Mon, 10 Jan 2005, 09:49 AM Tartaglia New Crew Chief for U.S. Army Pro Stock Bike Team

Courtesy of Chris Dirato

INDIANAPOLIS -- Steve Tartaglia will take over the crew chief responsibilities for the U.S. Army Pro Stock Bike team in 2005, it was announced here today.

Tartaglia, who is a New Jersey native, was the assistant to crew chief, Mark Peiser, last season. Peiser resigned his position on Thursday.

"Mark has opted to pursue other career interests, including the possibility of becoming a professional fisherman," said team owner, Don Schumacher. "As a result of Mark leaving, effective immediately, Steve Tartaglia will assume the crew chief role. We're very confident that Steve will continue to work very hard in an effort to make the U.S. Army Pro Stock Bike team a serious world championship-contending team."

With drivers Angelle Sampey (formerly Savoie) and Antron Brown the U.S. Army Pro Stock Bike team racked up six victories last year. Sampey and Brown finished second and third, respectively, in the final point standings.

"There's no reason we can't challenge for the world title this year," added Schumacher. "We need to get off to a better start than we did last year, that's for sure. We really didn't get going until the St. Louis race. The talent and resources are there for us to win it all."

While the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series schedule begins with the traditional K&N Filters Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 10-13, the Pro Stock Bikes don't hit the track for the first time until the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 17-20.