Paul Lee, the owner and driver of the team, has officially introduced Jonnie Lindberg as the crew chief for his nitro funny car team in the upcoming 2024 NHRA Mission Foods series. Lindberg brings a wealth of experience in the world of funny car racing, transitioning from being a top tuner in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class to achieving the status of a Lucas Oil series World Champion. His expertise and accomplishments make him a perfect fit for overseeing the nitro funny car as part of the crew chief lineup. With a successful conclusion to the latter part of the 2023 season, Paul Lee eagerly anticipates a fresh start, partnering with Lindberg and consultant John Medlen to enhance his program.
Jonnie Lindberg has made a significant impact since his entry into the NHRA scene in 2014. His roles as a driver, crew chief, and fabricator have allowed him to continually develop his skills in the realm of funny cars. Possessing extensive experience in both driving and tuning, Lindberg’s multifaceted expertise is poised to significantly benefit the team in numerous ways.
“I believe that Jonnie Lindberg has what it takes to become a successful nitro tuner in the NHRA Funny Car class,” says 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!”
This is a big opportunity for Lindberg to learn and adapt his tuning skills to a nitro funny car.
“First of all I want to thank Paul Lee for this opportunity,” says Lindberg. “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.”
In addition to Lindberg, John Medlen will continue to serve as consultant to the new crew chief.
“I’m very excited to continue my consulting and mentoring role at Paul Lee Racing,” says John Medlen. “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.”
Paul Lee’s team will head down to Bradenton, FL for the PRO Superstar Shootout in early February and then continue to Gainesville for the Gatornationals. Lee plans to attend 12-15 races in the NHRA Mission Foods series for 2024.
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