Ashley Franklin steps up to the PDRA Pro 632 ranks, targeting a debut at the season opener in the reworked Jungle Rat 2.5 Camaro. The move marks a deliberate progression.

The car is the latest evolution of her father Tommy Franklin’s Pro Nitrous Jungle Rat 2.0. It now carries updated branding and a specification tailored to Pro 632 competition.

Franklin frames Pro 632 as the right intermediate step after Top Dragster. The class demands door-car execution and discipline under a tighter power-to-weight window than Pro Nitrous.

“Now, Pro 632 is the next step to develop my skills further,” Franklin says. The emphasis is on learning race-by-race, not chasing outright results initially.

She intends to roll out at the PDRA season opener, with final event details to follow. That timing aligns with her test plan and resource availability around the PDRA calendar.

The step to a door car adds new variables: launch technique, weight transfer management, and tire window. Each will shape setup choices and Franklin’s learning curve.

Rookie targets remain pragmatic. “I’m not putting heavy expectations on myself in year one,” she says. “If I can finish the season with a win, that would be a great start.”

Operationally, Franklin benefits from a robust support network. Parents Tommy and Judy, sister Amber, and brother-in-law Blake provide strategic and practical continuity.

The crew—Jeff and Sam Pierce, plus Chris Murray—handle day-to-day preparation. Key partners include Jerry Bickel Race Cars, Pat Musi Racing Engines, and Jeff Hoskins.

Within the PDRA structure, Pro 632 rewards efficiency and repeatability. That suits Franklin’s methodical approach as she builds laps and racecraft in the class.

Her progression also reflects a wider competitive ladder inside the series. Notable recent champions and contenders in PDRA Pro 632 set a clear benchmark for performance.

With clear goals, established backing, and a proven platform, Franklin’s rookie campaign aims for measured gains. Jungle Rat 2.5 now becomes the reference point for her next step.

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Miles Carter

Miles Carter covers grassroots and regional drag-strip action, from bracket racing to street-legal shootouts. His event previews and performance-upgrade guides keep local racers up to speed on timing-slip trends, tire tech, and weekend race highlights.