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Go Girl...Ashley Hits Gateway

MADISON, Ill. - Last weekend in Atlanta, Ashley Force, who entered the event as the first-ever female to lead the NHRA POWERade Series Funny Car standings, made history when she won her first-ever funny car final. The win, the first by a woman in that class, took on added significance as it came against her father, legendary 14-time Funny Car champion John Force.

But that was last week. Now, it's time to get back to work.

Ashley Force and the rest of the NHRA POWERade Series are at Gateway International Raceway this weekend for the O'Reilly Midwest Nationals Presented by Castrol. The 25-year-old sophomore driver is prepared for this weekend's race, despite all the hoopla surrounding last week's final and its outcome.

"We left Atlanta with a win, but we want to go into St. Louis and, first things first, we want to get qualified," she said. "That's all that's important to us. From there, we want to go rounds and, hopefully, win again. But you can't get that win until you do all the stuff before that. We're trying to keep calm and focused and not let one win take us from our focus, which is our car and doing well."

Force, the 2007 Funny Car rookie of the year, went to one final last year and struggled at times with consistency. That hasn't been a problem for her this season, especially now as her team is on a streak of three-consecutive finals appearances.

"The car has been very consistent and that's the key in drag racing," she said. "If you can have consistency, it's going to pay off. We're just trying to stay focused and not get caught up in everything. It's so easy to want to look at the points after every round, seeing where you're at, and it changes so quickly. We're trying not to get into that."

Had John Force won last weekend instead of his daughter, the history books still would have been re-written as that finals win would have been the 125-time event winner his 1,000th-career round win, a plateau never achieved within the NHRA. He now has the opportunity to earn that milestone this Sunday, which also happens to be his 59th birthday.

Given the fact that her father is not only the owner of her team, but arguably one of the greatest racers in the sport's history, it would be assumed that Ashley would be on the receiving end of a treasure chest of invaluable advice. While that may have been true once, the younger Force says that is no longer the case.

"He actually said, 'You know, you don't need any of my advice, just keep doing what you're doing.'" She said. "He didn't want to change our routine. We have our own way of doing things in our camp. He taught me when I started and now he's letting me find my own way."

The O'Reilly Midwest Nationals Presented by Castrol kicks off Friday morning at 8 when the spectator gates open at Gateway International Raceway. For the full weekend schedule, check out Gateway International Raceway.

Tickets for the NHRA POWERade Series' return to the St. Louis area are still available. Fans are reminded their tickets not only get them into the grandstands, but into the pit area as well, granted them the kind of access to their favorite athletes that no other sport can guarantee. To get tickets, call 866-35-SPEED or visit GatewayRaceway.com, where fans can print their tickets at home for added convenience.

Terry Young and "In the Fast Lane",

GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL HOSTS NOPI EVENT

   Gateway International Raceway was packed on a great weekend for the NOPI Motorsports Car Show Series along with the NOPI Drift Series plus the NOPI Bikini Contest, that's all that needs to be said for the next portion of this weekends coverage because Terry was there!  Visit In the Fast Lane .

Did someone say "Advertising"?

   Yes, our efforts here to bring you our unique look at racing in the Midwest are supported totally by advertising revenues. I wanted to call your attention to the advertising section you can visit by clicking the speed shot of Johnny Murphree above. As you will see we have many different opportunities for you to get your business/product info out there in the fast lane. We can even make it possible to get your logo on my suit when I do public appearances, in photographs, and head for the track. You need to hurry, summer is coming and the available space on my suit will be getting smaller. ☺    

   On March 30th Peoria racers and fans all took the green flag at Mickie's Pizzeria in North Pekin for their 6th annual benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation The Circles of Hope. They exceeded their goal of 500 pizzas in 5 hours. I LOVE Mickie's Pizza almost as much as I love these kids with disabilities. Thanks to the great folks at Mickie's for their wonderful dedication to these kids and to all you great racers who got the job done. Thank you for inviting me to join you for the day, I loved meeting all of you and will see everyone at the track real soon.

  If we can help or promote your charity events please drop me a note at  racinrachel@midwestracin.com  I would like to hear from everyone.

To see all the rest of the photos from Mickie's please CLICK HERE       

Thanks to all of you for stopping by!

More About Rachel

    Having Rachel around is going to be a lot of fun to say the least, plus she does a great job. Her online Midwest Racin Blog and Chat Room will be up and running as the season gets closer and much more more exciting new features and projects on the way already. Rachel is here, and we think you will like knowing her.

   Some of you have asked me, "Is she real?" We can assure you that she is very real. Rachel is extremely beautiful, very down to earth, and a real sweetheart. She is an early 20's young lady who is actually from right here in Central Illinois. She is very anxious to hit the tracks and get the season rolling. We will be visiting with more area racers soon. Don't hesitate to drop Rachel a note at racinrachel@midwestracin.com. She has promised that if she doesn't know your answer she will find it for you if at all possible.

   Rachel already is a very big part of this publication and we are really glad to have her as part of our team. Ted

RACHEL'S AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO COLLECTION

   You can now have your own autographed photograph in a beautiful 8.5 x 11 size like the sample at right. The photographs will change so be sure to collect the whole set. For more information write Rachel at racinrachel@midwestracin.com .