In news that has taken the NHRA drag racing world by surprise, veteran Kalitta Motorsports crew chief Jim Oberhofer has been released from the team effective immediately. The crew chief role will be filled by Troy Fasching for the remainder of the NHRA Countdown events.
The 30-year tenure of Oberhofer at Kalitta Motorsports is one of the longest in the sport and there were no outward signs that it was headed for the abrupt end that was announced on Tuesday. There will be more forthcoming with this story in the coming days and we’ll keep our ears to the tracks to gather what factual information we can on the situation.
Here is the statement from Kalitta Motorsports –
Jim Oberhofer released from Kalitta Motorsports
Team Kalitta owner Connie Kalitta has decided that effective immediately, Jim Oberhofer has been released from Kalitta Motorsports and his position as crew chief for the Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster team driven by Doug Kalitta.
Oberhofer has been a member of Kalitta Motorsports for over 30 years and has held numerous positions including Vice President of Operations as well as being crew chief on Kalitta’s dragster where he helped secure multiple top-ten point finishes for the veteran driver.
“I want to thank Jim for his years at Kalitta Motorsports and appreciate everything he accomplished here. I wish him the best in the future,” said team owner Kalitta.
Troy Fasching will continue as Crew Chief for the Mac Tools team for the remaining five races of the Countdown to the Championship beginning this weekend in St. Louis.
Kalitta currently sits sixth in the standings, 116 points behind leader Steve Torrence.
WOW!!
Would be interesting to know the REAL reason. We’ll never get it though
not sure if its true? word is jim o told connie he would move on at the end of the year and I guess connie said bolt NOW!
Honestly? I thought he would be gone long ago. Remember Connie firing Grubby?
I would imagine thirty years working for Connie was a rough one for Jim…Good luck Jimbo, take some time off and return refreshed and stronger than before.