Coming off a stellar racing performance in Topeka, Kan. where he set track speed and ET records in
his Matco Tools/Lend America '68 Camaro, Pro Mod driver Joe Baker is anticipating a continued
performance this weekend as the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge travels to Englishtown, New
Jersey to compete in the United Association NHRA SuperNationals. The closest track to home for team
owner Mike Ashley, the event promises to be graced by visits from hundreds of Lend America
employees, and Baker and crew are ready to put on a show.
"Chuck [Ford, crew chief] has a great history here at Raceway Park - he's won a lot of races, and
he knows what the track will hold. Adding that to the numbers we were able to put down the other
week in Topeka, and I'm feeling really good about this weekend," Baker said.
"It's always fun to come and race in front of fans who really are excited to see you and that are
rooting for you to win, so the level of excitement and energy will be really high - and I always
love that too," he said.
Baker is currently fourth in Championship points race, and is sitting well-qualified for the Matco
Tools Pro Mod Clash as well, but the Florida-resident and former rookie-of-the-year is not content
with his position.
"This is the sixth race - really the start of the second half of the season, and we've got a good
spot, but it's time to keep moving up if we want to take the championship. I think last race gave
us the confidence we needed, and we're in a great place to make a big move in points," Baker said.
Qualifying is scheduled for 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Friday evening and 2 p.m. Saturday, with
eliminations slated to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday evening and conclude Sunday afternoon.
Headquartered in Brownsburg, Ind., Mike Ashley Racing fields the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster
driven by Antron Brown as well as the Matco Tools/Lend America Pro Mod '68 Camaro driven by Joe
Baker. MAR proudly represents racing partners Matco Tools, Lend America, DirecTV, BeepBeep.com,
Toyota, DataDot USA, Ringer's Gloves, Go Fast Sports, Goodyear, FRAM, Autolite, Suzuki, Connexions
Sports and Entertainment, and Forward Sports Marketing.
Mike Ashley Racing supports Autism Awareness through their support of the Hyperbaric Therapy
Center. A 2007 Centers for Disease Control report found that 1 in 150 children in America today
have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and an estimated 1.5 million Americans and their families
are now affected. Autism is a national health crisis, and Mike Ashley Racing is working to help
educate the public about ways they can get involved. Visit the Heal Autism Now website for more
information about how you can get involved at http://www.healautismnow.org.
