MORRISON — A year ago, Mike Neff was a crew chief for Don Schumacher Racing, and the thought of getting behind the wheel might as well have been a plan to get to the moon.
Now, he’s one of the best drivers on the circuit after joining John Force Racing.
Owner John Force, also a funny car driver, gave Neff a chance and took him under his wing.
Force said it’s rare that a crew chief takes on a role as a driver.
On Saturday, Neff signed autographs before his race on the second day of the Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
He eventually qualified in the No. 12 spot and will compete in today’s elimination rounds. He will face Force in the first round.
With six races left in the regular season, Neff is ninth in the NHRA Powerade Championship point standings.
The top 10 drivers qualify for the season playoffs.
Neff’s fan base is growing with his success, and he’s adjusting to being in the driver’s seat.
“When I was crew chief, I didn’t sign autographs,” said Neff, who was a crew chief for Gary Scelzi from 2003 to mid-2007. “It’s an adjustment. It’s kind of neat meeting all the different fans. They all have encouraging things to say. It makes me feel good.”
Neff joined Force’s team after the death of funny car driver Eric Medlen, who died during a practice run last year in Florida.
Force spoke to John Medlen, Eric’s father and the team’s crew chief, seeking some direction on who would drive Eric’s car.
“I gave him some real big names that wanted to come here,” Force said. “John Medlen said, ‘I want Mike Neff.’ ”
Soon, Neff received a call.
“The first day, John (Force) called and asked me about it. It was hard to believe. So then the next day I talked to him on the phone again, and I asked him, ‘Are you sure? I mean this doesn’t make any sense to me.’
“He said, ‘I’m serious. I don’t make quick decisions,’ ” Neff said.
Neff was sold.
In less than a month, he received his licenses to drag race. His first race was at the seventh annual AC Delco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals in October.
In his first full season, he earned his first competitive round in his ninth start in St. Louis and made the final round for the first time.
Neff has already had some scares as a driver. In Topeka, Kan., his steering wheel came off. Neff said he isn’t concerned about the danger of drag racing and hasn’t questioned his decision to drive.
“I am a rookie at the driving,” Neff said. “I know as much as any driver out here could possible know about the car. I feel that was a huge head start.”
Yvette Lanier: 303-954-1033 or ylanier@denverpost.com
