NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Mike Ashley will return to the familiar role of team owner/driver and field his own nitro Funny Car team in 2007 with primary sponsorship from Torco Racing Fuels, Inc. and Evan Knoll and his conglomeration of successful companies. The two-time Pro Modified world champion from Long Island, New York, will conclude his program with Don Schumacher Racing at the end of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Ca.

Ashley plans to race under his established Gotham City Racing banner and base his operations out of Indianapolis. Crew chief Brian Corradi and the entire crew will join the new team.

"This is an incredible opportunity and I owe a lot to Evan Knoll for making this happen," Ashley said. "I am most comfortable with the role of owner/driver, and history shows we have been very successful fielding winning teams.

NHRA POWERade Funny Car driver Mike Ashley will return to the familiar role of team owner/driver and field his own nitro Funny Car team in 2007 with primary sponsorship from Torco Racing Fuels, Inc. and Evan Knoll and his conglomeration of successful companies. The two-time Pro Modified world champion from Long Island, New York, will conclude his program with Don Schumacher Racing at the end of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Ca.

Ashley plans to race under his established Gotham City Racing banner and base his operations out of Indianapolis. Crew chief Brian Corradi and the entire crew will join the new team.

"This is an incredible opportunity and I owe a lot to Evan Knoll for making this happen," Ashley said. "I am most comfortable with the role of owner/driver, and history shows we have been very successful fielding winning teams.

"Drag racing is a business, and you have to operate it with success in mind. My plan is to use the same model that enabled us to win two Pro Modified championships," he said.

At the core of his operation, Ashley plans to rely heavily on Team Manager, Angelo Angelico, and Marketing and Sponsorship Director, Matthew Brammer, as well as call on the expertise of his former Pro Modified crew chief, Chuck Ford for blower research and development .

"We have learned so much this season, and there's a synergy here that really works. We're a family, and I am so glad we're all staying together," he said.

The whole scenario is one that has Ashley excited about the future.

"We are currently entertaining many associate sponsorship programs," Ashley said. "We are also seeking partners who would like to distribute Torco's expanding product line."

Regarding his relationship with DSR owner, Don Schumacher, Ashley was quick to acknowledge his gratitude for their relationship.

"I want to thank Don Schumacher for being a strong part of our quest to grow and taking us under his umbrella in 2006. I also have to thank Evan, Latrell Preston [Torco C.F.O. and Director of Motorsports] and the entire team at Torco Race Fuels for believing in us."

Ashley has already planned an extensive off-season testing regimen to prepare for next year.

"We'll make dozens of test runs before the season even begins," Ashley said. "Chuck Ford is working on an exclusive blower development program and we are in the process of forming a research and development alliance with another significant fuel team, to be announced shortly, to compete with the mega teams."

"After a full year under my belt, I'm confident that, with Evan's help I can put together what will be a top-tier team," Ashley said.