Elite Motorsports has announced multi-championship crew chief Mike Green will lead their Top Fuel program beginning in the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season.
“We had conversations with a handful of potential crew chiefs over the past several weeks, all great options. But, when Mike and I talked after the Dallas event, it felt like a natural fit, for both of us,” said Richard Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports. “We’re excited to have him on board. He’s a hall of fame caliber crew chief who has proven he’s capable of putting together a program to win championships, that’s what we’re after. He’s known for elevating those around him and we have that same growth mentality here at Elite Motorsports.”
Green will be active in every aspect of building a Top Fuel team around driver Tony Stewart as well as developing an expanded program to license Aaron Stanfield and Erica Enders in 2026. As Elite Motorsports plans to grow for years to come, Green will serve as a cornerstone in Elite’s broader vision to cultivate future leaders in nitro racing.
Green grew up in Sacramento, California and first started working in the professional ranks in 1987 on Darrell Gwynn’s Top Fuel team. He has since tuned a Funny Car for Tommy Johnson Jr., and Top Fuel dragsters for Cory McClenathan, Tony Schumacher (who he won two championships with) and Austin Prock. Most recently, Green has been the crew chief for rising star Justin Ashley at SCAG Racing before being let go with two events left in the 2025 NHRA season, leaving Ashley sitting No. 2 in points.
“I’m excited to be joining Elite Motorsports and to help them build their Top Fuel program. With talent like Tony Stewart, Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield being in the mix, this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I look forward to being part of Elite and Richard’s vision to grow the sport,” said Green, who led Ashley to four victories in 2025. “I’ve enjoyed working with Justin these past years, he’s a brilliant driver and I’m disappointed I won’t have the opportunity to see him through to the end of the 2025 season. I wish him and the guys all the best of luck, I’ll be rooting for them. Now I’m looking ahead to 2026.”
Green’s tenure as crew chief will begin immediately as Elite Motorsports prepares for the season opening NHRA Gatornationals March 6-8, 2026, at Gainesville Raceway in Florida.
This story was originally published on October 17, 2025. 
