In a shocking move, Don Schumacher Racing announced on Friday afternoon that Top Fuel Dragster pilot Spencer Massey had been released from the nitro racing mega-team, effective immediately. As such, Massey will not return to drive the dragster led by crew chiefs Todd Okuhara and Phil Shuler that finished third in the championship points this season and second just a year ago.

The press release issued by DSR provided no details of the circumstances of Massey’s departure, containing only a brief statement from Schumacher:

“I appreciate what Spencer did for us the past two years, but I have decided to go in a different direction. I wish Spencer all the luck in the world and hope he returns to driving next season in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.”

FRAM/Prestone, the primary sponsor of the Massey-driven dragster, had informed DSR earlier this year that it would not be returning after the 2012 season, but as recently as the Auto Club Finals at Pomona, Schumacher had been quoted as stating that Massey, Okuhara, Shuler, and the rest of the team would remain intact and would compete for the Top Fuel championship next season while a new major backer was sought.

Schumacher was unavailable for further comment on the matter, and Massey has likewise not spoken publicly on the situation. Dragzine will have more on this story when and if information becomes available.