A terse press release from Don Schumacher Racing Nov. 23, confirmed the termination of Spencer Massey from driving DSR’s Fram-Prestone-backed Top Fuel dragster.
After going to nine final rounds, Massey won four NHRA national events this year, including the 4-wide race at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. He also won the special event Top Fuel Traxxas Shootout during the U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis.
No explanation was offered for Massey’s abrupt termination.
The release in its entirety follows below:
Top Fuel Dragster driver Spencer Massey is no longer part of Don Schumacher Racing effective immediately, team owner Don Schumacher said Friday afternoon.
Massey will not return to DSR to drive the dragster led by crew chiefs Todd Okuhara and Phil Shuler, which finished third in championship points this past season.
“I appreciate what Spencer did for us the past two years, but I have decided to go in a different direction,” Schumacher said. “I wish Spencer all the luck in the world and hope he returns to driving next season in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.”
Schumacher is not available for further comment.
(Photos courtesy NHRA/National Dragster; Click to enlarge)
This story was originally published on November 24, 2012.