Hmmmmm -
Mike Ashley decides to license at Charlotte and come out two races earlier than originally announced.
Grubnic suddenly appears with three races to the Countdown and Doug in 9th place to "test."
And . . . rumors surface of a 3rd Summit P/S that will be at selected races.
Coincidences? I don't know, but it's "Verrry Interesting" !

“I missed driving and that’s the reason I’m coming back,” Ashley said. “I totally believe in this team and Antron. I don’t think having a blocker is necessary. I missed being out there [racing]. I promised myself [when I walked away from driving] that I would be back as soon as I possibly could.”

Drag Racing Internet Magazine - Competition Plus.com - MIKE ASHLEY: I MISSED DRIVING (http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10703&Itemid=24)

There's no guarantees and the races have to be run. Just because "the blockers" show up doesn't mean they'll have any affect at all...

I take it as a good sign; one that indicates these guys feel a bit more confident about spending some cash. I like it...

“I missed driving and that’s the reason I’m coming back,” Ashley said. “I totally believe in this team and Antron. I don’t think having a blocker is necessary. I missed being out there [racing]. I promised myself [when I walked away from driving] that I would be back as soon as I possibly could.”

Drag Racing Internet Magazine - Competition Plus.com - MIKE ASHLEY: I MISSED DRIVING (http://www.competitionplus.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10703&Itemid=24)

Bet 'ya ten bucks that if he lines up against AB he'll smoke the tires or redlight.

My personal opinion on blocking aside, it's great to see Mike Ashley back in a car racing.

My personal opinion on blocking aside, it's great to see Mike Ashley back in a car racing.

I agree with this statement whole-heartedly. Welcome back Mike.

In Ashley's case.... if ti is a blocker deal, it sure seems like a LOT of $$ to spend to potentially win $500k.

What does it cost to run a second car competitively per race?

In Ashley's case.... if ti is a blocker deal, it sure seems like a LOT of $$ to spend to potentially win $500k.

What does it cost to run a second car competitively per race?

You can make a small fortune in Drag Racing - just start with a large one!

If it boosts car counts, with quality cars im for it especially this year

If it boosts car counts, with quality cars im for it especially this year

That's almost word for word what I was getting ready to type.

Alan

That's almost word for word what I was getting ready to type.

That makes three of us...

There's no guarantees and the races have to be run. Just because "the blockers" show up doesn't mean they'll have any affect at all...

I take it as a good sign; one that indicates these guys feel a bit more confident about spending some cash. I like it...


Years ago, when the Finals were at Ontario Motor Speedway, Gary Beck driving for Larry minor had Kelly Brown in a blocker car. Kelly Brown blew the motor a few hundred feet before the lights in round one, and lost.

Hmmmmm -
Mike Ashley decides to license at Charlotte and come out two races earlier than originally announced.
Grubnic suddenly appears with three races to the Countdown and Doug in 9th place to "test."
And . . . rumors surface of a 3rd Summit P/S that will be at selected races.
Coincidences? I don't know, but it's "Verrry Interesting" !

I would guess that there are many advantages including testing parts and set-ups for next year. PLUS if the HAPPEN to line up against a "countdown" competitor..... SWEET BONUS!!!!

That makes three of us...

"Four"
Lets get the car counts back up!!

I think it makes more sense to field an extra car for testing rather than trying to block. There is no guarantee that the "blocker" will line up against the right cars, let alone beat them. Same with bumping. But with the testing rules the only place to test is at an event. Hmmmm maybe NHRA knew what they were doing afterall.... :)

Anything that brings Mike back is a good deal.
Anything that gets the car counts back up is a good deal.

As bonus items it gives him a few races to sort things out before a run next year.

Yeah they could have the added benefit of a blocker, if not to dive at least a very competitive car that can take out those in pursuit of AB which is just as valuable.

Bet 'ya ten bucks that if he lines up against AB he'll smoke the tires or redlight.

My personal opinion on blocking aside, it's great to see Mike Ashley back in a car racing.

And if I owned both cars I would do the same thing. To most it's a sport. To a few it's a business.

I thought this might be a good time to bring this up. If anybody ever says that KJ goes in the tank for WJ,think again. In Sonoma WJ/KJ ran in rd 1,WJ needed the points more than KJ but who won? KJ did and it cost WJ 20 badly needed points. It dropped WJ from a 47 point lead over Johnny Gray to 27 points. I hope WJ doesn't miss the Countdown by less than 20 points.

WJ/KJ ????? are they still racing ? :D:D

Well lets see. Doug Kalitta hasnt run so great....Limits on testing,enter a car that you know will qualify should go some rounds or a free test session with the chance to get some cash flow?.Mmmmm

I can't possibly agree more with the "raise car count" opinions.:cool:

In Ashley's case.... if ti is a blocker deal, it sure seems like a LOT of $$ to spend to potentially win $500k.

What does it cost to run a second car competitively per race?
Or, Tax dollars at work:rolleyes:

Or, Tax dollars at work:rolleyes:

Afull run from fire it up till the end.....over 5k no damage. And not so sure Antron needs any blocking,thats one baddd hot rod!!!!

WJ/KJ ????? are they still racing ? :D:D

Forney, you owe me a keyboard! I just sprayed it with black coffee. Hahahahahaha

Or, Tax dollars at work:rolleyes:

Mortgage refinancing is where the $$$$$ are now. Hard to fault anyone that's successful at their profession. We all seem to look at where someone is, not at what it took to get them there.
I'm on the other end of the mortgage $ stick.
I'm a Realtor in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. :(

i think the summit team will bring out rob mansfield in a summit/wilson manifold car like they did last year. hopefully they can block/ kick butt on the yellow car :D

More cars, more stories, more reporting, more fans.
All good!

If you have the $$$ you can do what you want as long as it's legal!! Block or not!!

Good to have Mike back!