Elite Motorsports is switching from Dodge back to Chevrolet for the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
Elite Motorsports teammates Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders-Stevens have experienced success in the NHRA Pro Stock division but, unfortunately, they were seldom able to taste it in 2016.
Team owner Richard Freeman announced Thursday at the PRI Show that the two former series champions will be behind the wheel of RJ Racecars-built Chevrolet Camaros in 2017.
"It comes down to what works best for us," Freeman said. "My brothers and I have just about always been GM guys. Our engines builders, Nick Ferri and Jake Hairston, have had their best success with GM motors. Our crew chiefs Rick Jones, Mark Ingersoll and Brian Self are very comfortable with Chevrolets. It's a natural fit for us.
"We want to get back to winning races and contending for championships and we feel Chevrolet gives us the best chance to do that at this point in time. We all know Pro Stock races come down to thousandths of seconds and as tough as the competition is out there you can't give an inch."
"The Camaro is a great car and one I'm very comfortable with as a driver," said Coughlin. "Rick and Rickie build awesome racecars and getting the latest and greatest one out of their shop makes me feel like a kid at Christmas. I can't wait to see this yellow and black JEGS.com/Elite Camaro on the racetrack.
"I know we're all anxious to get back out there and prove ourselves. Drag racers are most certainly graded by their last event and we want to get back to the top of the class once again where we feel like we belong. There's a mountain of experience at Elite Motorsports and I know we're in for a big year ahead."
"The dream scenario is one of us is in the winner's circle at every race," said Enders. "The KB Racing team dominated the field with their three cars this last season and we did a pretty good job ourselves in '14 and '15 so we know it can be done.
"As Jeg said, our guys are really hungry to win again. I believe the move back to Chevrolet is by far the best one we could have made and we plan to show everyone that beginning in February in Pomona."
