JUSTIN ASHLEY
HAS ARRIVED
Despite the challenges of 2020 , second-generation nitro driver Justin Ashley made the most of his NHRA Top Fuel rookie season
By JOSH HACHAT
Photographs by RICK BELDEN , JOE MCHUGH & NHRA / NATIONAL DRAGSTER
If ever there was a template on how to successfully launch a Top Fuel career , Justin Ashley seemed to have done it – or at least so it seemed .
The 25-year-old star impressed in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks , the ideal proving grounds for grooming a young driver for Top Fuel . He won races there , was named to the Drag IllustrateD 30 Under 30 list and was primed for his debut in NHRA ’ s quickest class .
That came at the tail end of the 2019 season , with Ashley quickly proving his mettle over three late-season races . The momentum he had built was undeniable , showing poise behind the wheel , savvy behind the microphone and a keen knowledge to attract marketing partners to compete as a one-car team in the loaded Top Fuel ranks .
Then , as most things did in 2020 , everything came to a screeching halt , right in the middle of what was unquestionably going to be a promising rookie season for Ashley .
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