Veteran nitro Funny Car Paul Lee didn’t like the trend his team has been since 2021.

The 2021 season saw Lee finish 12th in NHRA’s point standings after compiling a 7-15 elimination round record.

Unfortunately, things haven’t gotten better in 2022.

Lee failed to qualify for the season-opening Winternationals and then lost in the first round to Robert Hight and Chad Green in Phoenix and Gainesville, Fla., respectively.

Those results didn’t sit well with Lee, so he took action.

“After a disappointing 2021 season and a horrible start to 2022, I felt it was time to make some changes to our team,” Lee said in a Facebook post. “We are sitting out Las Vegas 1 next week to rebuild our team management and tuning. Starting in Houston, Dustin Heim will assume the crew chief and team leadership roles. We will also have another well-respected person joining the team after his obligations in Vegas."

Formerly NHRA crewman for Doug Herbert (2003-2004, Cruz Pedregon Racing (2004-2009), Jack Beckman, and most recently an assistant crew chief for Ron Capps at Don Schumacher Racing. Heim was at Don Schumacher Racing from 2009 to 2020.

Lee is optimistic about the future holds for his team beginning at the NHRA SpringNationals, April 22-24 in Houston. 
 
“I am excited to start a new beginning of the Paul Lee Racing Funny Car team!” said Lee, who owns and operates McLeod Racing, a leading clutch manufacturer. “I believe these two “young guns” are gonna do a great job. Everyone except one crew member is returning for this next chapter in our race team. We have a great group of loyal team members and with the addition of new leadership, we will succeed!.”

Also a special “thank you” to all those marketing partners that understand our position and continue to support our organization. Thank you all and see you in Houston.