Ashley Qualifies Number Nine in Memphis, faces Scelzi in First Round of Eliminations

MEMPHIS, TN (8/19/06) -- Knoll Gas/Torco Race Fuels Funny Car driver Mike Ashley tied 2005 Champion Gary Scelzi with the fourth-quickest time of the final qualifying session and earned the number nine position at the O'Reilly Midsouth Nationals in Memphis, Tenn. Scelzi qualified eighth with a quicker m.p.h. - 302 to Ashley's 299. The two drivers will face each other in the first round of eliminations on Sunday at Memphis Raceway Park.
"Today was a great day, even if it was so hot and humid. Brian [Corradi, crew chief] and the guys have this Torco Funny Car dialed in, and we can definitely run with the very best and be confident," Ashley said.

"Gary is a good friend and an incredible driver, so I know I have my work cut out for me. I respect him and am looking forward to our race, but I think the real competitor will be the 130 degree race track," he said.

Local weather forecast in Memphis for Sunday is upper 90s with a 30 percent chance of rain - more of the same.

"It's supposed to be hot and muggy tomorrow, but I know we have really good data on how to run the track because that's what we've been doing all weekend," he said. "I'm sure the track will be hot and that the air will be full of water - just like today and Friday.

"It gets extremely hot in the fire suit and the windows fog up in the car, but once the lights come on, it's all nitro and adrenaline, and my goal is to win," Ashley said.

"I feel good about where things are right now, both with the car and my own focus. The team is jelling, and we've all gotten to know each other a lot over the past several weeks. They have been right beside me as I've gotten used to the new car and systems, and I'm sure we're going to be going rounds."

Eliminations in the 17th of 23 events in the $50 million POWERade Drag Racing Series are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. CDT.

For More Information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: www.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
Torco Race Fuels CompetitionPlus.com

To keep up with the latest in drag racing news including same day coverage of NHRA POWERade national events, click on Torco's CompetitionPlus.com.

Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:
Oakley
Optima Aluminum Trailers
Lend America
Impact Racing
Knoll Gas Motorsports
SKULL Shine
SKULL H2O