MISC Pit Crew News
- NASCAR Fine Payments Going to NASCAR Foundation: NASCAR announced that starting this season, all money collected from fines issued to drivers will go to the NASCAR Foundation for its charitable initiatives. “Now that the NASCAR Foundation is well established and supporting dozens of charitable organizations it is the logical place for fine money to be distributed,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “We are excited to be able to work with our charities and help them develop a program that will maximize the impact they can have with their organizations,” said Sandy Marshall, executive director of the NASCAR Foundation.(NASCAR PR)(1-21-2008) Comment here
- #9 team wins 2nd Qtr Most Valuable Pit Crew Award: The #9 Budweiser Dodge team from Gillett Evernham Motorsports put together one of the most remarkable streaks of the 2008 Sprint Cup Series season during a five-week span in late May and early June. During the period, Kasey Kahne won the Sprint Cup All-Star event, two regular-season point races and finished second in another race to move from 14th to seventh in the driver standings. Kahne's performance on the track was matched by the flawless effort of the Bud Crew on pit road. That performance has earned the #9 over-the-wall team second-quarter accolades and a berth as the second of four finalists for the 2008 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award is given quarterly throughout the Sprint Cup season. At the end of each quarter, the winning pit crew is determined by a vote of each team's crew chief. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award and a check for $100,000. The presentation will be made at the 2008 NASCAR National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Media Luncheon in New York City in December. The 2008 #9 Budweiser Pit Crew: Brett Cumming, Pit Crew Coach; Eric Wilson, Jackman; John Royer, Front-Tire Changer; Jason Gay, Front-Tire Carrier; Jim Carbon, Rear-Tire Changer; Kevin Duncan, Rear-Tire Carrier; Mark "Tank" Probus, Gas man; Rick Pennington, Catch Can; Kenny Francis, Team Director. For more information, call 800.222.4296 or visit www.mechanix.com.(Mechanix Wear)(8-2-2008) Comment here
- #18 team wins 1st Qtr Most Valuable Pit Crew Award: The #18 M&M’s Team for Joe Gibbs Racing recorded one win and has been in the top five of the 2008 Sprint Cup Series championship point standings through the first eight races of the season. As a result of their outstanding work on the track and in the pits the team has been named the first quarter finalist for the 2008 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award is given quarterly throughout the Sprint Cup season. At the end of each quarter, the winning pit crew is determined by a vote of each team’s crew chief. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award and a check for $100,000 awarded at the 2008 National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Media Luncheon in New York City. 2008 #18 M&M’s Pit Crew: Michael Lepp, Pit Crew Coach; Jeff Fender, Jackman; Nick O’Dell, Front-Tire Changer; Brad Donaghy, Front-Tire Carrier; Jack Seminara, Rear-Tire Changer; Kenny Barber, Rear-Tire Carrier; Tom Lempe, Gas man; Jason Hinson, Catch Can; Steve Addington, Crew Chief.(Mechanix Wear)(5-8-2008) Comment here
- Checkers/Rally's no longer official burger of NASCAR: Checkers/Rally's has been released from its position as the official burger of NASCAR, creating an opening in the quick-service restaurant category. NASCAR called the separation a mutual decision. Checkers/Rally's, based in Tampa, also has exited its sponsorships of the Indianapolis 500, Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All of the motorsports deals were scheduled to run through the 2009 season. Checkers/Rally's confirmed the end of the sponsorships, but its chief marketing officer, Terri Snyder, could not be reached for comment. NASCAR now has turned its attention to filling the QSR category. Brian Corcoran, managing director of corporate marketing in NASCAR's New York office, is spearheading the effort to find a brand with a national footprint. (Sports Business Daily/SceneDaily.com)(4-24-2008) Comment here
- Federal-Mogul Introduces NASCAR MOOG ‘Problem Solver of the Race’ Award: Federal-Mogul Corporation’s MOOG brand of steering and suspension components has established a weekly and annual awards program to honor the best-performing crew chief following each 2008 Sprint Cup Series event and at the conclusion of the 2008 season.
The MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award, presented for the first time following the season-opening Daytona 500 to Pat Tryson of Penske Racing, builds upon the brand’s decades-long leadership in all forms of NASCAR competition. Every NASCAR Cup Champion since 1966 has driven to victory using MOOG steering and suspension products. The Problem Solver of the Race Award is presented to the crew chief whose team finishes in the top 10 and posts the largest increase in average lap speed from the first half to second half of a race. “This level of improvement is commonly due to the crew chief’s work in solving a variety of chassis issues and other problems that exist earlier in the race,” Nelson explained.(federal-mogul.com)(2-28-2008)
- Tryson named 2007 Sporting News "Crew Chief of the Year": #2 Miller Lite Dodge crew chief Pat Tryson’s effort last season garnered him the prestigious 2007 Sporting News “Crew Chief of the Year” designation. “It was a real honor to receive that notoriety, especially with the great jobs done by so many crew chiefs last year,” said Tryson. “They may have cited me for it, but it was a tribute to Kurt and our whole Miller Lite Dodge Team.”
