The revered Mike Edwards playbook is no longer in play for Chris McGaha.

McGaha, who purchased Edwards' potent operation at the beginning of the season, has a much different team now than what he began the season with. And, before the season is complete, could have even more changes.

The revered Mike Edwards playbook is no longer in play for Chris McGaha.

McGaha, who purchased Edwards' potent operation at the beginning of the season, has a much different team now than what he began the season with. And, before the season is complete, could have even more changes.
 
Following the Epping event, McGaha released tuner Jim Yates and most recently Allan Lindsey left the team. Brian "Lump" Self is now calling the shots. With this said, the respected Edwards playbook is now a nice souvenir but no longer in play.
 
"We've basically thrown the log book out, and that's one of the things I knew would happen when Lump came over," said McGaha. "It hasn't been used since we left Epping. In Denver last week we were in the top half and we were running way more gear ratio than Mike did up there. It was a night and day difference, but that was good for us. Things have taken such a positive turn, and we just feel a lot better.
 
"I know how Lump thinks and how he does things, so I leave him be. I don't even think twice about it – I know what I'm getting, so it's real easy to let him run. You know he's going down the path you want to go down. There was a time when we were running Comp when I wanted to get Lump by the throat, but he's just telling you the truth. He may hurt your feelings, but he'll tell you the truth."
 
Lindsey's departure severed the final link McGaha had to Edwards outside of the car and equipment.
 
"We were disappointed to lose Al, because he was a good fit – but he had some personal things that he needed to take care of, and we told him that if he didn't go he would regret it. We supported it," said McGaha. "Al came on board to help us get lined out, help us move everything from Oklahoma and North Carolina to our shop in Odessa, and to perform engine maintenance at the racetrack. With him gone, my dad and I are back to doing the engine maintenance – and we're comfortable with that.
 
"As a team, we're getting everything in order, and right now, it's feeling more like it did at the end of 2012 – it's starting to feel like it's ours again. We've ordered a new Chevrolet Camaro from Jerry Haas that should be delivered in September, and as soon as we get it we'll start testing it so that we can bring it out for next year. I'm excited."

McGaha purchased the Edwards team in hopes the former owner would come along in either a consultant or crew chief role. Neither role materialized.
 
According to McGaha, the two have actually not spoken much at all, aside from very brief text messages that did not include guidance or advice on tune-up or racing.
 
"I really kind of knew that ahead of time," said McGaha. "My dad and I have always known you're on your own out here. It's just us. Where I really need help, though, is at my engine shop in Odessa. That is where we need to expand – we just have one guy, and when I come back there it's him and about half of me. We have the equipment and all of the stuff we need to do it – we just need the personnel to expand the engine shop. It's one of our biggest challenges. That has been very hard, and it's something we'd like to eventually change."

The stress of running a full schedule has McGaha considering a limited schedule in 2015. He's not ruling out a 15 - 18 race schedule but admits it's a bit early to make the call.
 
"I've never run for a championship before, and if I don't stub my toe, I could stay in the top 10 and still have a chance," said McGaha. "That could drive me for next year. We didn't start off very well this year because while all the other guys were on the dyno, I was moving shops. People have said that this is the fastest car, but that's the thing – while we were moving over the winter, other teams were finding power and going faster.

"This is the same car it was last year. I knew when I bought it that it wouldn't be the fastest car forever. But we've got a new car coming, we've got a great team, and I think we're going to be good. I'm looking forward to the future, that's for sure. I like the way things are going."

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