Richard Childress Racing News/Rumors
Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer
June 18, 2007
AT&T extends RCR sponsorship three years; Burton resigns with RCR: AT&T has exercised the option in its current contract with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) by signing a contract extension that will ensure that the popular No. 31 AT&T Chevrolet remains a competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series for years to come. At the same time, Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 AT&T Chevrolet, has reached agreement with RCR on a contract extension with the 10-time NASCAR championship-winning organization. “As long-time supporters of racing and its fans, we are very pleased to continue our involvement with the sport as a team sponsor in the wireless category,” said Dave Garver, executive director of high growth segments and sponsorships for the wireless division at AT&T. “We’ve enjoyed our relationship with Jeff and RCR, and look forward to continuing to work with them through many more winning seasons. “In the past decade, we’ve developed innovative ways to bring fans closer to racing, with interactive content that can be accessed via their wireless handsets, alerts sent directly to their phones and on-the-ground activities promoting wireless services at and around racing events. We’re looking ahead, planning even more engaging ways to bring the latest in wireless technology to fans.” AT&T, as Cingular, has been the primary sponsor of RCR’s No. 31 team since 2002. In that time, with Burton and Robby Gordon behind the wheel, the team has earned four wins, four pole positions, 22 top-five and 54 top-10 finishes. (RCR PR)
June 17, 2007
NASCAR Sues AT&T for $100 Million: Today NASCAR filed a counter claim in U.S. District Court against AT&T Mobility/Cingular Wireless and AT&T Inc., alleging breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation, and conspiracy to aid and abet wrongful interference with Nextel’s exclusive sponsorship agreement. NASCAR is seeking a minimum of $100 million in damages. The NASCAR Rule Book governs participation in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and its contents are agreed to in writing by all NASCAR members and participants. Cingular is a member of NASCAR and agreed to abide by all NASCAR rules and regulations when its representatives signed official documents such as the NASCAR Membership and License Application. NASCAR’s suit further alleges that AT&T, Cingular and its representatives breached its explicit agreements with NASCAR when they re-branded the #31 car; entered into contract with RCR knowing that they would litigate against NASCAR; and when they sought to ambush Nextel’s exclusive sponsorship rights. NASCAR also submitted its response today to a suit filed by AT&T Mobility/Cingular Wireless by soundly rejecting each of their claims. The response demonstrates the clarity of NASCAR’s rule book and the baseless allegations made by AT&T Mobility/Cingular Wireless in its attempts to re-brand the #31.(NASCAR PR)
June 9, 2007
Jeff Burton says, fourth RCR team is likely: If Jeff Burton is correct, he'll have a new teammate at Richard Childress Racing in 2008. But don't jump to any conclusions just yet as to who that new face might be. When asked how likely it was that RCR will go to four teams, Burton said "I think it's likely. That could be a 50 percent chance, a 51 percent chance or a 90 percent chance, but I think it's likely." Burton said there have been recent discussions about possible expansion. If that means adding Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the mix, Burton isn't saying. But if you read between the lines ... "Obviously we can't divulge what's on our minds, but we have some exciting things that could happen and we have some exciting things that might not happen," Burton said. "There's a lot in the air right now that we don't 100 percent know what's going to happen there." (NASCAR.com)
June 26, 2006:
Childress among Car Owners looking at Gilliland: NASCAR team owner Richard Childress said Sunday that he is among those interested in signing Chino Hills native David Gilliland to a contract. Gilliland, currently driving without a contract for a part-time, unsponsored entry in the Busch Series, has seen his stock skyrocket since winning the June 17 Busch race at Kentucky, then getting a weak car into Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Sonoma. "He's probably the hottest young commodity out there today," said Childress, who currently fields three Cup cars and won six Cup championships with the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. "There are several teams here that will be after him, but he'd definitely be a good fit for us." Childress noted that Gilliland's good character and family background (his father Butch was also a NASCAR driver) play into the 30-year-old's favor. J.D. Gibbs, who serves as the president of Joe Gibbs Racing, said car owners have noticed how Gilliland never squanders an opportunity. (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)
June 6, 2006:
