PR-POMONA- Ashley Force wrap up

For Immediate Release



Contact: Mandie Yorio, (714) 921-8123, mandie@johnforceracing.com

Carrying the Torch

POMONA, Calif. – Ashley Force, driver of the Castrol/Hot Wheels A/Fuel dragster carried the torch for the John Force Racing team after it’s Funny Car drivers – John Force, Eric Medlen and rookie Robert Hight – lost in the first round of competition at the 45th Annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at Pomona Raceway.



The 22-year old California girl advanced to the semi final round of competition before being defeated by Steve Federlin. Force recorded a 5.38 second elapsed time but fell short to Federlin’s 5.32 elapsed time.



“We are really happy with our performance this weekend. We qualified second and made it to the semis,” said Ashley. “Our biggest struggle was adjusting to the new fuel rule.” (Beginning in 2005 the NHRA capped the maximum of nitromethane for the A/Fuel dragsters at 98% instead of 100%).



“All and all I am pretty happy with this weekend. We’ve improved with every run today and that’s that,” said crew chief, Jerry Darien.



In the first round Ashley defeated Larry Miersch by covering the quarter mile in 5.48 seconds. Force then moved on the defeat Robert Perkins in the second round by running a 5.41 second elapsed time.



In 2004 this event was Force’s first outing in an A/Fuel dragster. She qualified fifth and advanced to the second round of competition.



Sportsman coverage of the 45th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals will air on ESPN 2 on Sunday, February 27th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. (E.T.).



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