No. 1 Ashley Confident Heading into Eliminations in Atlanta

COMMERCE, Ga. For the second race in a row, Mike Ashley, driver of the Torco Race Fuels, Inc. Dodge Charger, will enter eliminations from the No. 1 position and set a new track speed record en route to his pole position. Ashley secured his spot at the top based on the strength of his Friday-night blast of 4.704/331.04.

"We had a really solid run last night which obviously let us work with the car to see what changes we would have to make for hot and humid conditions on race day," Ashley said.

"On our first run today, we were really aggressive, trying to see what the track would hold. We got a good start, but then the tires shook so much the parachute came out and I drove down the track with an air-brake," he laughed.

"On the last round against Robert [Hight], Brian [Corradi, Ashley's crew chief] had the car tuned to race, and it was really a good lap. I'm really confident going into tomorrow, because I know we have a great hot rod that's ready to run."

Ashley's final qualifying attempt netted a 4.811/323.43 - the fastest and fourth-quickest run of the day. His Friday night 331.04 mph pass put him in the record books at Atlanta Dragway eclipsing the Funny Car speed record of 329.83 mph set by Tony Pedregon in May 2004.

"Now, we have to put all of our hard work on the line and go rounds tomorrow. We've all worked so hard to get to this point, I'm really proud of all of my guys," Ashley said.

Eliminations in the fifth of 23 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events are scheduled to begin Sunday morning at 11 a.m. ESPN2 will televise final eliminations beginning at 7 p.m. (EDT) Sunday evening.

About Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing

Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Torco Race Fuels, Inc., the world's largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Torco Race Fuels, Inc. has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of fuels and additives is complimented by SKULL Shine -- a complete line of automotive care and appearance products and SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Product can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting their website: Torco Racing Fuels

Website: Torco Racing Fuels
Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by:


Knoll Gas Motorsports: Torco Racing Fuels
Lucas Oil Products: Lucas Oil
Dixie Chopper: Dixie Chopper
A&R Transport: A&R Transport Home Page
Oakley: Oakley - The Official Site
The Hyperbaric Therapy Center: Hyperbaric Therapy Center - Hyperbaric Chamber
Lend America: Lend America

Lend America is a nationwide direct lender, specializing in residential financing for one to four family homes. Lend America combines a flexible, common sense loan review process with hundreds of loan programs to provide exceptional service for its clients. Lend America's Motto "Don't take NO for an answer" is in direct relation to its commitment to service borrowers with "lending or credit challenges." Contact Lend America today, (877) 4-RACE-LOAN.