Elite Motorsports has named multi-championship crew chief Mike Green to lead its Top Fuel program beginning with the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season.

The move comes just days after Green’s surprising departure from Justin Ashley’s SCAG Racing team, which currently sits second in Top Fuel points with two races remaining in the 2025 season. Green guided Ashley to four victories this year and had the team in the thick of the championship fight before the very unexpected split.

“We had conversations with a handful of potential crew chiefs over the past several weeks, all great options,” said Richard Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports. “But when Mike and I talked after the Dallas event, it felt like a natural fit. He’s a Hall-of-Fame caliber crew chief who’s proven he can build programs to win championships. He’s known for elevating those around him, and we have that same growth mentality here at Elite.”

Green will oversee the development of Elite’s new Top Fuel operation built around driver Tony Stewart, while also preparing a program to license Aaron Stanfield and Erica Enders in 2026. Freeman noted that Green’s leadership will be a cornerstone in Elite’s long-term plan to expand beyond its Pro Stock roots and build a sustainable nitro program.

“I’m excited to be joining Elite Motorsports and to help them build their Top Fuel program,” Green said. “With talent like Tony Stewart, Erica Enders, and Aaron Stanfield in the mix, this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’ve enjoyed working with Justin these past years, he’s a brilliant driver, and I’m disappointed I won’t get to finish the 2025 season with him. I wish him and the guys all the best. Now I’m looking ahead to 2026.”

A Sacramento native, Green began his career in 1987 on Darrell Gwynn’s Top Fuel team and later tuned championship-winning dragsters for Tony Schumacher, as well as Cory McClenathan, Tommy Johnson Jr., and Austin Prock. His tenure with Elite begins immediately as preparations ramp up for the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals, March 6–8 in Gainesville, Florida.

SCAG Racing announced that co-crew chief Tommy DeLago will assume the lead role on Ashley’s dragster moving forward, beginning with nest weekend’s NHRA Nevada Nationals. Green had been with Ashley since 2020, building a perennial championship-caliber program. “SCAG Racing would like to thank Mike Green for his tremendous efforts and successes in building a very strong team. We wish Mike all the best as he moves forward in his career. We are thankful for all of Mike’s contributions to our successful program,” SACAG Racing said in a prepared statement.