Burton's #1 Crew wins Drive-Thru Challenge: Jeff Burton’s pit crew took home the $10,500 first-place check for winning the Checkers®/Rally’s® Double Drive-Thru Challenge in Sunday’s Neighborhood Excellence 400 at Dover International Speedway. The No. 31 crew, which assisted its veteran driver to a fourth-place finish in the 400-lap, 400-mile Nextel Cup race, spent the least amount of time on pit road -- 395.590 seconds. “The Team Cingular pit crew has done a tremendous job all season and that performance continued this past weekend in Dover,” said Burton. “Not only do they have great pit stops, they are very consistent so we can always rely on them. I’m very proud of the entire team and the over-the-wall crew has been a big part of our success so far this season.” Burton’s over-the-wall crew includes: Josh Yost (jackman), Kevin Nervegna (front-tire carrier), Joe Zielinski (front-tire changer), Jason Fowler (rear-tire carrier), Aaron Smith (rear-tire changer), Larry Hartle (gasman), Rich Burgess (catch can) and Wes Adams (windshield). The pit crew coordinator is Corrine Mauldin. The No. 31 team became the eighth pit crew of the season to win the weekly Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge. A bonus of $105,000 will be presented to the team with the most wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule. (- DMF Communications PR)
May 23, 2006:
Cup Driver J. Burton to test Montreal track: NASCAR plans to test one of its cars at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal the weekend prior to Canada's Formula One race at Ile Notre Dame. According to the National Post, veteran driver Jeff Burton could be the man behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo when it hits the track on June 19 or 20. The test is seen as a precursor to NASCAR's announcement of a Busch Grand National race at the island circuit in 2007. Burton, who would be racing at nearby Brooklyn, Michigan on June 18, says he hasn't been contacted for the test but would a willing participant. "If I'm asked to test (in Montreal), I'll certainly find a way to make it happen," he tells the Post. "I've been saying this for years, that the next step we need to take is into Canada," Burton explained. "We need to be there, to put on a good show that represents NASCAR and Canada well. There's no reason we shouldn't be there. It's a great market for us. We'd benefit from Canada, and Canada would benefit from our being there. It's win-win." Burton was also the driver asked by NASCAR to test for them when the Busch Series considered expanding into Mexico last year. (TSN)
May 19, 2006:
Richard Childress Racing sponsors Soap Box Derby: Championship NASCAR team owner Richard Childress will lend support to his racing roots June 3 at Hobby Park in Winston-Salem for the Winston-Salem Area Soap Box Derby presented by Richard Childress Racing. The winner of this All-American Soap Box Derby “local race” will advance to the 69th annual All-American Soap Box Derby presented by Levi Strauss Signature®, July 22 in Akron, Ohio. Childress was a teenager in the late 1950s when he and his brother, Larry Childress, went door to door in downtown Winston-Salem soliciting shop owners for funding to purchase a soap box derby kit. Nearly 50 years later, the wheels and axles from that soap box derby racer are on display in the RCR Racing Museum on the RCR campus. “Being a part of that soap box derby race was a very important start to my becoming a race car driver just a few years later,” said Childress. “It taught me my first lessons in securing sponsorship, building a race car and competing against other drivers. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the success I’ve had in racing and a lot of it goes back to that soap box derby race.” The day’s activities will include: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. - Inspection; 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. - Trial Runs; 10:45 a.m. - Heat & Lane Drawing; 11:15 a.m. - Racing Begins. For further information, visit the web site of the Winston-Salem Area Soap Box Derby at www.wsasbd.com.(Richard Childress Racing PR)
May 14, 2006:
Richard Childress receives honorary degree: Championship NASCAR team owner Richard Childress will be awarded an honorary degree from the board of trustees of Davidson County Community College (DCCC) during tonight’s commencement ceremony on the school’s campus in Lexington, N.C. Childress’ wife, Judy, will accept the award as he will be busy directing his NASCAR Busch Series teams’ efforts in tonight’s Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. “I’m honored to receive this recognition from Davidson County Community College and I’m sorry I won’t be there to accept it in person,” said Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR). “Davidson County Community College provides its students with a great opportunity to continue their education and prepare for better jobs in the future. It’s also an honor to be rewarded at the same time as my friend Bob Timberlake.” Childress and Timberlake, a world renowned artist, are only the fourth and fifth community leaders to receive such recognition from DCCC. “Both Timberlake and Childress have generously given their time, talent and resources to better our community. My fellow trustees and I value their support, dedication, and concern for the people and businesses that make up our educational service area,” said Dr. Barbara Leonard who chairs the DCCC Board of Trustees. ( RCR Press Release)
May 3, 2006:
Report: Harvick and Childress reach agreement: Nextel Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick and Richard Childress Racing have reached a tentative agreement on a contract extension to keep Harvick in RCR's No. 29 Chevrolet for the next several years, RCR sources have told The Charlotte Observer. RCR has reserved a news conference slot Friday at 2:45 p.m. Eastern in the infield media center at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway, site of Saturday night's Crown Royal 400. A Friday "RCR press conference" was noted on several pre-Richmond race news releases issued Tuesday by RCR teams, although its purpose was not given. A contract extension with RCR would remove Harvick from the list of available, talented drivers who were slated to become "free agents" at season's end. (ThatsRacin.com)
April 27, 2006:
