Championship Drag Racing

ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals
Las Vegas, NV
(October 20-23)

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Driver Profile

Mike Ashley ProCare RX Dodge Charger Funny Car

Chicago, Saturday:  NHRA POWERade Funny Car newcomer Mike Ashley will revel in the honor of being one of sixteen drivers to qualify for the quickest and fastest Funny Car field in history. Ashley concluded qualifications during this weekend’s AMERIQUEST NHRA Nationals in Joliet, Ill., as the 14th quickest on the strength of Friday’s 4.787, 324.98. Ashley failed to improve in either of Saturday’s sessions.

“We wanted to get a little more breathing room in qualifying and just didn’t get the job done today,” Ashley said. “I am encouraged that we learned a lot from both of today’s runs. Naturally, our competitive nature wants us to improve every single time we run.

 “The positive point is that we are racing on Sunday and we are ready for that challenge.”

Ashley’s final lap resulted in a run that produced a 5.097, 229.82.

The Melville, NY-based Ashley encountered a scary scenario during Saturday’s initial qualifying session as opponent Gary Densham crossed over into his lane and struck the retaining wall. Ashley didn’t improve on his position with a 4.939, 292.71. However, that run was the determining factor between the mishap being a single-car or double crash.

Ashley had no idea of what had transpired behind him.

“I had enough of a time fighting my own monster,” Ashley said. “We had it hopped up and we had it set for a mid-4.70. It just didn’t turn out that way and we dropped a few cylinders. I am just glad that Gary is okay and that we were able to avoid the crash. God was watching out for me today.”

Ashley’s 14th seeding will match him opposite of point leader Gary Scelzi in the first round.

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