Jonnie Lindberg has learned how to make the most of his drag racing opportunities. This season he will enter the realm of nitro crew chief courtesy of an opportunity presented him by Paul Lee Racing. And he couldn’t have asked for a better trainer, as retired championship tuner John Medlen will serve as Lindberg’s mentor. 

“I believe that Jonnie Lindberg has what it takes to become a successful nitro tuner in the NHRA Funny Car class,” said team owner Paul Lee. “As a former alcohol funny car racer myself, I appreciate the talent and skills that it takes to become a successful racer, and Jonnie has proven he possesses those skills as a former NHRA World Champion. I also enjoy giving a talented young crew chief the chance to showcase his skills. With John Medlen continuing as his mentor, I’m more excited for 2024 racing to begin!”

Lindberg couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to work under the tutelage of the seasoned veteran Medlen. He got plenty of experience turning the wrenching in alcohol racing, but nitro presents a new challenge he’s willing to face head-on.

“First of all I want to thank Paul Lee for this opportunity,” Lindberg said. “I’m excited to start a new chapter in my racing career. I have been tuning alcohol funny cars since I was 18 and now I get the chance to tune a nitro funny car. I have experience in the seat of one of these cars and I have also built several funny cars. So I understand what kind of race car we want to give Paul. I know how much hard work is required for these cars to be competitive. Races are won in the shop, not at the track. And the chance to work with John Medlen is a perfect situation. He is one of the greatest tuners in our sport. I know that our off-season preparation will make us successful on the track.”

Medlen will continue in his consulting role with Lee. He joined PLR last June, and has heled in elevating the team to a regular top half qualifier and personal bests along the way.

“I’m very excited to continue my consulting and mentoring role at Paul Lee Racing,” Medlen said. “Getting to mentor Jonnie Lindberg in his new role as a crew chief will be a rewarding experience. I’ve been friends with Jonnie a long time and I am confident in his capabilities in becoming a successful nitro crew chief. I’m looking forward to the 2024 NHRA season.”

Lindberg will make his tuning debut at the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout in Bradenton, Fla, early in February. The team plans a 12-15 race NHRA Mission Foods schedule.