Ashley Loses Her Father And Greatest Fan

March 3, 2009: We are very sad to announce the sudden passing of Peter Taws while on vacation in Florida. Peter was well known for his generosity, enthusiasm and unabashed pride in Ashley.

Since Ashley began racing when she was nine, Peter never missed a race and it is sadly ironic that Ashley had recently taken the decision not to race anymore.

Peter leaves Ashley; his wife, Barb; and son, Doug. Countless friends are sure to miss "Papa Taws" who always remained a kid at heart.

Ashley Retiring From Stock-Car Racing

February 10, 2009: After two seasons of stock-car racing, Ashley has elected not to pursue it any further. Having been a road racer since she started racing karts at age nine, Ashley graduated to formula (open-wheeled) cars and loved their agile performance. As for stock cars, Ashley simply didn't develop a passion for oval racing as she did for road racing.

"I just don't love the whole stock car thing as much as I loved formula racing," Ashley said. "It was fun, but just didn't get me fired up like racing a formula car on a road course."

Ashley had developed an excellent reputation as a formula car racer until she had to give it up in 2003. In 2007, she was given the opportunity to race stock cars and showed great potential in her rookie season, finishing second in just her third oval race.

Ashley will pursue a career in marketing (which she studied in school) or follow her father's footsteps into an insurance career.

"A lot of people have been really supportive over the years," Ashley said. "Thanks to my dad who got me started in go-karts when I was nine and has always been my biggest supporter. Mattel for the Barbie sponsorship when I raced formula cars and again when I raced stock cars. Dave Connelly for putting together all the sponsors over the years. Mark Jackson for looking after my web site and photography. My family and friends. All the crew members who worked on the cars over the years. And, thanks to all the race fans."

Good luck Ashley.