Mon, 13 Nov 2006, 12:51 PM NHRA Names New Director, Top Fuel and Funny Car Racing

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Veteran Crew Chief Dan Olson Joins NHRA

GLENDORA, Calif -- NHRA announced today that Dan Olson, veteran crew chief most recently with Don Schumacher Racing, has been named as Director, Top Fuel and Funny Car Racing. Olson, who has more than 40 years of experience in nitromethane racing, starts his new position on Dec. 1.

"We are excited to have someone with Dan's knowledge and experience working at NHRA," said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations. "Dan is a tremendous asset and will help us to provide long-term solutions to advance our sport."

Olson will be responsible for working directly with Top Fuel and Funny Car teams to enhance the quality of the show, make the sport safer for the fans and its competitors, and enforce NHRA rules and regulations.

"I am looking forward to this new challenge and am excited to work with the entire racing community to find solutions and new approaches to the complex issues synonymous with NHRA POWERade Drag Racing," said Olson.

Olson has been a manufacturer and racer for more than 40 years, most recently working as assistant crew chief, overlooking the operations of all teams at Don Schumacher Racing, since 1998. Under Olson's guidance in 1999, Tony Schumacher won the NHRA POWERade Top Fuel world championship. He also has served as crew chief for a number of other nitromethane teams including in the 1980s with Larry Minor's team, serving as crew chief for driver Cruz Pedregon, and before that, an assistant crew chief for driver Ed "Ace" McCulloch.