Mike Ashley blasts his way to second AMS TLR Pro Modified World Championship
(10-23-2005) LAS VEGAS, NV - All one had to see was Mike Ashley climb aboard the roof of his award- winning Shelby GT500E Mustang to know that he had just accomplished something spectacular. At least seven times in 2005 has Ashley, the defending NHRA AMS TLR World Champion who also drives a nitro- burning Funny Car, has performed this celebratory ritual. This time it was for a first round victory during the ACDelco NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas. But, this was not just another round win.
Ashley needed only a first round victory to clinch a second consecutive NHRA AMS TLR Pro Modified championship. The SKULL GEAR, Torco Race Fuels- sponsored driver quickly eliminated all distractions en route to securing the title with a monumental victory over Lee Smith.
Ashley, who has three more possible round victories left during this weekend, can lay claim to his eighth national event victory if he remains undefeated. The veteran driver heaped bountiful praise on his crew led by Chuck Ford.
"The incredible part of this victory is how we all worked together towards a common goal," Ashley said. "My team had a lot to overcome with the rules being changed and yet they bonded together and this was the end result. We've kept the distractions at a minimum and it shows."
The last time Ashley was in Las Vegas during April, he scored the first of five consecutive national event victories.
Ashley entered today's final eliminations as the #5 qualifier with a 6.210, 228.23.
During his first round match against Smith, Ashley was quicker of the two out of the gate and that provided an excellent backdrop for a winning 6.197, 228.83.
"When you work so hard at a goal like this team has, it is so gratifying to achieve," Ashley said. "Winning this championship has only renewed the same fire that pushed us to focus on winning a third consecutive. But, for tonight, we are going to celebrate."
POWERade Funny Car rookie qualifies in strong field
Ashley is also pulling double duty as a nitro Funny Car driver. His consistency has been impeccable as the Mark Oswald-tuned flopper reeled off strong laps as a 4.870, 320.05 and a 4.804, 319.14 in two of his first three runs.
During the final session on Saturday, found his best numbers of qualifications with a 4.786, 315.64. Ashley's 11th seeding will pair him opposite of Robert Hight in the first round. The impressive part of it all is that Ashley is only .04 of a second off of the pole position.
About our sponsors
Gotham City Racing is fully sponsored by Torco Race Fuels, the largest independently owned race fuel manufacturer. Torco Race Fuels has a full line of racing gasoline including methanol and nitromethane. Their full product line of additives is complimented by an innovative clothing line. Product can be purchased by logging onto their website
http://www.torcoracefuels.com/
Please visit the websites of our associate sponsors InfiNet Insurance and Unique Performance at
http://www.infinetinsurance.com/ and
http://www.uniqueperformance.com/.
Jeg's Mail Order is an associate sponsor of Gotham City Racing. Please visit their website at
http://www.jegs.com/.
To learn more about Roger McCombs RV SuperCenter & Race Car Trailer Sales and to search their extensive inventory of RVs and Trailers, the company’s website address is:
http://www.rogermccombsrvsupercenter.com/.
Photo courtesy of CompetitionPlus.com
