It’s often been said that drag racing is a bug, and once you get it in your system, it’s extremely difficult if not impossible to get out.

That theory definitely applies to Jeff Perley, former co-crew chief for multi-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion Greg Anderson and last year’s champ Jason Line. After a much-publicized exit from the dominant Pro Stock operation to take ownership of a Goodyear service center in Charlotte, NC, Perley was back at the track for the first time in months.

There is a big difference this time around, however. Perley was at Rockingham making his debut as crew chief for the Wilson Manifolds machine driven by Rob Mansfield.

Though he is dealing with a lot more horsepower with the IHRA mountain motor Pro Stocker, Perley has found the transition to be virtually seamless.

It’s often been said that drag racing is a bug, and once you get it in your system, it’s extremely difficult if not impossible to get out.

That theory definitely applies to Jeff Perley, former co-crew chief for multi-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion Greg Anderson and last year’s champ Jason Line. After a much-publicized exit from the dominant Pro Stock operation to take ownership of a Goodyear service center in Charlotte, NC, Perley was back at the track for the first time in months.

There is a big difference this time around, however. Perley was at Rockingham making his debut as crew chief for the Wilson Manifolds machine driven by Rob Mansfield.

Though he is dealing with a lot more horsepower with the IHRA mountain motor Pro Stocker, Perley has found the transition to be virtually seamless.

“To be quite honest, it’s all the same,” said Perley. “It’s not identical by any means, but you’re looking for trends on either side, NHRA or IHRA. You’re still trying to accelerate a car from a dead stop to 1320 feet as quick as you can, so all the same rules apply.

This wasn’t Perley’s first foray into the IHRA ranks. “I actually got my feet wet over here at the IHRA when I worked for Sonny Leonard,” Perley said. “I set cars up for different customers, so I’m actually able to use that info from way back when.”

But now that he has made at least a part-time return to the track, has the bug bitten him once again?

“It’s a bug for everybody, especially when you’ve had pretty good success,” Perley added. “You want to get back into it, but this is a part-time gig right now. My Goodyear store isn’t open yet, so I had some time on my hands. Billy and the guys on the Dingman team have been good guys to work with.”

It was Perley’s previous relationship with Wilson Manifolds while working with the Ken Black Pro Stock team that brought him back out. “The Wilson Manifolds hookup is the synergy between the two teams,” said Perley.

“I actually called Greg and Jason before I did anything to ask them if this would tax our relationship in any way, and they had no problem with it,” Perley said.

“I’ve had offers to go back NHRA racing and I’m just not interested. I could have gone back at the beginning of the year, but I didn’t leave KB racing to go anywhere else,” Perley said. “I left there to open a business, and I have time available right now so I’m putting it to the best of use for myself, Rob and this team.”

After all, if there were ever a team that would be hard to walk away from, it would be the dominant one campaigned by Anderson and Line.

“They have certainly shown they haven’t lost a step this season,” continued Perley. “5 out of 5 finals and 4 wins thus far. They didn’t fall back any, and I think that’s a true testament to the depth of the team. They’ve got a very solid program and promoted from within.”

Perley isn’t afraid to acknowledge the team’s success so far this season, which is looking to be as dominant as Greg Anderson’s 2005 run to the NHRA championship. In fact, he beams when asked about his former employer.

“I’m proud of them. I’m proud to say that I left and they didn’t falter, because it shows nobody is irreplaceable in this world and that’s a great thing for them.”

Unfortunately for Perley, Mansfield lost in the first round to eventual champion John Montecalvo.