Todd Berrier wins Wypall Crew Chief of the Race award: Team owner Richard Childress may have been the one on a hunting trip this weekend, but it was his driver Kevin Harvick who came home with the trophies. Harvick won both the Busch Series and Nextel Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, bringing each of his crew chiefs, Shane Wilson and Todd Berrier, the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. Following each race, a panel of voters; including Tony Eury Sr., Robbie Reiser, a member of the local media and a Wypall Wipers representative; cast their vote for the crew chief they thought made the biggest impact on his team. Wilson and Berrier were voted the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race for their solid runs. In the Subway Fresh 500 on Saturday, it wasn't until lap 304 that Harvick cruised into the lead, putting him at the point for the final nine laps. For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, Wypall Wipers gave Berrier $1,000. At the end of the season, the Nextel Cup crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. This was Berrier's first Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him with Darian Grubb and Roy McCauley for second-place in the standings. Robbie Reiser and Kenny Francis are tied for the lead, each with two wins. (Wypall PR)
April 26, 2006:
#31 jackman Yost back at Talladega: #31 Team Cingular jackman Josh Yost will return to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for the first time since he was hit on pit road during last season’s Aaron’s 499, severely injuring his right foot and ankle. Following multiple surgeries to repair damage to the tendons in his ankle, Yost started walking in mid-July, began physical therapy in August, returned to work in the shop at RCR in November and then resumed his role as Team Cingular jackman in the 2006 season opening Daytona 500.(RCR PR)
Bowyer’s crew wins Checkers® / Rally’s® Double Drive-Thru Challenge: Clint Bowyer’s pit crew captured the Checkers® / Rally’s® Double Drive-Thru Challenge competition in Saturday night’s race at Phoenix International Raceway, helping propel its rookie driver to a Nextel Cup career-high fifth-place finish. The program awards $10,500 per week to the pit crew of the car spending the least amount of time on pit road. In addition, the pit crew with the most wins will be awarded a $105,000 bonus at the completion of the 36-race schedule. “The guys did a good job on pit road,” said Gil Martin, crew chief of Bowyer’s No. 07 Chevrolet. “They stayed in sync pretty well and Clint did a good job getting on and off pit road. The guys were consistent and we did what we needed to do. They beat everybody off of pit road towards the end of the race, so that shows how well they kept their composure. All-in-all, it was a very good night.” Bowyer’s Jack Daniel’s machine spent 266.258 seconds on pit road during the 312-lap race. Bowyer’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Carey Wimbish (jackman), Dail Long (front-tire carrier), Shane Westerberg (front-tire changer), Dustin Stanley (rear-tire carrier), Tommy Wallace (rear-tire changer), Ron Liddell (gasman), Clint Almquist (catch can) and Troy Welty (windshield). The team’s pit stop coordinator is Corinne Mauldin. Bowyer’s crew, part of the Richard Childress Racing stable, becomes the sixth different team to win the Checkers/Rally’s weekly competition. Pit crews for Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler, and Denny Hamlin have also scored wins. The Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge is in its second season with the Nextel Cup Series. (DMF Communications PR)
Fedewa joins RCR as spotter for Bowyer: NASCAR Busch Series veteran driver Tim Fedewa has joined Richard Childress Racing (RCR) as the spotter for Clint Bowyer’s No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series. Fedewa, a veteran of 333 Busch Series starts, lays claim to four wins, four pole positions, 25 top-five and 66 top-10 finishes on NASCAR’s junior circuit. Fedewa’s most recent NBS win came in May 2000 when the Holt, Mich., native won from the pole at New Hampshire International Speedway. “It’s pretty exciting to be part of a championship organization like RCR,” said Fedewa. “Up until just a few weeks ago, I was spotting some Busch races on Saturday’s but I knew I wanted to work on Sunday’s too. (Mike) Dillon saw me on the spotter’s stand and asked me who I was spotting for and I told him who it was, but that it was only on a temporary basis. He asked me if would consider spotting for Clint on both days. It was too good of an offer to turn down. We’ve got a couple races under our belts already and it seems to be working out pretty well.” (RCR)
April 23, 2006:
Harvick sweeps in Phoenix
April 22, 2006:
Harvick hopes to have decision in 2 weeks: In the next two weeks Kevin Harvick hopes to have what could easily be the biggest decision of his racing career behind him. Whatever that outcome, he hopes to remain on course for what could be his best season as a driver. "I think it's only fair to the parties involved to make a decision sooner, rather than later and string everything along," said Harvick, whose contract is up at the end of this season with Richard Childress Racing as driver of the No. 29 Chevrolets. "My team thought I was leaving since the middle of last year and they haven't crumbled, contrary to what some may think. It's all about staying focused on driving and performance, and we have tried not to pay attention to the situation that we are kind of in." That "situation" is complicated. (Charlotte Observer)
March 27, 2006:
