After Topeka Win, Ashley Focused on Maintaining Momentum in Chicago JOLIET, Ill. - Emotionally charged from his first-ever NHRA Funny Car win last Sunday in Topeka, Kan., Mike Ashley is anxious to maintain his momentum on the quarter-mile at this weekend’s Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals, the ninth of 23 events in the 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Driving the Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger R/T, Ashley’s win pushed him solidly into third place in Countdown to the Championship, just 153 points off the lead. A two-time world champion in the Pro Modified class, Ashley is keenly aware that the battle is won by amassing victories, and that every point and round-win is critical to achieving his ultimate goal of winning the Funny Car title. “Winning in Topeka was huge, and I’ll never forget it because it was my first Wally [event trophy], but, as a team, we all know that we can’t rest on our laurels and let down at all, ” Ashley said.
“Chicago is an incredible place to race, one of my favorite tracks, and it’s Torco’s race, so, we’re definitely going to be hitting it hard to put on a good show for our sponsor. Evan [Knoll, Torco’s owner] was in Topeka last weekend and celebrated with us in the winner’s circle, and I’m just planning on continuing the party through this weekend.
“I know that Brian [Corradi, crew chief] has a couple of things he is going to try this weekend, and I know that Mark Oswald [R&D director, co-crew chief] has had great success at this track, too, so, I’m very confident that we’ll continue to perform just like we have been for the past several races, ” he said. Ashley’s Gotham City Racing team has been on a record-setting streak of late, setting track speed records at the past four events, including recording the fastest speed in Funny Car history - 334.32 mph at The Strip in Las Vegas. “With the marathon schedule ahead of us, it’s very important that we stay focused and keep working the way we have been for the past several weeks. This team is a family, and we all know what has to get done to win. I think the win in Topeka just prepared us for what’s around the corner, and it’ll be tough, but a whole lot of drag racin’ fun! “
Following Fathers Day weekend off after Chicago, Team Gotham will embark on a grueling six-in-a-row coast-to-coast racing schedule that will test the mettle of every man and push the limits of performance and endurance. “This is what we’re out here for, ” said Ashley. “It started for us last week in Topeka, will continue this weekend in Chicago, and then push us all the way through Englishtown and then to the Western Swing. This is a drag racing fan’s dream come true - and we’re poised to keep it all running fast. ” Mike Ashley Quick Facts:
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