Justin Ashley is a rising star in the NHRA Top Fuel dragsters, clinching 21 career wins and the 2020 Rookie of the Year title. His drive on the track traces back to a family whose roots are deep in the racing world. His parents, Mike and Mindy Ashley, laid the foundation for his passion for racing. As Justin makes his path, their quiet strength fuels his fire. But who exactly are the Ashleys’ parents, who are shaping this champion?

Who are Justin Ashley’s parents?

Mike Ashley, Justin’s father, built a name in drag racing as a two-time NHRA Pro Modified champion in 2004 and 2005, plus a standout 2007 U.S. Nationals Funny Car victory. Mike is a Long Island native who owned the Gotham City Racing Team, and he also teamed up with pros like Melanie Troxel for wins.

Mike also faced a three-year prison sentence in 2019 for a bank fraud case tied to his mortgage firm in America, but he bounced back strong. Today, at 58, he works in the real estate business and also partners with Justin’s Top Fuel team, keeping the family real estate business and racing passion together.

Mindy Ashley, Justin’s mom, stands as the steady anchor in her son’s and husband’s lives, supporting the family’s racing pursuits for over three decades.

The couple raised two kids: Justin, now 30, the Top Fuel rising star, and older sister Alexa Graziano, who is 31 years old. His sister was seen cheering for Justin at events like the U.S. Nationals. While Mindy keeps a low profile, her impact can’t be ignored in keeping things running smoothly at home.

Together, Mike and Mindy give back to society through racing involvement, mentoring young drivers, and backing NHRA events that build community ties in motorsports. Their real estate business also helps local families as they blend business smarts with racing passion. It’s this mix that keeps the Ashleys’ family connected to their roots.

Yet family stories go deeper than bloodlines, starting with where they come from.

What are the ethnicities of Justin Ashley’s parents?

The Ashley family’s cultural roots are deep in American soil, attached to Long Island, New York, where Mike and Mindy raised their kids. But their ethnicity details are not publicly known. Their lifestyle fits the classic U.S. style, where hardworking and passionate folks chase dreams through everyday hustle. Mike’s Long Island upbringing shaped his focused racing style, while Mindy’s took the resilient spirit of East Coast families.

No flashy heritage or ethnicity stories here, just a passionate and hardworking living style that let Justin follow his racing passion, who is now touching the heights in NHRA stardom. It’s the kind of family background that calmly lives its life.

With origins grounding them, it’s clear the Ashleys’ bond runs even tighter on a personal level.

Inside Justin Ashley’s relationship with his parents

Justin shares a tight-knit tie with his father, Mike. Justin developed a passion for racing from his early years because he saw his father dominating Pro Mod rounds. In his racing days, Mike didn’t just race; he also taught Justin the basics about racing, like clutch work in a car and mental toughness. He even sent Justin to Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School for pro licensing.

“I was a very successful driver for many years, and I didn’t even trust myself to teach Justin. I am a father and love my son and only wanted what was best for him,” Mike once said, showing his love as a father who wants the best for his son. That trust and love built Justin’s edge, turning Justin’s boyhood into a professional pro race.

Justin’s mother, Mindy, brings the warmth and constant support of a mom amid the pressure of semis and finals. The trio’s dynamic shines in shared celebrations, like Justin’s 2025 U.S. Nationals triumph, where Mike also won in 2007 in his Torco Race Fuels Dodge Charger.

Mike’s racing mindset motivates Justin, while Mindy’s calm keeps him balanced. As Justin put it, “Watching my dad race was a blessing… There are parts of what he taught me that I’m going to carry with me, and he’ll be with me along the way to teach me and help me grow. To me, it’s going to be finding a way to separate myself as I go along…”

This parental push isn’t just advice; Justin sees it as a lesson, which he respects, and he looks forward to working on those lessons in order to grow as a racer.

Mike and Mindy’s mix of toughness and love ultimately guided Justin to NHRA heights, ensuring the family racing legacy continued in the best way possible. As the Ashleys keep racing, expect more chapters in this racing saga.