Sanford Set for TAD Sophomore Season Start

Sanford Set for TAD Sophomore Season Start

POMONA, Calif. (February 5) – SoCal native Ashley Sanford will be making her sophomore season debut this weekend at the NHRA Circle K Winternationals in Pomona. The popular A/Fuel Dragster driver is embarking on her first full season in the competitive Top Alcohol Dragster after joining the class last year. The 20-year old driver is eager to build upon her experience, starting this weekend at her home track.

“I'm really excited for this season because I know I'll be able to progress as a driver. Even in the five short races we competed in last year, I learned a lot. I think the extra seat time I'll have this year will be valuable. I'm just so excited for the season as a whole, getting to learn so much and hopefully making a final round,” said Sanford, who resides in nearby Fullerton.

Ashley and her Gelish/Lucas Oil team will again be joined by noted A/Fuel tuner Tom Conway, who tuned the car at the team's last three races in 2013.

“We're excited to have Tom Conway tuning the car again this weekend,” Ashley claimed. “Just as we're learning, Tom has been learning the tendencies of our car. We've all learned a lot since he first started working with us in Vegas last year. He's been great to work with and it's an honor to have him helping us.”

“The whole team has been working hard over the offseason to get the car ready for the Winternationals. We made a few changes to accommodate the new rules, which we hope will have a positive impact on our performance. With the combination of Tom Conway and our capable crew, I'm confident that we'll have a successful outing at Pomona,” added Shane Sanford, Ashley's father and team owner.

For Ashley, the aspect of racing 'at home' makes the start of the season even more thrilling.

“I think racing in Pomona is the most exciting part. Not only do I get to go out for the first time this season, I get to do it with all of my family and friends from the area. It's comforting to race so close to home. Though it can be more nerve-wracking – I always want to do better at my home track.”

The family-run team enters the 2014 season with the valued support from all of their 2013 sponsors, including expanded support from national hotel chain America's Best Value Inns.

“America's Best Value Inns has stepped up their support of us this year to help get us to more races. I'm also happy to have the continued support from all of our sponsors from last year – Gelish, Lucas Oil, Roscoe's Famous Deli, Heroes Bar & Grill, and The D and the Golden Gate Las Vegas hotels and casinos,” Ashley commented.

Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying at the Circle K Winternationals, Feb. 7-9, starts on Friday at 11 AM and 2:30 PM. Another final qualifying session is set for 10 AM Saturday. Eliminations start on Saturday afternoon and continue on Sunday.

Frederosa's Team Extreme is a family-owned A/Fuel Dragster team competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. 20 year old Ashley Sanford drives the team's Gelish Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish dragster, tuned by Tom Conway. Frederosa's Team Extreme crew – Troy, Dave, Ed, Mike, Jeff, Dean, Torrey, and Robin, formerly worked on the team's pair of high-powered, championship-winning sand dragsters. The team receives support from Gelish Soak-Off Nail Polish, Lucas Oil, America's Best Value Inns, Lexington Hotels, 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 (www.facebook.com/ashleysanforddragracing) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ashleyracergirl).