MIKE ASHLEY IMPROVES QUALIFYING E.T. DURING BRAINERD FINAL DAY

Consistency propels Ashley to strong qualifying effort in Brainerd

BRAINERD, Minn. (8/12/06) -- NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Mike Ashley wasn't the quickest car during the final day of qualifying at the Lucas Oil Nationals but then again, he didn't need to be. A solid first day effort provided the driver of the Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels entry with the opportunity to work on his final eliminations consistency. He achieved that crucial objective and did so in rapid fashion.

Ashley's 4.827, 316.15 stood as his quickest run of the day eclipsing Friday evening's 4.841, 323.19. He concluded the day as the eighth quickest Funny Car in the sixteen-car field.

"This is great and I'm certainly pleased with the progress we've made in such a short amount of time," Ashley said. "Brian Corradi and the crew should get the credit here because they have made this car competitive. This is a team effort and we have one common objective - win."

Ashley's 4.827 was the third quickest lap of today's opening session.

In the final session, Ashley maintained the torrid pace as he laid down a clean 4.840, 313.88. The final attempt didn't improve his position but remained the sixth quickest of the final session.

Ashley maintained competitive status in qualifying with the two-time Pro Modified champion reaching as high as second in provisional qualifying and never dipping below the sixth quickest throughout the four qualifying sessions.

Ashley will race former teammate Del Worsham in the first round.

Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
* Oakley - http://www.oakley.com/
* Optima Aluminum Trailers - http://www.optimatrailers.com/
* Lend America - http://www.lendamerica.com/
* Impact Racing - http://www.impactraceproducts.com/
* Knoll Gas Motorsports - http://www.torco.com/
* RPM Depot - http://www.rpmperformance.net/
* SKULL Shine - http://www.torco.com/
* SKULL H2O - http://www.torco.com/