Richmond: Mike Ashley preview

DINWIDDIE, Va. - Pro Modified pioneer Mike Ashley plans to make his 2001 IHRA Pro Modified debut at this weekend's IHRA Summit Drag Racing Series ACDelco Nationals presented by Chevrolet hosted by Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie, Va. Ashley, 36, and a Mortgage Banker from Long Island, NY., enters the season with a total new look, but with the same intensity. He will roll to the starting line with a Tommy Mauney-built 1963 Corvette and an engine from RS Competition.

"I am excited about this season," explained Ashley, who recently sold his classic 1957 Chevy. "We did some testing and because of switching cars, we were late getting started this season. I'd rather be late and be on my game than early and be off of the pace. I expect the competition in Pro Modified to be as tough as always and because of that, I've enlisted the best tools to do the job."

His new machine will feature the eye-catching Gotham City Racing theme, painted by veteran graphics extraordinaire Chucky B. Ashley feels that the involvement of SFX with the IHRA is a great thing and he's pleased to be a part of the show.

"I am proud to be part of the SFX show," explained Ashley. "I see large things happening with the IHRA and I know that it's important to hurry up and get out there and make an impression. First impressions go a long way and I want the SFX impression of my team to be a positive one."

Ashley, along with the rest of the Pro Modified contingent, will be looking to gain a berth in the 16-car field. At the last event, a whopping 49 entries trying to qualify for the same amount of positions created the quickest-ever Pro Modified field in the history of the class. Ashley expects nothing less than that during this weekend's event.

-Gotham City Racing

www.gothamcityracing.com.