Crew chief Rob Wendland released by Don Schumacher Racing

Rob Wendland, a Don Schumacher Racing crew chief since mid-2011, has been released b y the team, effective immediately. Wendland tuned the Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car driven by Johnny Gray through the 2013 season and had been slated to be the crew chief of the Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T driven by Tommy Johnson Jr. in 2014.

"I wish Rob nothing but the best," said Schumacher. "We're very grateful for his time with us."  

Wendland was the crew chief in each of Gray's seven Funny Car victories. A new crew chief for the Terry Chandler-sponsored Make-A-Wish Dodge has yet to be named. In the interim, Director of Racing Todd Okuhara, a veteran crew chief, will take the lead with support from the venerable pool of DSR Funny Car crew chiefs that will oversee the Johnson-driven entry.  

The 2014 season of NHRA's Mello Yello Drag Racing Series begins at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona with the Circle K NHRA Winternationals, February 7-9.