Paul Lee Names Crew Chief for Nitro Funny Car Team

Team owner and driver Paul Lee of Paul Lee Racing—known in the aftermarket for his company McLeod Racing—has announced Jonnie Lindberg as crew chief for his Nitro Funny Car team for the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods series.

Lindberg is no stranger to Funny Car racing. As a top tuner in the Top Alcohol Funny Car class to a Lucas Oil series world championship, he’s served as a driver, crew chief and a fabricator.

After a successful latter part of the 2023 season, Lee is looking forward to a fresh start with Lindberg and consultant John Medlen joining his program.

“I believe that Jonnie Lindberg has what it takes to become a successful nitro tuner in the NHRA Funny Car class,” Lee stated. “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.”

Lindberg said he is excited to start a new chapter in his 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,” he said. “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.”

Lindberg also appreciated the opportunity to work John Medlen, calling it “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.”

Lee’s team will begin the season at the PRO Superstar Shootout in early February and then continue to Gainesville, Florida, for the Gatornationals. Lee plans to attend 12-15 races in the NHRA Mission Foods series for 2024.