Added his driver, Busch: "Just think about the big statement winning that award meant. The fact is that Pat didn't even join our team until June and he was on our pit box for only 21 of the 36 races. That's pretty incredible if you ask me. It's like spotting all the other competitors 15 races to make their marks and then going out there and making a huge impact and a major statement in a relatively short period of time. I am so proud of Pat and thrilled to have him as our team's leader."(Tom Roberts PR)(2-17-2008) Comment here
- NASCAR announces pit road rule changes: NASCAR officials distributed two rules changes that will be in affect this season in regards to pit road regulations: “Cars may not be pushed past the flag person at the end of the pit road. Unless otherwise authorized, once the race is underway, cars may be started by hand pushing in the pit area only, but under no circumstances is any car to be hand pushed more than three pit boxes away from their assigned pit box or into the acceleration zone or onto the race track from the pit area. Cars may not receive any assistance after the white flag has been displayed, except those cars making pit stops …”.
“A team member must be in contact with the outside tire(s) until the outside tire(s) reach the inside half of the pit box before the car leaves its assigned pit box. Any tires let in the outside half of the assigned pit box, or beyond, will result in a time or other penalty.“ These changes came about as a way to promote a safer pit road after several incidents occurred during the 2007 season where tires were being knocked around like projectiles by cars on pit road because they were not under the control of crew members. NASCAR felt like they had to take control of these tires better and this policy is something that teams will have to follow as the 2008 season starts.(FoxSports)(1-10-2008)
Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race
- Wypall Wipers stopped sending the PRs to post after MIS in June
- Knaus named Wypall Crew Chief of the Race in Indy: Chad Knaus, crew chief of the #48 Lowe’s Chevy driven by Jimmie Johnson, has been named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following Sunday’s Allstate 400 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite challenging tire-related troubles that plagued the entire field and handling issues with the car, Johnson and the entire #48 team managed to come out on top, winning their second Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Due to excessive tire wear, NASCAR displayed six competition caution flags, approximately every 10-12 laps, beginning on lap 10, to give teams as many chances as possible to change tires. Pit strategy played an enormous role in the event. While most other teams alternated taking two and four tires during pit stops, Knaus took a more conservative approach by taking four fresh tires during each caution until the final stop of the day with 10 laps to go.
Johnson entered pit road in third and Knaus called for two tires only. The Knaus-led crew delivered a lightening fast stop and Johnson shot off pit road in first. In a seven-lap dash to the finish, Johnson held off Carl Edwards and cruised to victory. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(PR)(8-1-2008)
- Hamlin named Wypall Crew Chief of the Race in Chicago: Kevin Hamlin, crew chief of the #83 Red Bull Toyota driven by Brian Vickers, has been named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following Saturday night's LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. The Hamlin-led team gambled on pit strategy all night as Vickers' battled a lose race car. It paid off as the field cycled through green flag stops and the #83 team caught a break when the caution came out for debris on lap 143 to put them back on the same pit cycle as every one else. Short pitting and staying out have been calls that Kevin Hamlin has pretty much mastered over the past few weeks to keep Vickers in the top 20 in the Sprint Cup Series standings. The #83 team was consistently one of the top cars on the track all night, leading the pack for two laps and eventually finishing in the 6th position. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn't necessarily the crew chief that goes to Victory Lane, but the crew chief that makes the biggest difference for his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR's top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing's #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing's #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham Motorsports' #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(PR)(7-16-2008)
- Eury Jr. named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Michigan: Tony Eury Jr., crew chief of the #88 National Guard/Amp Energy Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., has been named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following Sunday’s LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Starting from the third position, Earnhardt ran in the top-15 throughout the entire 203-lap race. Late in the race many of the lead lap cars came up short on fuel and ducked onto pit road. Eury Jr. decided to take a chance and stretch their fuel mileage to the finish. Following the sixth caution of the day on lap 199, Eury Jr. instructed Earnhardt to cut off his engine and coast so he would have every ounce of fuel for a two-lap, green-white-checkered flag finish. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to Victory Lane, but the crew chief that makes the biggest difference for his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(PR)(6-18-2008)
- Hamlin named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Pocono: Kevin Hamlin, crew chief of the #83 Red Bull Toyota driven by Brian Vickers, has been named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following Sunday’s Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. After starting 15th, Vickers led 18 laps and paced the field until eventual race winner Kasey Kahne passed him on fresher tires with 15 laps to go. Following a caution on lap 178, Hamlin instructed Vickers to stay out rather than come in for tires. And although the Red Bull team did not visit victory lane, Hamlin’s quick thinking and strategy awarded them a successful runner-up position, the team’s best career finish ever. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each race, a panel will vote to determine which
crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to Victory Lane, but the crew chief that makes the biggest difference for his team.
Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham
Motorsports’ #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(6-10-2008)
- Addington named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Dover: Steve Addington, crew chief of the #18 Combos Toyota driven by Kyle Busch, has been named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following Sunday’s Best Buy 400 at Dover International Speedway. The Addington-led team captured its fourth win of the season on Sunday after Busch raced near the front of the 43-car field for practically the entire afternoon. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to Victory Lane, but the crew chief that makes the biggest difference for his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, Fla. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(6-3-2008)
- Francis named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Charlotte: Kenny Francis, crew chief of the #9 GEM Dodge driven by Kasey Kahne, has been named the
Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following Sunday’s Coca Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Francis and the #9 team made it back-to-back victories in Charlotte, winning both Sunday’s Coca Cola 600 and the All Star race on May 17th. Starting second, the team boasted of a strong Dodge prepared by Francis and proved its strength by running in the top-10 all evening during the season’s longest race. “The pit calls by Kenny were awesome.” Said Kahne, “He put the car where it needed to be all night.” Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Francis make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, Fla. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(PR)(5-28-2008) Comment here
- Addington named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Darlington: Steve Addington, crew chief of the #18 M&M’s/ Indiana Jones Toyota driven by Kyle Busch, has been named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following last Saturday’s Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway. After starting sixth, Busch and the entire #18 team faced several setbacks throughout Saturday night’s 500-mile race including a loose lug nut in the pits that sent Busch back to 29th only 60 laps in. The newly resurfaced 1.366-mile oval also added new challenges to the already treacherous track, deemed “Too Tough To Tame.” In an effort to improve track position and overall performance, the
Addington-led crew continuously made air pressure, track bar and wedge adjustments to stay on top of the ever-changing track conditions. His clear and accurate direction led Busch and the #18 team to victory at the historic “Lady in Black.”
The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to Victory Lane, but the crew chief that makes the biggest difference for his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, Fla. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(PR)(5-14-2008) Comment here
- Martin named the Wypall Wipers’ “Crew Chief of the Race” in Richmond: Gil Martin, crew chief of the #07 BB&T Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer, has been named the Wypall Wipers’ “Crew Chief of the Race” in Saturday’s Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Some say it was being in the right place at the right time, but cautious instruction from Martin is what empowered Bowyer to drive the #07 BB&T Chevy to victory in Saturday night’s race. After starting deep in the field, (31st) Bowyer carved his way up to 16th on lap 129 resulting from a successful pit stop by the Martin-led team. Increasing track position and then maintaining that spot was Martin’s main concern, coaching Bowyer to be patient as he steadily made his way to the front. Bowyer eventually took over the lead following a collision between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch with two laps to
go and sailed to the victory. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to Victory Lane, but the crew chief that makes the biggest difference for his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with Fox/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, Fla. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(4-29-2008)
- Elledge named the Wypall Wipers’ “Crew Chief of the Race” in Talladega: Jimmy Elledge, in his first race as crew chief of the #42 Juicyfruit Gum/Wrigley Dodge Charger driven by Juan Pablo Montoya, has been named Wypall Wipers’ “Crew Chief of the Race” in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. In an effort to improve the team’s performance this season, Chip Ganassi, owner of the #42 team, assigned Elledge to assume crew chief duties for Montoya beginning in Talladega. After starting 26th
and even falling as far back as 32nd, Elledge and his team still managed to finish second, earning Montoya his first top-10 finish in 2008. Elledge and Montoya showed instant chemistry it takes to produce impressive results after only one race together in the Sprint Cup series. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest
that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to Victory Lane, but the crew chief that makes the biggest difference for his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/SPEED television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of Richard Childress Racing’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of Roush Fenway Racing’s #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, Fla. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(4-29-2008)
- Gil Martin named the Wypall Wipers’ Crew Chief of the Race in Phoenix: Gil Martin, crew chief of the #07 Jack Daniels Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer, was named Wypall Wipers’ “Crew Chief of the Race” for his team’s second place finish in Saturday’s Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief that made the biggest difference to his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(4-14-2008)
- Reiser & Andrews named the Wypall Wipers “Co-Crew Chiefs of the Race” in Texas: For the first time in its history, the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief award will go to two men, Roush Fenway Racing’s Robbie Reiser and Chris Andrews. The tandem showed the power of teamwork Sunday as they helped Carl Edwards and his #99 Aflac Ford score the win in the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway Sunday. The Crew Chief team made the right pit calls and set up Carl Edwards’ car perfectly as he dominated the 500-mile race
Sunday in Fort Worth, TX, his third win of the season. Reiser and Andrews will receive a $1,000 check as a result of their leadership and teamwork. Reiser, the General Manager of Roush Fenway Racing and Andrews, head of the engineering department at RFR, are sharing Crew Chief duties while Bob Osborne, Crew Chief of the #99 Ford Fusion, is on suspension from NASCAR. Osborne returns to the helm of the #99 team in three weeks at Richmond [May 3rd]. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief that made the biggest difference to his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(PR)(4-8-2008)
