Dan Olson has never been one to turn away from a drag racing challenge. A quiet man, he’s not the best known tuner in the business but he could be one of the more conciliatory members of a very volatile fraternity.

Chosen by NHRA to succeed Ray Alley as technical director for the Top Fuel and Funny Car nitro categories, the Fresno, Calif. native is looking forward to bringing the two classes added competitiveness without inflicting additional costs. “I am excited to work with the entire racing community to find solutions and new approaches to the complex issues” of NHRA POWERade racing, he said.

Olson was “looking for a new challenge at this stage of my life,” and is keenly happy to be returning home to the Pacific time zone when he takes over his post on December 1st. “I’ve been working in Indy and think I’ve been home perhaps 45-50 days this past year.” His son has taken over the family business, Olson said. Dan Olson has never been one to turn away from a drag racing challenge. A quiet man, he’s not the best known tuner in the business but he could be one of the more conciliatory members of a very volatile fraternity.

Chosen by NHRA to succeed Ray Alley as technical director for the Top Fuel and Funny Car nitro categories, the Fresno, Calif. native is looking forward to bringing the two classes added competitiveness without inflicting additional costs. “I am excited to work with the entire racing community to find solutions and new approaches to the complex issues” of NHRA POWERade racing, he said.

Olson was “looking for a new challenge at this stage of my life,” and is keenly happy to be returning home to the Pacific time zone when he takes over his post on December 1st. “I’ve been working in Indy and think I’ve been home perhaps 45-50 days this past year.” His son has taken over the family business, Olson said.

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

What do some of his peers think of the appointment?


Rahn Tobler “knew the appointment was coming and I’ll form an opinion when I see what he does and doesn’t do.”

Chuck Worsham called the appointment “good news. We need someone who knows our cars and has common sense,” attributes Worsham thinks Olson possesses. “I just hope they give him enough power to do the job.”

Don “Snake” Prudhomme is looking forward to working with Olson. “The items he’s concerned about are right on. Our costs are out of hand and sponsors are far and few between. These classes,” Snake said, “are becoming a place where only the wealthy can take part; if we don’t make changes we’ll never survive. Dan’s a businessman and he understands the problems facing our classes. As long as he keeps the dialogue going we’ll be okay because Dan’s a neutral guy. I think he’ll be good for the job.”

Jimmy Prock: “I think it’s a good hire and he’s a good choice for the job.”

Lee Beard: “We need somebody who’s knowledgeable about these cars and engines, someone who understands our engine management systems and fuel systems,” Beard said. “We’ve got to keep our classes properly policed and look to future rules. I worked with Dan at Schumacher Racing and he’s easy to work with. It’s hard to clean up somebody else’s mess but that’s what he has to do.”