Ashley Heading to Pomona looking to Finish Strong; Troxell Confirmed for next year
Pre Race Report - Pomona MIKE ASHLEY'S GOTHAM CITY RACING 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For high-resolution photos and interviews, please contact: Matthew Brammer - Active Marketing pr@activemarketing.com (623) 879-4290 Ashley Heading to Pomona looking to Finish Strong; Troxell Confirmed for next year POMONA, Calif. (October 31, 2007) - One year ago, Mike Ashley announced he would field a championship-contending Nitro Funny car team in 2007. As he rolls into Pomona this weekend with his Torco Race Fuels, Inc.-sponsored Dodge Charger R/T for the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, he has fulfilled his goal and expanded his vision for the future. Ashley's sponsor and longtime friend Evan Knoll was so pleased with the progress of the team after only one year, he decided to move his driver, Melanie Troxel, from the Lucas Oil-operated Top Fuel dragster she raced this season and put her in a Knoll Gas Motorsports /Torco Race Fuels-backed nitro Funny Car under Ashley's Gotham City Racing team. As of this point, it has been confirmed by Torco that Gotham City Racing will definitely be running two Funny Cars and Ashley said he will be driving alongside Troxel, subject to his commitments in the ongoing business requirements of Lend America. "Having Evan trust us to field a championship-contending car for Melanie is an honor as much as a huge responsibility which I take very seriously. Just like I said last year when we announced that I would both Owner and Driver of my own team, we are following the model of finding the very best people and building our program with their talents and dedication. "Brian Corradi is an amazing crew chief and has proven himself time after time this season. Four wins, five No. 1 qualifiers, and a whole bunch of track speed records - he and the guys have proven they are true champions, and I think this weekend you will see exactly the same kind of performance you've come to expect," he said. "This has been an amazing season, to be sure, and I have every intent to keep our momentum going into the years to come," Ashley said. "I'm looking forward to ending the season on a positive note, and I have one more shot to win with my wife Mindy at my side. There isn't a better way to close this chapter of the book, and I'm confident we have what it takes to get it done," he added. Qualifying begins with afternoon sessions scheduled Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2 at 2:30 p.m., and concluding Saturday, November 3 with two sessions scheduled for noon and 3:30 p.m. Eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday, November 4 at 11 a.m. ### For more information about Mike Ashley and Gotham City Racing, visit the team website: www.mikeashley.com. 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 has a full line of racing gasoline in addition to methanol, nitromethane and fuel additives. Torco's fuel product line is complimented by SKULL Shine -- a complete line of car care appearance products and SKULL Gear -- an innovative and trendy clothing line. Products can be purchased by calling 1-800-67-TORCO or by visiting the website: http://www.torco.com. Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing is also sponsored by: * Knoll Gas Motorsports - www.torco.com * Lucas Oil Products - www.lucasoil.com * Oakley - www.oakley.com * The Hyperbaric Therapy Center - www.hypertc.com * Lend America - www.lendamerica.com 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.