Jack Beckman will start the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season with an all-star cast leading his charge in a Don Schumacher Racing 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Funny.

Joining Beckman is veteran crew chief Jimmy Prock, who will be joined by longtime friend and co-worker John Medlen, who is the team’s assistant.

“I feel like Santa made an early stop and left three wonderful gifts under the tree,” Jack said. “It’s been a while since we started the season knowing we had funds for the entire season.

“And to find out Jimmy Prock was coming on board. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be driving for him one day. Then the third gift was when Santa dropped John Medlen off. John and I have a very special history. I’ve emceed the Eric Medlen Nitro Night Charity dinner for Sonoma Raceway the last two years and have become very close to John and his family.

“Having those two guys up in our crew chief’s lounge is just unbelievable. I feel when I go in there I’m going to want to ask for their autographs.”

Prock won Funny Car championships at John Force Racing in 2009 and 2013, and Medlen won it in 2003 with driver Tony Pedregon at JFR.

Jack and DSR’s other six teams will test Jan. 12-16 at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla., and compete that Friday and Saturday night in the fifth annual PRO Winter Warm-up.

The 2015 NHRA Mello Yello season opens Feb. 6-8 at Pomona, Calif.

Photo courtesy NHRA/National Dragster