Mike Ashley warned the press corps after Friday’s qualifying press conference that his Knoll Gas – Torco Race Fuels team was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Sunday his words proved prophetic.

The two-time Pro Modified champion, in his first full season as an NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver, drove his Brian Corradi-tuned machine to his first career final round before losing a tough match against top qualifier Robert Hight. Ironically, it was Hight whom Ashley beat for his first career round victory in Las Vegas last season.


Mike Ashley warned the press corps after Friday’s qualifying press conference that his Knoll Gas – Torco Race Fuels team was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Sunday his words proved prophetic.

The two-time Pro Modified champion, in his first full season as an NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver, drove his Brian Corradi-tuned machine to his first career final round before losing a tough match against top qualifier Robert Hight. Ironically, it was Hight whom Ashley beat for his first career round victory in Las Vegas last season.

“This was the battle the Funny Car fans deserved,” Ashley said. “We were on a collision course all weekend. We led qualifying and he bumped us down. It would have been fitting for us to repay the favor in the finals. It didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to but this was a great weekend for our team.

“We put up a fight and in the end we proved a lot of things to a lot of people and that is that we are serious about success and winning. We will do what it takes to win and that’s the attitude you have to have in this class. This class will chew you up and spit you out if you don’t give it every ounce of dedication you’ve got.

“We’re not finished yet. We’ve just scratched the surface of what we have to offer. Stay tuned - there’s more to this show.”