Seattle: Mike Ashley Saturday notes

Ashley ninth in Seattle heading into Sunday

KENT, Wash. (July 21) - Mike Ashley, driver of the Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger R/T, enters Sunday's final eliminations in the Schuck's Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Wash. in the ninth starting position, having earned the spot based on the strength of his lone qualifying run Saturday. Persistent rain claimed the other three of the four scheduled runs, forcing NHRA officials to set the field based on the single round.

"We knew we had to make this lap count today, and that we needed to get down the track, because we weren't sure we'd get another shot - and we were right," Ashley said. "Brian [Corradi, crew chief] said he was shooting for an '86 to an '88, and we nearly nailed it."

On a clear pass till 1000 feet, Ashley's Torco Dodge dropped one cylinder and started hazing the tires, but maintained traction until just past the finish line for a 4.905/310.27.

"We're in the show, and we are really confident about tomorrow," Ashley said. "While we were waiting for the rain to clear, the guys worked on servicing heads and blocks, getting ready for tomorrow and looking forward to Sonoma next weekend."

As the crew worked in the pit, the team took turns getting a massage from the therapist Ashley had commissioned to keep the team relaxed and focused for race-day.

"It's been really nice - last weekend and this weekend, having Jody here, working on the guys, keeping their muscles relaxed. Today, she even got to work on some of our sponsors - Deanna from Oakley came by, and even one of the chaplains from RFC. No one was stressed, and we just kept focused on what we had to get done.

"Tomorrow will be a great day," Ashley said.

Eliminations are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. (PDT) Sunday morning, July 22, weather permitting. ESPN2 / ESPN2 HD will also air same-day coverage of eliminations on at 4-7 p.m. (PDT) Sunday evening.

-credit: gcr