Tommy Delago, a seasoned crew chief in drag racing, aimed to join the elite ranks by winning championships in both nitro Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters. He achieved his first goal by helping Matt Hagan secure the 2011 world title at Don Schumacher Racing. Now, Delago is set to fulfill his second ambition as crew chief for Justin Ashley starting in the 2026 season after being appointed following Mike Green’s departure to another team. Delago, returning to the NHRA world after three years, expressed excitement about the opportunity to lead a Top Fuel team.

Delago’s past experiences include working with various racers and teams, significantly influencing his approach and understanding of the sport. With a strong desire to innovate and experiment, he and his team plan extensive testing ahead of the season, aiming to find a competitive baseline. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in decision-making and noted Ashley’s exceptional character as a key asset for the team.

Delago is aware of the challenges posed by dominating competitors and acknowledges the necessity of continuous improvement. He describes his leadership style as collaborative, valuing input from his team to make informed decisions. Despite the competitive landscape, Delago remains motivated by his passion for racing, focusing on achieving a world championship while recognizing the hard work required to overcome formidable rivals.



Source: competitionplus.com