MIKE ASHLEY LOOKING TO MAKE A NEW TRADITION IN NORWALK

NORWALK, Ohio (June 27, 2007) - As the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series makes its first appearance at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, Mike Ashley, driver of the Torco Race Fuels, Inc. Dodge Charger R/T, plans to create a winning tradition at the Ohio track.

Winner of one event so far this year in nitro Funny Car, Ashley currently sits in the No. 6 position in Countdown to the Championship points, just seven races before the playoffs begin. Keenly aware that every round-win counts, Ashley is focused on building positive momentum as he hits the second of six races in a row this weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

"We're in the beginning of the marathon, now, and it's important to stay focused and make every run count," Ashley said. "The Gotham City Racing crew all know that every job is critical, and they are all professionals - I have every confidence in them that we'll make the show and build on our points position."

"It's exciting to go into Norwalk where we've never had a race, because I'm big on tradition and of course I'd like to start one of my own," he said.

"I understand that the weather is going to be warm - which is really good for us, because Brian [Corradi, crew chief] has a great hot-weather tune-up. We've got a lot of power in the Torco Dodge, and I really feel good about this weekend.

"They guys found something in our clutch that had been pestering them and causing us some problems, and they feel confident that we've got things figured out, so, all of us are anxious to get back on the track and get back in the game," Ashley said.

QUICK FACTS:

• Mike Ashley's Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger ran the fastest lap in Funny Car history in Las Vegas at 334.43 mph
• Mike Ashley is currently No. 6 in POWERade points
• Mike Ashley was runner-up in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway.
• Mike Ashley was the No. 1 qualifier at three races in a row this season
• Mike Ashley is a mortgage banker, vice president of Lend America, the Official Mortgage Source of NHRA
• Mike Ashley is married and a father of two
• Mike Ashley lives in Mellville, NY, on Long Island, and was born in Manhattan

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, June 29 - PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at 4 and 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 30 - PROFESSIONAL QUALIFYING SESSIONS at noon and 2:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, July 1 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. FINAL ELIMINATIONS begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:
Saturday, June 30, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise two hours of qualifying highlights at 10 p.m. (ET).
Sunday July 1, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will air NHRA Race Day at 11 a.m. (ET).
Sunday, July 1, ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise three hours of eliminations at 8 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE (ANALOG FEED):
Friday, June 29, 10-10:30 p.m. (ET) - SBS 6, Transponder 16K (Downlink frequency, 12092.5 MHz, vertical)
Saturday, June 30, 7:30-8 p.m. (ET) - SBS 6, Transponder 16K (Downlink frequency, 12092.5 MHz, vertical)
Sunday, July 1, 7-7:30 p.m. (ET) - SBS 6, Transponder 16K (Downlink frequency, 12092.5 MHz, vertical)