Bristol: Mike Ashley Saturday notes

Mike Ashley Just Misses Bristol Funny Car Lineup; Wins First Round in Pro Mod Category

BRISTOL,  Tenn., May 17, 2008 -- Mike Ashley came within .012-second Saturday
of making  the starting Funny Car lineup for Sunday's O'Reilly Thunder
Valley Nationals at  Bristol Dragway.

But he will be racing on Sunday anyway, thanks to his versatility and love of Pro Mod racing. Ashley, who began the weekend with an entry in each category, won his opening Pro Mod race Saturday soon after his last Funny Car run of 4.916 seconds. He needed to run better than 4.904 seconds to grab 16th place.

Melanie Troxel,  driver of the Gotham City Racing ProCare Rx Dodge Charger
R/T, held onto 11th  place and meets Tony Pedregon in the first round.

"Both cars ran  good today," said Ashley.  "We just missed getting in by
just a little bit,  but I think (crew chief) Aaron Brooks and the Lend
America/ProCare Rx/Gotham  City Dodge Charger R/T crew have a good handle on the car.

"I am  really excited about winning the first round in Pro Mod. Right now, I'
m focusing  on winning the second round tomorrow.  We'll get the Funny Car
ready for  Topeka (May 30-June 1).  I won my first NHRA Funny Car race at Topeka
last  year and I'm looking forward to going back to defend my title."

-credit: gcr