Ashley qualifies amidst brutal atmospheric conditions on Friday in Seattle

KENT, Wash. --NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Mike Ashley debuted his new Evan Knoll Funny Car team last week with positive results. This weekend he had to start all over again.
“You really can’t figure a tune-up based on Denver,” Ashley said. “This is our first opportunity to run the car at sea level and even though it was extremely hot today, we weren’t extremely off of the pace. I feel like we are sneaking up on everything and I certainly see a lot of promise already.”

Ashley drove his SKULL Gear-sponsored and DSR managed Dodge Stratus flopper to the 12th quickest elapsed time of the first day with a 5.030, 309.42.

The track temperature reached 140-degrees during the course of qualifying. His first attempt was aborted when his engine lost the supercharger blower belt.

Ashley and his team will be joined this weekend by RFC Ebay auction winner Scott Soper. Soper earned the right to serve as an honorary crewmember for the day and his winnings included a special Gotham City racing diecast, a crew shirt to wear for the day, as well as hopitality priviliges and 2 weekend passes for the event. Soper's auction was donated in full to Racer's for Christ.

Racing continues on Saturday with sessions at 12:00 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

###

For More Information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: www.GothamCityRacing.com

Have you seen the SKULL Factor News Network?
You don't want to miss this! Tune-in and watch as your favorite drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and other special guests "Get Their Head Examined" on the SKULL Factor News Network.
Your host, Brian Olson, gets into what really goes on inside the heads of the people behind the fast paced sport of drag racing.

Each episode of the SKULL Factor News Network will air no later than 10:00 PM (EST) daily during NHRA POWERade Drag Racing events. Previously aired shows can be viewed at any time by visiting the "Skull Factor Archives" page on GothamCityRacing.com

Watch the SKULL Factor News Network on 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
Roger McCombs RV SuperCenter

To learn more about Roger McCombs RV SuperCenter & Race Car Trailer Sales and to search their extensive inventory of RVs and Trailers, visit the company’s website.

Website: www.RogerMcCombsRVsuperCenter.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