Ashley blasts to No. 9 in Vegas  Las Vegas (October 27, 2007) It was a perfect day for drag racing at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Mike Ashley made the best of it in his Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger R/T, setting the top Funny Car speed of the meet and qualifying No. 9 with a 4.796/328.86-pass in the final round of qualifying at the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals. "This car likes to go fast on this track," Ashley said. "Brian [Corradi, Crew chief] had it tuned to go in the high '70's and that's exactly what we did. "We had been working with several experimental parts in the car in the previous rounds, and were in the show, but on that last one, he really got down to it and made it hot for me," he said. Ashley, who is in town with his wife, Mindy, said his goal for the weekend is to win a race for her. "She's never been at the track when I've won a race, so I told her that this race was for her. She has always supported me in my racing, and really whatever I've done - I don't think I could have a bigger cheerleader. "My dad is here, too, and he's never been here when we've won in Funny Car, so it's really important to me to do well for them," Ashley said. Along with his family, Ashley is also hosting a very special fan, TJ, who has been a source of encouragement for the Long Island-based mortgage banker throughout the season. "TJ is one of those people who really just brings sunshine wherever he is. We met him through the Make-a-Wish program because he's gone through a lot of really tough medical issues, but, he's a real champion and a motivation for me as well as the whole team," Ashley said. Ashley's pit was also the site of a special wedding renewal ceremony Friday night for Safety Safari member Jimmy Ledbetter and his bride Brenda. The Ledbetters were married in Las Vegas five years ago, and, although his job is with the NHRA, she has never attended a National event. "I can't thank Mike and Angelo [Angelico, GCR Team Manager] enough for making it so special. They are truly very wonderful people," Ledbetter said. Ashley said, "We're having such a great time here in Vegas - and people like TJ, and the Ledbetters along with Latrell Preston and the rest of the people from Torco are what make thee experience out here great. "Now, we're going to go out and give it all we've got tomorrow. I feel really confident about the day, and am really looking forward to race day," Ashley said. Final eliminations are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, October 28. 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, Inc. has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of fuels and additives is complimented by SKULL Shine -- a complete line of automotive care and appearance products and SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Product can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: www.torcoracefuels.com Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
Knoll Gas Motorsports: www.torcoracefuels.com
Lucas Oil Products: www.lucasoil.com
A&R Transport: www.artransport.com
Oakley: www.oakley.com
The Hyperbaric Therapy Center: www.hypertc.com
Lend America: www.lendamerica.com
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 its commitment to service borrowers with "lending or credit challenges." Contact Lend America today, (877) 4-RACE-LOAN. Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing support Autism Awareness through their support of the Hyperbaric Therapy Center. A 2007 Centers for Disease Control report found that 1 in 150 children in America today have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and an estimated 1.5 million Americans and their families are now affected. Autism is a national health crisis, and Gotham City Racing is working to help educate the public about ways they can get involved.
Visit the Heal Autism Now website for more information about how you can get involved: www.healautis mnow.org |
