SCAG Racing confirmed the departure of longtime crew chief Mike Green ahead of this weekend’s NHRA Nevada Nationals, ending a successful five-year partnership with Top Fuel driver Justin Ashley. The team announced that co-crew chief Tommy DeLago will assume the lead role moving forward.
In an official statement, the organization said an assistant crew chief will be named soon after discussions with team members. “Our goal is to keep our entire team together as we continue our pursuit of championships,” the release stated.
The announcement marks the end of a significant chapter for one of the NHRA’s most consistent Top Fuel operations. Green has been part of Ashley’s program since the team’s second season in 2020 and played a key role in shaping it into a championship contender.
“SCAG Racing would also like to thank Mike Green for his tremendous efforts and successes in building a very strong team,” the statement continued. “We wish Mike all the best as he moves forward in his career. We are thankful for all of Mike’s contributions to our successful program.”
Ashley echoed those sentiments, emphasizing mutual respect between the two. “I love and respect Mike Green,” Ashley said. “I wish him nothing but the best moving forward in his other opportunities, and I value the time that we had together. But I’m very much looking forward to working with Tommy DeLago. I have 100% confidence in having this team, and we’re going to continue our pursuit to win a world championship.”
CompetitionPlus.com reached out to Green but was unable to make contact. Multiple sources indicate Green may be joining Richard Freeman’s new Top Fuel operation, though that has not been confirmed.
Green’s tenure with Ashley began in early 2020, when the pair came together under the Dustin Davis Motorsports umbrella. The veteran tuner, known for championship runs with Tony Schumacher and in an illustrious career in Funny Car, joined DeLago as co-crew chief in what became one of NHRA’s most stable partnerships.
Under Green’s guidance, Ashley captured his first Top Fuel victory at the 2020 Summernationals in Indianapolis. Since then, the duo has earned seven No. 1 qualifier awards and four wins in seven final-round appearances this season alone.
Ashley currently sits second in the NHRA Top Fuel standings heading into Las Vegas, with two races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship. The team remains focused on maintaining its performance despite the midseason shakeup.
DeLago, a championship-winning tuner in Funny Car, now leads one of the NHRA’s top-performing Top Fuel programs. SCAG Racing officials reaffirmed their confidence in the team’s structure and direction as they continue their chase for the 2025 title.
As Ashley put it, the mission hasn’t changed — only the leadership has.
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