Vis Viva Top Fuel dragster crew chief Tony Shortall just can’t get a break.
The veteran tuner has been accused of compromising safety for former
driver Alan Bradshaw, a claim which he refutes. He’s also blamed for
instigating a shoving match in the team’s hauler which led to the
driver’s dismissal.
Now, many of the other drivers and crew members are flipping him off as he walks by. You know, giving him the bird.
Their obscene gestures are not out of anger, but rather in jest. The
hottest rumor circulating the pits suggests part of the altercation
between he and his former driver stems from that same gesture from
inside the car as they stood on the starting line.
“I’m not going to comment on that,” Shortall said.
Tuner
Tony Shortall smiles amongst good natured ribbing …
Vis Viva Top Fuel dragster crew chief Tony Shortall just can’t get a break.
The veteran tuner has been accused of compromising safety for former driver Alan Bradshaw, a claim which he refutes. He’s also blamed for instigating a shoving match in the team’s hauler which led to the driver’s dismissal.
Now, many of the other drivers and crew members are flipping him off as he walks by. You know, giving him the bird.
Their obscene gestures are not out of anger, but rather in jest. The hottest rumor circulating the pits suggests part of the altercation between he and his former driver stems from that same gesture from inside the car as they stood on the starting line.
“I’m not going to comment on that,” Shortall said.
Shortall estimates he’s been flipped off over ten times a weekend since the alleged incident.
The ribbing from the racers transcends sanctioning bodies.
Shortall accompanied friend and IHRA nitro Funny Car racer Jeff Diehl during the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, Md. Just before the first run, Shortall walked over to the car and looked inside the cockpit. He said Diehl flipped him off.
The tuner shook his head, smiled and walked away.
Shortly after that, Shortall encountered Bruce Litton, a deeply religious Top Fuel driver.
“Bruce motioned me over while he was in the car, and I was thinking to myself, ‘Please, not Bruce,” Shortall said with a smile.
“I could see him about to raise his hand and I was prepared for the finger,” Shortall admitted. “That’s when he reached out to shake my hand and told me to have a good day.”
Shortall smiled as he walked away.
“I sure was glad he didn’t flip me a bird,” Shortall said.
