<img src="http://gallery.nitromater.com/files/6/5/M_Ashley.jpg" alt="M_Ashley" align="left"borders="0"/>
SONOMA, Ca. --Two weeks ago NHRA POWERade Funny Car racer Mike Ashley’s career-best qualifying position was ninth. Today, it provides an excellent starting point for the Knoll Gas – Torco Race Fuels-sponsored driver during the first day of qualifications for the NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Ca. It's all a part of the new team realizing its potential, admits Ashley.
Ashley suggested last week that he needed only four more runs to effectively dial-in the new Evan Knoll Funny Car managed by DSR. His second run provided the right combination to claim the ninth position with a 4.851, 314.09. The run launched Ashley as high as second initially during Friday’s evening session.
“I knew that we’d make a good run tonight,” Ashley said. “We are getting our act together quickly with this team. I am going to get my act together as a driver and you will see great things from this team. I owe a lot to Brian Corradi and my crew. They make great stuff happen.”
Ashley was the first nitro car out during Friday qualifying and he put forth a valiant effort despite a 122-degree racing surface. He launched hard and as the tires began to lose traction, he pedaled his way to a 6.849, 154.33. The run was still good enough for the 11th spot within the 16-car field.
Ashley qualified a career best 4th last weekend in Seattle and has two more opportunities to improve on his current status during Saturday’s qualifying.
Racing continues Saturday with sessions at 12:00 and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 12 p.m. on Sunday.
MIKE ASHLEY SHOWS MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN FIRST DAY SONOMA QUALIFYING
SONOMA, Ca. --Two weeks ago NHRA POWERade Funny Car racer Mike Ashley’s career-best qualifying position was ninth. Today, it provides an excellent starting point for the Knoll Gas – Torco Race Fuels-sponsored driver during the first day of qualifications for the NHRA FRAM Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Ca. It's all a part of the new team realizing its potential, admits Ashley.
Ashley suggested last week that he needed only four more runs to effectively dial-in the new Evan Knoll Funny Car managed by DSR. His second run provided the right combination to claim the ninth position with a 4.851, 314.09. The run launched Ashley as high as second initially during Friday’s evening session.
“I knew that we’d make a good run tonight,” Ashley said. “We are getting our act together quickly with this team. I am going to get my act together as a driver and you will see great things from this team. I owe a lot to Brian Corradi and my crew. They make great stuff happen.”
Ashley was the first nitro car out during Friday qualifying and he put forth a valiant effort despite a 122-degree racing surface. He launched hard and as the tires began to lose traction, he pedaled his way to a 6.849, 154.33. The run was still good enough for the 11th spot within the 16-car field.
Ashley qualified a career best 4th last weekend in Seattle and has two more opportunities to improve on his current status during Saturday’s qualifying.
Racing continues Saturday with sessions at 12:00 and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations begin at 12 p.m. on Sunday.