- Mike Ford named Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race”: Mike Ford, crew chief of the #11 Fed Ex Freight Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin, was named the Wypall
Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” for his team’s first-place finish in Sunday’s Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway. After Hamlin fought an ill-handling car for most of the race, Ford’s direction for a combination of air pressure, wedge and track bar adjustments paid off with Hamlin running consistently in the top five for the last 100 laps of the race and eventually taking the lead for good with 74 laps to go. Ford will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and successful strategy during the most critical moments of the race. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each event, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief who made the biggest difference to his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs, who represent Wypall, make up the panel of judges. The crew chiefs include Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett-Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will display signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(4-2-2008)
- Miller named Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” in Bristol: Scott Miller, crew chief of the #31 AT&T Mobility Chevy driven by Jeff Burton, was named the Wypall
Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” for his team’s first place finish in Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Although Burton only led two laps throughout the entire race, it was the “final” two propelling him to his first career victory at Bristol. Miller will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and successful strategy calls during the most critical moments of the race. At both Bristol races this season, not only does the winning crew chief receive $1,000, but a $1,000 bonus is awarded to the winning pit crew as well. The #31 AT&T crew received a $1,000 check during the post-race ceremonies in Victory Lane. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief who made the biggest difference to his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, make up the panel of judges. The crew chiefs
include Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(3-19-2008)
- Wypall Wipers Increases Stakes at Bristol: Wypall Wipers is going to make a certain pit crew extremely happy as well as treat a special young man to a once-in-a-lifetime experience this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. In addition to the $1,000 which goes to the Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race,” for Sunday’s Food City 500, a bonus of $1,000 will be awarded to the winning pit crew for their efforts. While they celebrate in Victory Lane with the extra cash, fifth grader Michael Castro will have already lived an unforgettable day. Castro, a student at Stonewall Jackson Elementary in Bristol, VA., is Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Classroom.” A member of the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, the youngster will be an honorary “Crew Chief for a day,” and will shadow Todd Berrier, crew chief of the #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy, before the race. The Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” is a part of the Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief Challenge,” a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup Series garage. Go to Wypall.com to find out more about Wypall Wipers.(Wypall PR)(3-16-2008)
- Steve Addington named Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” in Atlanta: Steve Addington, crew chief of the #18 Snickers Toyota driven by Kyle Busch, was named the Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” for his team’s first place finish in Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Addington helped his team’s assault to the front of the field in Sunday’s race by leading 173 of the 325 laps, giving Toyota its first official victory in NASCAR’s top series. Addington will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and spirited effort during the race. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief that made the biggest difference to his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(3-11-2008)
- Eury Jr. named Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” in Las Vegas: Tony Eury Jr., crew chief of the #88 National Guard/Amp Energy Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was named the Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” Tuesday for his team’s second place finish in the UAW/Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Eury Jr. helped his team vault to the front of the field in Sunday’s race with strategic two-tire and gas-only calls that gained the #88 team valuable track position at critical times in the race. Eury Jr. will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and proactive thinking during the race. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief that made the biggest difference to his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(3-5-2008)
- Osborne named Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief the Race” in California: Bob Osborne, crew chief of the #99 DISH Network/Office Depot Ford Fusion driven by Carl Edwards, was named “Crew Chief of the Race” Monday in Fontana, California for his team’s win in the Auto Club 500. Bob, who is a 2008 Wypall Wipers crew chief representative, made the Wypall brand proud Monday leading his team to a dominant win in the rain delayed two-day affair. Osborne will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and strategic thinking during the race.
Sunday’s effort to get the Auto Club 500 completed was thwarted late in the evening when rain returned to the two-mile oval, halting any chance at a conclusion to the race. NASCAR chose to postpone the race until Monday where Osborne and Edwards worked to make their car better and better on the sun soaked track. Edwards took over the lead from Jimmie Johnson with 13 laps to go and never looked back in rout to his first win of the season.
Osborne, Edwards and the #99 team continue to be a formidable threat to win every week, amassing their eighth win in three years together in the Sprint Cup series. Bob and his team use Wypall Wipers to help improve their performance and keep their Roush-Fenway Racing Ford performing at its top level. “I am excited to be the Wypall Wipers ‘Crew Chief of the Race’ once again and really proud to be part of the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Team in 2008,” Osborne said after his team’s victory Monday. “Every Crew Chief in the garage wants to win the Wypall Wipers ‘Crew Chief of the Race’ award because its voted on by his peers and that’s what makes it so special.”
