Lot #1330 - This one-of-a-kind nitro Funny Car that was driven by Mike Ashley won the most prestigious event in all of drag racing: the NHRA MAC Tools US Nationals. The design, by Chip Foose features children's handprints and a colorful dragonfly, and was created as a tribute to Eric Blake Faulkner who tragically died before birth. Devastated by the loss of their son Eric, Hollie and Donnie Faulkner survived with the care and help of the St. Vincent Perinatal Bereavement Program at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. Wanting to make a difference and help others who suffer similar loss, the Eric Blake Faulkner Foundation was created with proceeds to benefit the St. Vincent program. This is truly an amazing car. Driven at a recorded speed of 327.35 mph and covering the quarter-mile in 4.779 seconds, Ashley qualified sixth in the event. Ashley drove the car that has been titled "Purpose beyond Reason" with masterful precision throughout eliminations, facing the sport's very best. In the first round, Ashley defeated veteran racer Gary Densham 4.835/327.11 to 5.023/ 265.17 in a solid race that set the benchmark for what was to come. Next, he stopped 'Fast' Jack Beckman with a straight shot down the quarter-mile, 4.882/324.12 to 5.305/ 299.66. The semifinals saw Ashley face Del Worsham, who smoked the tires in the treacherous right lane, running a 6.526/169.68 to Ashley's 4.961/319.90. His semifinal performance earned lane choice over John Force Racing standout Robert Hight, and that proved to be all-important to the eventual outcome. In the final, Ashley ran a solid 4.894/323.74 as Hight smoked the tires and watched Ashley drive the Tribute car to the win and U.S. Nationals title. The car was painted by Illusions Custom Paint and Body of Bristol, Tenn. with paint donated by Valspar, on a Dodge Charger R/T body donated by MOPAR. Evan Knoll of Torco Race Fuels donated his sponsorship of the entire car at the NHRA's biggest and most prestigious event, Jim Jannard of Oakley and RED donated his sponsorship and support, and Mike Ashley donated a show engine and rolling chassis to make this show car a truly collector's edition. The winning bidder on this amazing vehicle will also win a Mac Tools Rolling Tool case valued at more than $10,000 by itself, donated by Mac Tools. The estimated value of the body and complete chassis is more than $250,000, and the history and purpose are truly priceless. The proceeds from the sale of this nitro Funny Car will be donated to the Eric Blake Faulkner Foundation to support the St. Vincent's program. **SOLD ON BILL OF SALE ONLY**