Joe Morrison, who gained a loyal following over his first three seasons in Top Fuel, will switch to the nitro Funny Car class in 2023, driving for East Coast-based owner Mark Herzhauser.
“I’m grateful for three seasons with the Leverich Top Fuel team,” Morrison said. “I learned a lot and feel that I contributed to the team. While at Maple Grove [Raceway, for the Pep Boys NHRA Nationals], we were pitted next to the Herzhauser Funny Car driven by Phil Burkart. Turns out, team owner Mark Herzhauser and his brother Brian grew up less than a mile from where I live now in Flemington, N.J. After several discussions, it was obvious that our meeting was not a coincidence and that we should work together. Ironically, the team had already planned to move their home base from Virginia to Atlantic Highlands, N.J., and completed the move in November. I’m excited to be able to work on the car regularly because the shop is only about an hour from my house. The team plans to run between eight and 10 races, kicking off at the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.”
Morrison plans to crossgrade his Top Fuel license to Funny Car, weather permitting, in early February. Veteran Jim Ermalovich will serve as crew chief.
The team plans on competing at the Camping World Drag Racing Series events in Charlotte (spring), Epping, Norwalk, Maple Grove, and Dallas, as well as the Chicago, Bristol, Indy, and fall Charlotte events.
PennGrade1 Racing Oil/D-A Lubricant Co, Rodak’s Custom Coffee, EJK Insurance, and Vintage 1320 Apparel have already committed to the team for 2023 and additional partners will be announced as sponsorship details are finalized.