The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief that made the biggest difference to his team. Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall
Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(2-26-2008)
- Tryson named Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the race: Pat Tryson, crew chief for the #2 Penske Miller Lite Dodge driven by Kurt Busch in the Sprint Cup
Series, was named the Wypall Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” for Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Tryson will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and strategic thinking during the race. Despite facing tough obstacles throughout the race, Tryson and his team rebounded to finish second in
the “Great American Race,” helping propel teammate Ryan Newman to victory. Due to electrical problems in the qualifying race last Thursday, Busch was forced to use a “Champion’s Provisional” to line up 43rd on the starting grid on Sunday. After experiencing a handful of challenges, the Tryson-led team bounced back from tight handling conditions, a speeding penalty and a serious overheating condition to finish runner up. The 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief that made the biggest difference to his team.
Representatives from Wypall Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent Wypall, including Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing #29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing #99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports #9 Budweiser Dodge team, make up the panel of judges.
In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. The Wypall Wipers Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(2-19-2008)
- Wypall Wipers announces 2008 Crew Chief Lineup: Wypall Wipers announced its all-star line-up of crew chief representatives today, continuing the tradition
of top-notch crew chiefs who call Wypall Wipers their wiper of choice. The Wypall Wipers 2008 Crew Chief Program will launch in Daytona on Feb. 17. Serving as spokesmen for the Wypall Wipers brand, the noted crew chiefs include some of NASCAR’s best, including the defending Daytona 500 winner. Todd Berrier, who helped guide Kevin Harvick and his #29 Richard Childress Shell Pennzoil Racing Chevrolet team to victory in last season’s “Great American Race”, makes his debut into the program. He is joined by fellow newcomer Bob Osborne, who makes the decisions on the #99 Roush-Fenway Racing Office Depot Ford team for driver Carl Edwards. Kenny Francis returns to the Wypall Wipers program in
his second year, leading the #9 Gillett Evernham Budweiser Dodge team and driver Kasey Kahne. “What an incredible lineup of crew chiefs we have on the Wypall Wipers
team this season,” said Tom Merrill, Category Manager for Wypall Wipers. “All have race wins under their belt and they know the importance of using reliable, high-performance products on their race cars and engines. That is why they are sold on Wypall Wipers.” Also joining the Wypall team to help promote the brand’s 2008 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Program is FOX/Speed TV analyst Jeff Hammond, a former championship crew chief in his own right. Hammond, along with the three crew chiefs, and representatives from
Wypall Wipers will serve as the panel for the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge, a season-long contest which will determine the best crew chiefs in the Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, they will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and ingenuity during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief who goes to victory lane, but the crew chief who made the biggest difference to his team. The weekly winning crew chief will receive a $1,000 check as well as signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL. Former yearly winners include Tony Eury, Sr. (for driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr.), Robbie Reiser (for driver Matt Kenseth), Doug Richert (for driver Greg Biffle) and Mike Ford (for driver Denny Hamlin). The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the remainder of the 2008 season and spotlight the men behind the machines. For more information, log onto www.Wypall.com.(Wypall PR)(2-12-2008)
2008 Sprint Pit Crew Challenge
- Vickers Red Bull Racing team wins Pit Crew Challenge: The #83 Red Bull Toyota pit crew of Brian Vickers entered the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge as the 24th – and final – eligible team, but left on top after dominating the competition and the record book. The team posted the quickest time in each of the five rounds and edged the #11 FedEx Toyota crew of Denny Hamlin in a photo finish in the Finals to take the title. The #83 team changed four tires, filled the car with fuel and pushed it 40 yards to the finish line in 22.902 seconds, besting the #11 crew by 0.109 seconds. Each of the five times put up by the #83 crew was under 23 seconds, with its top time of 22.572 seconds coming in the second round. The previous record was 23.35 seconds, set last year by the champion #12 Alltel Dodge team in the quarterfinals. “I can’t say enough about this team,” said pit crew coach Greg Miller. “Words can’t describe this group, the effort they put in day-in and day-out. It’s all about them.”
The team was one of three in the event that has not secured a position in Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Each of the 21 teams in the all-star race competed in the Pit Crew Challenge, with the three final positions going to the top available teams based on owner’s points. If the #83 Toyota makes the all-star race by finishing in the top two in the Sprint Showdown, it will have its choice of pit stalls.
The team includes several former collegiate athletes, a trend that has become commonplace in the sport. Catch can man Mike Metcalf played football at Appalachian State University, while front tire changer Brian Haaland and jackman Shaun Peet are former minor league hockey players. The other members of the championship crew are gas man Doug Newell, front tire carrier Aaron Schields, rear tire changer Danny Kincaid and rear tire changer Jake Brzozowski. Two new records were also set in the individual skills competition.
