Tommy Delago knew there was going to be a period of transition when he accepted the role as new crew chief for the Jack Beckman MTS Funny Car team.

“It's definitely different,” admitted Delago, who tuned for Bob Gilbertson last year. “I've been on big teams before but nothing I guess this nice and this organized with a really good structure.  It's a good opportunity to learn.”

Delago is quickly discovering the upside to having five other nitro-burning teammates. Assistance is not far away if he needs it.

Tommy Delago knew there was going to be a period of transition when he accepted the role as new crew chief for the Jack Beckman MTS Funny Car team.

“It's definitely different,” admitted Delago, who tuned for Bob Gilbertson last year. “I've been on big teams before but nothing I guess this nice and this organized with a really good structure.  It's a good opportunity to learn.”

Delago is quickly discovering the upside to having five other nitro-burning teammates. Assistance is not far away if he needs it.

“Definitely don't know enough about running these cars,” Delago said.  “It's nice to be able to walk out of the trailer and go down to any trailer in this pit and ask a question.  Everybody's really open minded and willing to help.  It's awesome.”

Delago confirmed that he’s still processing the new material he’s learning with each event. This is the primary reason that he’s reserved in proclaiming triumph over the proverbial learning curve. He’s clearly in conductor mode just two races into the season.
 
“I don't know if I've been here long enough to soak in and learn a ton,” said Delago. “As last minute as everything was it's been more of just trying to make sure that everything is ordered and all the guys know what job to do and how to act in a big role like this and be clean and corporate looking and put the car together the right way.  It's been more of that right now than actually spending time learning how to run a car the way they run it.”

Has this experience been a confidence builder with the early success of his team? Not really, answers Delago. Those personal victories are more about having a lesser load on his shoulders as part of a larger financed operation.
 
“There are more people to handle more stuff,” Delago said. “I'm not having to do as many different jobs.  I'm actually having to be what the job is supposed to be and not actually having to worry about if this bill is paid or is this done, is that done.  Not having to reach for new guys every year because these are the types of teams that keep crew guys for a long time and that's how their teams become so good.  Teams that stay together longer they become better at what they do.”

Delago has his fingers crossed hoping for that first NHRA POWERade national event victory.
 
“It's a life long dream,” said Delago. “It's what I've been doing this stuff for, for so many years.  Whether it's on this team or that team sometimes taking a step back to go two forward.  That's all I want is a ring.  Obviously you win one you want another.  I want a ring.  I've always wanted one but never been able to get one.”