my team and DSR. Tommy rolled in accidentally and turned on both lights just as I turned on my pre - stage. I think that broke my rhythm and I just rushed in and red lit. It’s no excuse and it certainly wasn’t Tommy’s fault. As an experienced driver, that shouldn’t have broken my rhythm and the next time it won’t.”
For a first outing, Ashley knows there’s room for improvement. That comes with the territory in the Funny Car division.
“All in all I am thrilled,” Ashley said. “I know we can and will win races. I am excited and have an enormous amount of renewed enthusiasm racing with Brian and the whole team including all of the great people at DSR. I spoke with Evan Knoll after the race and he is as excited as I am and we both are ready for our first Wally.
It’s a new team, new car and new equipment. There is the normal adjustment time to gain traction and be competitive. New car bugs are to be expected. Don’t expect this team to be taken lightly for long though. Considering the virtual overnight assembly of the team, its equipment and car, you have to take notice they qualified in the toughest conditions of 2006.
One final note, Ashley’s car says “expect to win” on the side which is Ashley’s personal mantra. It looks as if his 11-year old son Justin takes stock in dad’s words, he won the NHRA POWERade Fan Nationals for the weekend.
###
For More Information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: www.GothamCityRacing.com
Have you seen the SKULL Factor News Network?
You don't want to miss this! Tune-in and watch as your favorite drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and other special guests "Get Their Head Examined" on the SKULL Factor News Network.
Your host, Brian Olson, gets into what really goes on inside the heads of the people behind the fast paced sport of drag racing.
Each episode of the SKULL Factor News Network will air no later than 10:00 PM (EST) daily during NHRA POWERade Drag Racing events. Previously aired shows can be viewed at any time by visiting the "Skull Factor Archives" page on GothamCityRacing.com
Watch the SKULL Factor News Network on 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
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.
Website: www.RogerMcCombsRVsuperCenter.com
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
Oakley
Optima Aluminum Trailers
Lend America
Impact Racing
Knoll Gas Motorsports
RPM Depot
SKULL Shine
SKULL H2O
Successful debut for Mike Ashley’s new Knoll Gas–Torco Race Fuels Funny Car ends with red-light
MORRISON, Colo. --Until the body was lowered for Friday’s first qualifying session at the NHRA Mopar Mile High Nationals, Mike Ashley hadn’t even sat in the new Knoll Gas-Torco Race Fuels - owned Funny Car managed by DSR much less take it for a test spin. Three weeks ago, there wasn’t even a nut, bolt or body on the bare chassis or a tool in the trailer. But, that didn’t stop this newly formed team of veterans from delivering.
After working three weeks straight without a break, then driving from the DSR headquarters in Brownsburg Indiana straight through to Denver, the team still managed to qualify for an event that saw the most challenging conditions on the NHRA PowerAde tour.
“I have one name that explains it all – Brian Corradi,” Ashley said. “He guided the new team through 12 – 15 hour days and they worked through the holiday and beyond that, drove straight to Denver. The Don Schumacher organization is a well run operation chock full with instruments of success. He is deep in talent at key positions and that’s’ what it takes to build a championship caliber team.”
It was a “red” weekend for Ashley. New red car, red uniforms, red hot air, the track surface was red hot and a red light.
“I hate the red light,” Ashley said. “I really do. I have been working very hard for the last 10 weeks with a trainer to develop my natural reaction time in general. I think it is an important component in my development as a driver. It helps to stay ahead of the car as well as on the starting line.
“When I rolled to the line I had a feeling of certainty and confidence in the car, the team and myself. It’s a feeling I remember well from my Pro Mod days. As I reflect back on it I wanted to deliver for my sponsors my team and DSR. Tommy rolled in accidentally and turned on both lights just as I turned on my pre - stage. I think that broke my rhythm and I just rushed in and red lit. It’s no excuse and it certainly wasn’t Tommy’s fault. As an experienced driver, that shouldn’t have broken my rhythm and the next time it won’t.”
For a first outing, Ashley knows there’s room for improvement. That comes with the territory in the Funny Car division.
“All in all I am thrilled,” Ashley said. “I know we can and will win races. I am excited and have an enormous amount of renewed enthusiasm racing with Brian and the whole team including all of the great people at DSR. I spoke with Evan Knoll after the race and he is as excited as I am and we both are ready for our first Wally.
It’s a new team, new car and new equipment. There is the normal adjustment time to gain traction and be competitive. New car bugs are to be expected. Don’t expect this team to be taken lightly for long though. Considering the virtual overnight assembly of the team, its equipment and car, you have to take notice they qualified in the toughest conditions of 2006.
One final note, Ashley’s car says “expect to win” on the side which is Ashley’s personal mantra. It looks as if his 11-year old son Justin takes stock in dad’s words, he won the NHRA POWERade Fan Nationals for the weekend.
###
For More Information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: www.GothamCityRacing.com
Have you seen the SKULL Factor News Network?
You don't want to miss this! Tune-in and watch as your favorite drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and other special guests "Get Their Head Examined" on the SKULL Factor News Network.
Your host, Brian Olson, gets into what really goes on inside the heads of the people behind the fast paced sport of drag racing.
Each episode of the SKULL Factor News Network will air no later than 10:00 PM (EST) daily during NHRA POWERade Drag Racing events. Previously aired shows can be viewed at any time by visiting the "Skull Factor Archives" page on GothamCityRacing.com
Watch the SKULL Factor News Network on 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
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.
Website: www.RogerMcCombsRVsuperCenter.com
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
Oakley
Optima Aluminum Trailers
Lend America
Impact Racing
Knoll Gas Motorsports
RPM Depot
SKULL Shine
SKULL H2O