#24 Dupont Chevrolet gas man Caleb Hurd and catch can man Jamie Frady combined to fill the car with 18 gallons of fuel in 10.031 seconds, shattering the previous record of 14.20 seconds. Eric Wilson, jackman of the #9 Budweiser Dodge finished with a time of 5.431 seconds, topping last year’s record of 5.94 seconds. Other skills competition winners were #17 DeWalt Ford rear tire changer Dave Smith and carrier Jason Binger and #18 M&M’s Toyota front tire changer Nick O’Dell and carrier Brad Donaghy. O’Dell also won last year’s individual competition while with the #9 crew.(NASCAR PR/Teamredbull.com), more info at pitcrewchallenge.com.(5-16-2008)
- Pit Crew Lineup Set for the Pit Crew Challenge: The final three teams have been added to the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman, featuring competition among the top 24 pit crews in the Sprint Cup Series. The three additional teams are #6-David Ragan’s Roush Fenway Racing crew, the Red Bull Racing squad of driver #83-Brian Vickers and the #9-Kasey Kahne’s Gillett Evernham crew. The NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge takes place May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena and will be aired at 9:00pm/et that evening on SPEED. The competition is a signature lead-in event to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Saturday, May 17 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. To compete in the pit-crew event, teams must be eligible for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or be the 2007 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge Champion. Sprint All-Star Race eligibility includes all NASCAR Sprint Cup race winners from 2007 and 2008, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners from the past 10 years and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions from the past 10 years who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2007 or 2008 season. The three additional teams were added because they were ranked highest in the 2008 Sprint Cup Series owner point standings as of May 13.(SPEEDtv) Tickets to the pit crew challenge start at $15 and can be purchased online at 2008 NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge Presented by Craftsman or by calling the Charlotte Bobcats ticket office at (800) 495-2295. More info at pitcrewchallenge.com.(5-13-2008)
- Pit Crew Challenge Eligible Teams:
1. Clint Bowyer, #07 Jack Daniel’s Chevy
2. Martin Truex Jr., #1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Chevy
3. Kurt Busch, #2 Miller Lite Dodge
4. Casey Mears, #5 Kellogg's/Carquest Chevy
5. David Ragan, #6 AAA Ford
6. Mark Martin, #8 U.S. Army Chevy
7. Kasey Kahne, #9 Budweiser Dodge
8. Denny Hamlin, #11 FedEx Freight Toyota
10. Ryan Newman, #12 Alltel Dodge
11. Greg Biffle, #16 DISH Network Ford
13. Matt Kenseth, #17 DeWalt NANO Ford
13. Kyle Busch, #18 M&M’s Toyota
14. Tony Stewart, #20 Home Depot
15. Jeff Gordon, #24 DuPont/Nicorette Chevy
16. Jamie McMurray, #26 Crown Royal Ford
16. Kevin Harvick, #29 Pennzoil Platinum Chevy
17. Jeff Burton, #31 AT&T Mobility Chevy
18. Juan Montoya, #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge
19. Bobby Labonte, #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge
20. Dale Jarrett, #44 UPS Ford
21. Jimmie Johnson, #48 Lowe’s Chevy
22. Brian Vickers, #83 Red Bull Toyota
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr., #88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevy
24. Carl Edwards, #99 Office Depot Ford
- Tix for sale to see the Pit Crew Challenge in May: Tickets for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman, featuring competition between the top 24 pit crews in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, are on sale now. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.pitcrewchallenge.com or by calling the Charlotte Bobcats ticket office at (800) 495-2295.
The NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge is set for Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena and will be aired at 9 p.m. that evening on SPEED. Now in its fourth year, the competition is a signature lead-in event to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Saturday, May 17 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
To compete in the event, teams must be eligible for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or be the 2007 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge Champion. NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race eligibility includes all NASCAR Sprint Cup race winners from 2007 and 2008, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners from the past 10 years and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions from the past 10 years who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2007 or 2008 season. Remaining unfilled positions will become available to the car owners ranked highest in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner point standings as of May 13.
