LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2013) – When the first Top
Alcohol Dragster qualifying session of the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing
Series starts at the Winternationals next week, 19 year old Ashley Sanford
hopes to be one of the drivers shooting for one of 16 spots on race day. The
accomplished sand drag racer and her family have spent the last few months
making sure everything was in order to make that happen. Now there’s only one
thing missing; a license.
Sanford has raced on the sand for ten years,
starting with a quad at age 8 and most recently her father’s supercharged Top
Alcohol Dragster. She experienced success early, winning her first race in the
kids quad class. As she moved up through the ranks, she set female records and
won rounds. Ashley’s “Free Bird” TAD covered the 300-foot sand strip in less
than 2.5 seconds at 150+ mph.
2.5 seconds at 150 miles per hour sounds fast enough,
right? Nope. Ashley wanted to move up to the ultra-competitive NHRA Top Alcohol
Dragster class, trading the blown alcohol motor for a nitro-injected powerplant
and paddle tires for big Goodyear slicks. It wasn’t just an overnight decision
to move up to the sport’s quickest and fastest Sportsman class.
“It’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do,”
Ashley said. “It’s been like a dream of mine. We got an opportunity last year
to buy a car. I said, ‘Alright, this is going to happen. I’m going to make this
happen.’ Since then we’ve been full-force with it. We got our car and we’re
ready to go.”
To earn her TAD license, Ashley must make a series
of runs during the Las Vegas test session this weekend. She will make short
runs to the various incrementals – 60, 330, and 660 feet – before making full
quarter-mile runs. A sub-6 second run is the final requirement. The car’s
former owner and driver, Larry Miersch, will handle the tuning during the
licensing procedures. Though they plan to meet NHRA’s requirements in two days,
the group will have other opportunities before the planned Winternationals
debut, February 14-17.
Ashley will receive primary support from Gelish
Soak-Off Gel Polish, a popular brand of nail polish.
“Gelish is a line of nail polish that has been
really popular the last few years. It’s not like regular nail polish. It’s made
of a gel material that makes it last longer. In a way we fit perfectly together
because it’s great for girls who work hard and are on the go, and that’s
exactly what I am. I’m always moving and working around the car. My nails
should be as tough as I am.”
Longtime team sponsor Lucas Oil will continue their
relationship with the young Californian as she makes the transition to asphalt
drag racing. Las Vegas hotels The D and the Golden Gate will join as sponsors, along
with Fullerton, Calif. restaurants Roscoe’s Famous Deli and Heroes Bar &
Grill.
Fans in the Las Vegas area are invited to join
Ashley and the Gelish A/Fuel team for an autograph session on Fremont Street,
this Saturday, February 9th. Ashley and the Gelish Dragster will be
located in front of The D Hotel and Casino from 8-10 pm.
Frederosa’s Team Extreme is a family-owned A/Fuel
Dragster team competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 19 year old
Ashley Sanford drives the team’s Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish dragster, tuned by Troy
Schweers and Dave McWilliams. Frederosa’s Team Extreme crew – Ed, Mike, Jeff,
and Dean – are assisted by Larry Miersch and crew: Roy, Jimmy, Rick, and
Victor. The team receives support from Lucas Oil, Roscoe’s Famous Deli, Heroes
Bar & Grill, The D Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, and the Golden Gate Hotel
and Casino.
For more information on Ashley Sanford and the
Gelish/Lucas Oil team, please visit www.ashleysanforddragracing.com.
Follow her on Facebook (see website for link) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ashleyracergirl).
TAN
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