Torco’s Competitionplus.com has learned that Ray Alley informed NHRA president Tom Compton of his decision to leave to join Kenny Bernstein’s Monster Funny Car team during the Indy weekend.  Compton was reportedly stunned to hear the news, but wished Alley well, and also told him there’d be a job waiting if he decided at the end of a year to return.

IIn preparation for next year, Alley, Bernstein and current crew chief Tim Richards discussed a list of possible assistants for Alley, finally narrowing their choices down to five.  Reportedly, all five turned them down, either because they were locked into long term agreements with their teams, or were happy where they are.  The two leading candidates remaining are Todd Okuhara, crew chief for the Whit Bazemore-driven Matco Tools Dodge, and Marc Denner, crewchief for the Phil Burkhart-driven CSK team car owned by the Worshams.  Our sources indicate there was to be a meeting with Okuhara on Monday evening following final eliminations at Indy, with Denner set to discuss things with Bernstein on Tuesday.