OKUHARAS LEAVE SNAKE FOR SCHUMACHER

With Lee Beard's abrupt departure from the helm of Whit Bazemore's Matco flopper, longtime Schumacher Racing tuner Dan Olsen will be taking over "temporary" crew chief duties, but Schumacher looks like he's quickly filling the vacant position with some strong new employees. Todd and Scott Okuhara have joined Schumacher Racing from Don Prudhomme's blue Funny Car team.

Todd (shown) has worked for the Snake for the past 12 years and Scott for nine years. Todd will initially be a co-crew chief with Olsen on Bazemore's car and Scott heads for the Ron Capps Brut team as a tuning assistant with Ed "the Ace" McCulloch.

As far as Beard's future, Schumacher insisted, "We haven't determined what his role will be today, tomorrow and in the foreseeable future, but he is going to stay with Don Schumacher Racing and he'll be an integral part of my operation."

A couple of the Agent's operatives report that Beard recently signed a new three-year contract with the Shoe, so his fly-fishing sabbatical may not be for too long. (photo courtesy of Snake Racing) [6-15-2005]

ELLIS GIVES 'WALLY' TO INJURED CREW CHIEF

Chip Ellis, who rode the G Squared/S&S Buell to the Pro Stock Bike victory at Route 66 Raceway last weekend, presented his trophy to crew chief Ken Johnson.

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Johnson, who received severe leg injuries in a pit mishap on June 4, is in the hospital where his left leg will be amputated above the knee.

Having spent a year working with double amputee racer Reggie Showers and the Pro Stock Motorcycle team, which was sponsored by Prosthetic Design, Inc., Johnson is well aware of the challenges he faces. Showers spoke with Johnson by telephone to offer encouragement, and Johnson said that because of what he saw Showers accomplish, he is not worried about his own future.

A fund raiser is being planned by Star Racing, but no specific details have been released yet. Our wishes for a speedy recovery. [6-15-2005]

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway presented "Night of Destruction" Saturday, June 11, featuring monster trucks, jet cars, Fuel Altereds, Alcohol Funny Cars and fireworks. While legendary monster trucks Bigfoot and Snakebite took center stage, there was also a program of bracket racing. (continued on next page)