The following teams are currently eligible: #07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet (Childress), #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet (DEI), #2 Miller Lite Dodge (Penske), #5 Kellogg's/CARQUEST Chevrolet (Hendrick), #8 U.S. Army Chevrolet (DEI), #11 FedEx Toyota (Gibbs), #12 Alltel Dodge (Penske), #16 3M Ford (Roush), #17 DeWALT Ford (Roush), #18 M&M's/Interstate Batteries Toyota (Gibbs), #20 Home Depot Toyota (Gibbs), #24 DuPont Chevrolet (Hendrick), #26 Crown Royal Ford (Roush), #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet (Childress), #31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet (Childress), #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge (Ganassi), #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge (Petty), #44 UPS Toyota (MWR), #48 Lowe's Chevrolet (Hendrick), #88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevrolet (Hendrick) and #99 Office Depot Ford (Roush).(JHE Production Group PR)(3-21-2008)
2008 Freightliner Run Smart Hauler Challenge
NO Info yet
2008 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown
- PME repeats as top engine builders: "Mahle Engine Builder Showdown" that took place Tuesday, May 20th at the NASCAR Technical Institiute. Every year, a selection a NASCAR's top engine builders are invited to participate to see who can build, fire up ans run their 357-cubic inch Ford racing engine the fastest. For the second year in a row PME Engines took home the trophy. Last year PME engine builders Dennis Borem & Darrell Hoffman beat out a team of Hendricks engine builders with a time of 16:25. This year PME beat out the Roush/Yates team of Jim Snyder & Mike Kasch and broke their own record with a time of 15:59! PME is owned by Mark Smith and currenty builds engines for 8 truck teams in the Craftsman truck series, including KHI, MRD, TRG, Xpress Motorsports, and Thorsport. About 1500 students and guests were in attendance. At this weekends race in Mansfield the #71 TRG Motorsports team surprised PME with Congradulations decals on their truck and team wearing PME t-shirts. THEN won the race at Mansfield. NASCAR Tech [NTI] also has an open house scheduled for June 21st, more info at uti.edu)(5-25-2008)
- The MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown on Monday and Tuesday: Four teams of a record 23 have made it to the semi-finalists after the first two rounds of the ninth annual MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown held May 5 - 8. Competing in this year's Showdown semi-finals set for Monday at the NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) in Mooresville, N.C., are:
1. Trey Davis and Brian Buttrick from Roush Yates Racing Engines versus Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman from Pro Motor Engines
2. Jim Snyder and Mike Kasch from Roush Yates Racing Engines versus Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow from Hendrick Motorsports
The two winning teams will face each other on Tuesday at the Showdown finals, also at NTI. The MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown, presented by MAHLE Clevite Inc., pits top NASCAR engine builders in a race to build and successfully run a Sprint Cup 357-cubic inch Ford engine in the shortest time possible. Through a process of three rounds of preliminary and semi-final eliminations, the competition culminates in a final showdown between the two fastest teams. MAHLE Clevite presents the winning team with the Showdown's grand prize - the prestigious Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy, plus a cash prize of $26,000. The Showdown runner-up team receives $9,000. Overall, the competition awards a total prize package of over $50,000. MAHLE Clevite hosts all preliminary rounds of the MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown at the NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), in Mooresville, NC. The final round of the competition takes place on May 20, also at NTI. More info at engineparts.com and MotorAge. NASCAR Tech [NTI] also has an open house scheduled for June 21st, more info at uti.edu)(5-19-2008)
MISC News/Press Releases
2007 Nextel Pit Crew Challenge
- #12 Alltell Dodge Takes Nextel Pit Crew Championship: The #12 Alltel Dodge team led by crew chief Mike Nelson won the third annual Nextel Pit-Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman in a thrilling all-Dodge final. The team edged the #43 Cheerios Dodge team led by Paul Andrews by .33 seconds to grab the championship and the $70,300 prize. It looked like the #12 team would falter in the finals when jack man Britt Goodrich had trouble lifting the second side of the car and was late getting to the car for the final push. The #43 crew had their Dodge rolling first, but was unable to hold off the hard-charging #12 team. The Alltell Dodge team finished the competition in impressive fashion. The team was assessed a five second penalty in the first round for excessive fuel spillage but was flawless afterwards. In each of the final four rounds, the #12 team posted the top time. The team had been successful in the previous two events as well, making the quarterfinal round in 2006 and the semifinal round in 2005. The crew of the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, the defending champions, were knocked out of the competition in the first round. The team beat the #07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet team to the finish line, but was penalized three seconds for having a loose lug nut. The #9 UAW/Dodge Dealers Dodge team was also eliminated in the first round. The team won the inaugural competition in 2005 and finished second last year. Jeff Patterson and Brian Larson – the gasman and catch can man for the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet – won the individual competition for the second consecutive season to win $10,000 each. They were the only individuals to repeat as champions.
Team champion: #12 Alltell Dodge
Crew chief - Mike Nelson
Front Tire Changer - Ben Brown
Front Tire Carrier - Scott Reiniger
Rear Tire Changer - Joe Piette Jr.
