Rick Ware Racing has announced a significant crew chief realignment ahead of the NHRA season finale in Pomona, shifting Jim Oberhofer to lead Tony Schumacher’s American Communications Construction-sponsored Top Fuel operation while Nicky Boninfante takes over as crew chief for Clay Millican. The update was made public through the team’s social media platforms ahead of the IN-N-OUT NHRA Finals.
There was no mention of Rob Flynn, who had served as Schumacher’s crew chief since his return to full-time competition.
Millican voiced full support for the decision, emphasizing unity within the two-car program. “I want everyone to know that @thesargetf1 is my teammate and I fully support him and I support @rickwareracing for making @jimoberhofer Tony’s crew chief and Nicky Boninfante becoming my crew chief,” Millican posted on social media. “We fully intend to make both of these cars race winners and championship contenders. Nicky and Jim O will make that happen.”
The shuffle reunites two longtime nitro veterans with deep experience in Top Fuel competition. Oberhofer, a respected tuner who spent decades at Kalitta Motorsports where he got his start, has been part of some of the most memorable battles in drag racing history. Boninfante, known as one of the more credible tuners in the sport, has spent years within both Funny Car and Top Fuel pits, including stints with drivers such as Del Worsham, Alexis DeJoria, and JR Todd.
For Schumacher, the adjustment represents a strategic reboot to close out a challenging campaign. Since his return to the NHRA tour at the U.S. Nationals, the eight-time world champion has competed in six events and won only two elimination rounds. His best qualifying performance came at Reading, where he was sixth quickest; in other events, he has generally started from the lower half of the field.
🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL — MODIFIED PRODUCTION IS COMING BACK! 🚨
— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) November 5, 2025
After more than four decades, NHRA is reviving one of drag racing’s most iconic eliminators — Modified Production — bringing it back home to Competition Eliminator where many believe it always belonged. 🏁
Stick-shift… pic.twitter.com/b0HLkApmJu
The decision marks another chapter in Schumacher’s evolving comeback story. After missing extended time from the sport, the veteran has been rebuilding his program within Rick Ware Racing. The move pairs Schumacher with Oberhofer at a venue where both share an iconic connection in drag racing history.
The irony of the change is not lost on longtime fans of the sport. On November 12, 2006, at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, Schumacher captured one of the most memorable wins in NHRA history — “The Run.” That day, he defeated Doug Kalitta in the final round to steal the Top Fuel championship on a record-setting pass. Schumacher’s crew chief at the time was Alan Johnson, while Oberhofer was calling the shots for Kalitta.
Nearly two decades later, the roles are reversed. Johnson now serves as Kalitta’s crew chief, and Oberhofer will tune Schumacher’s car heading into the same track where that legendary showdown took place. For fans of NHRA history, the parallel offers a full-circle twist as the 2025 season comes to an end.
The restructuring also gives Boninfante the opportunity to work with one of the sport’s most personable and determined drivers in Millican.
More information on the changes within Rick Ware Racing, including the status of Rob Flynn and future team plans, is expected to emerge as details become available.