Rear Tire Carrier - Trent Cherry
Gas man - George Whitley
Catch can - Brian White
Jack man - Britt Goodrich
Individual Champions:
Jack man – Mitch Lash (#44 UPS Toyota) – 5.94 seconds **
Gas man/Catch Can – Jeff Patterson/Brian Larson (#20 Home Depot Chevrolet) – 10.92 seconds
Front Tire Changer/Carrier – Nick O’Dell/Jason Gay (#9 UAW/Dodge Dealers Dodge) – 15.18 seconds
Rear Tire Changer/Carrier – Daniel Rankin/Bryan Rockwell (#43 Cheerios Dodge) – 13.85 **
** New individual record.(NASCAR PR)(5-17-2007)
National Pit Crew Championship Powered by Tyson
- "National Pit Crew Championship Powered by Tyson" was not held in 2007 and only one competition was held instead of two as their was in 2005
2007 Truck Driver Challenge
- #2 Hauler driver wins Hauler Challenge: Congratulations to Miller Lite Dodge Team's chief transport driver Bill "Stump" Lewis for coming home the winner in this year's Freightliner Run Smart Hauler Challenge. The final stage of the contest was held last Saturday morning at Lowe's Motor Speedway, with "Stump" placing first and taking the $35,000 grand prize. "Stump" and wife, Cindy, share the truck-driving duties for the #2 Penske Racing Dodge Team. "I am extremely proud of this award and thrilled to have brought the honor to our Penske Racing Miller Lite Dodge Team," said "Stump," now a two-time winner of the annual NASCAR truck-driving contest. "As for that $35 grand, I think Cindy already has it spent on some construction work we are getting done at our house." The couple is celebrating winning the award this week at the annual "Biketoberfest" in Daytona Beach.(TRPR)(10-18-2007)
OTHER PAST PIT CREW/CREW CHIEF NEWS
- So where is the big blue bottle? been getting asked alot where the big blue Powerade Bottle is that caused such a firestorm in 2004 [Johnson fine, Gordon misses Indy's victory lane, etc]. in 2003 and 2004, the pit crew award was called "McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade". In 2005, McDonald's dropped it sponsorship of the award and as the official fast food restaurant of NASCAR. In 2005 Checker's now sponsors the award, called the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge. Not sure of the rules or standings as I have gotten no PR's on it, who is eligible and have seen no websites for it, just blurbs about who won the week before.(3-21-2005)
ALL-TIME UNION 76/ROCKINGHAM
WORLD PIT CREW CHAMPIONSHIP
PAST WINNERS
- YEAR... TIME... CREW CHIEF .... DRIVER.
2004... not held
2003... 16.725* Mike Ford.. Bill Elliott
2002... 16.823* Robbie Reiser.. Matt Kenseth
2001... 17.695 Robbie Reiser.. Matt Kenseth.
2000... 18.355. Frank Stoddard. Jeff Burton.
1999... 19.166. Jimmy Makar.... Bobby Labonte.
1998... 20.322. Larry McReynolds....... Mike Skinner.
1997... 20.870. Mike Beam...... Bill Elliott.
1996... 22.056. Gary DeHart.... Terry Labonte.
1995... 23.692. Dean Combs..... Brett Bodine.
1994... 19.363. Ray Evernham, Jr....... Jeff Gordon.
1993... 22.454. Buddy Parrott.. Rusty Wallace.
1992... 23.142. Ken Howes...... Ken Schrader.
1991... 22.565. Donnie Wingo... Morgan Shepherd.
1990... 24.002. Mike Beam...... Bill Elliott.
1989... 24.681. Jeff Hammond... Darrell Waltrip.
1988... 23.808. Kirk Shelmerdine....... Dale Earnhardt.
1987... 23.831. Kirk Shelmerdine....... Dale Earnhardt.
1986... 27.601. Kirk Shelmerdine....... Dale Earnhardt.
1985... 28.898. Kirk Shelmerdine....... Dale Earnhardt.
Began four-tire changes in 1985; two-tire changes before 1985
YEAR.... TIME.. CREW CHIEF..... DRIVER.
1984... 15.456. Junie Donlavey. Dick Brooks.
1983... 14.689* Buddy Parrott.. Joe Ruttman.
1982... 15.704. Tim Brewer..... Cale Yarborough.
1981... 17.622. Leonard Wood... Neil Bonnett.
1980... 17.089. Maurice Petty.. Richard Petty.
1979... 16.261. Junior Johnson. Cale Yarborough.
1978... 15.977. J.C. Elder..... Benny Parsons.
1977... 17.390. Maurice Petty.. Richard Petty.
1976... 19.689. Maurice Petty.. Richard Petty.
1975... 18.021. Mario Rossi.... Donnie Allison.
1974... 19.828. Bill Hamner.... Bobby Allison.
1973... 20.166. Harry Hyde..... Buddy Baker.
1972... 22.600. Herb Nab....... Bobby Allison.
1971... ....... Cancelled Due to Weather
1970... 19.840. Don Lawrence... Bobby Allison.
1969... 21.947. Herb Nab....... LeeRoy Yarbrough.
1968... 18.276. Leonard Wood... Cale Yarborough.
1967... 21.922. Leonard Wood... Cale Yarborough.
*denotes records (IMG Motorsports PR)(11-2-2002)
Past Pit Crew Awards
- 2006 Past Winners
- 2005 Past Winners and Top 10's and season standings
- 2004 Past Winners and Top 10's and season standings
- Dale Jr's Pit Crew To Collect $200,000 Bonus; Sterling Marlin's Crew Takes Homestead Victory
- Past Results and News - on my 2003 Past Pit Crew News Page
Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew competition
- 2003 Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew competition results and info - click here
- 2002 Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew competition results and info - click here