Childress offers no comment on Harvick contract: Childress also had little to say about contract negotiations with Kevin Harvick. The two had set an early April deadline for deciding their plans for 2007, but both appear to be downplaying any deadline. "We're in the talking stage right now," Childress said. "We haven't put any deadline on it." And Childress insisted he didn't sense Harvick might be looking more and more like a lame duck. (Salem-Journal)
March 24, 2006:
Harvick and Childress being contract discussions: Kevin Harvick said Friday he has no set deadline on deciding his future in the Nextel Cup Series, but he has started the process of talking with Richard Childress Racing about a possible contract extension. "There was never any hard date set. There is not a specific date. We just decided that sometime in April when things had settled down, we could sit down and talk," said Harvick, who has driven RCR's No. 29 Chevrolet since the 2001 season. "We had a couple minutes to sit down the other day just for the first time. We got those initial conversations under way, so we'll see where it goes." (Charlotte Observer)
March 22, 2006:
New Bowyer/DIRECTV scheme: RCR, along with DIRECTV, will unveil a new look for the #07 Chevy Friday, March 24 at 10a.m. in Victory Lane at Bristol Motor Speedway. The #07 DIRECTV Chevrolet will make its debut the following weekend in the DIRECTV 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Driver Clint Bowyer, crew chief Gil Martin and senior vice president of advertising and public relations, Jon Gieselman, from DIRECTV will be on hand for the unveiling. (RCR PR)
March 20, 2006:
Harvick wants GM support for Truck/Busch/Cup: Kevin Harvick has set too high a price tag in his contract renegotiations with General Motors, and it now seems unlikely that car owner Richard Childress will renew the deal, according to sources. The two have set an early April deadline. Harvick drives Nextel Cup cars for Childress, and also fields a Truck for Ron Hornaday and two Busch cars, for Burney Lamar, Ron Fellows, Tony Stewart and himself, all under Kevin Harvick Inc. Toyota would likely be willing to support Harvick with a full Nextel Cup-Busch-Truck package, but it is unclear if GM is willing to match that. (Salem-Journal)
Mar. 7, 2006:
Harvick/RCR Contract: Kevin Harvick got out of Mexico City in a hurry, leaving Sunday's Busch Series race without coming to the media center for post-race interviews as is customary for third-place finishers. According to a NASCAR spokesperson, there were security issues with crowds leaving the garage and Harvick opted to catch a plane instead of dealing with them.Whether Harvick returns to Richard Childress Racing next season will not be totally up to the 2001 Nextel Cup rookie of the year. A source close to the organization said there is concern over whether Harvick is focused enough on his Cup career to be given a long-term contract. Harvick already owns teams in the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series, and is believed to be a target of Toyota as a driver and perhaps owner when the Japanese-based manufacturer enters NASCAR's top series in 2007. Harvick and team owner Richard Childress have set an April deadline for determining whether they will remain together past this season. Childress has maintained he would like Harvick back. He also admitted the decision is not one-sided. "It's got to be right for both of us,'' said Childress, who attended Sunday's race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. "It can't be right for just one. It has to be a deal that both of us believe we can win races and win championships. (NASCAR.com)
Feb. 23, 2006:
Sopranos to sponsor#07 Bowyer at Las Vegas: NASCAR history includes a tradition of great racing families; names like Earnhardt, Petty, Waltrip and Labonte have dominated the sport for decades. On March 12th, a new family will be added to that list: Soprano. That’s right—America’s favorite mob family will join the NASCAR ranks by sponsoring Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) No. 07 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS and driver Clint Bowyer in the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The one-race sponsorship is part of HBO’s marketing campaign to promote the hit drama’s season premiere, which will air Sunday, March 12 at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Sopranos logo will be showcased on the hood and on the quarter panels of Bowyer’s No. 07. Some of the show’s other businesses are also getting into the act, as the Bada Bing logo will be on the car’s rear quarter panel. The 07 team’s crew uniforms will also include a patch advertising Satriale’s Pork Store. Bowyer, who will be making just his fourth career Nextel Cup start, is excited about the opportunity but understandably nervous at the same time. “My job has a lot of pressure even without having Tony Soprano as my boss,” joked Bowyer. “Now I’ve got to worry about if I don’t win I might end up sleeping with the fishes.” Team owner Richard Childress is excited to have the Sopranos on one of his cars, saying, “HBO and Tony Soprano made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. We’ve built them a great car and hopefully we can get them into victory lane their first time out.” Grand Central Marketing, an event marketing and promotions agency with offices in New York and Los Angeles, brokered the sponsorship and handles the promotion on behalf of HBO. (RCR PR)
Feb. 14, 2006:
#31 Burton engine legal: Rumors about the legality of the engine in Jeff Burton's pole-winning No. 31 Chevrolet circulated the garage area Sunday evening. But Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of communications, said the technical inspection found zero violations -- "none, whatsoever" -- in the Richard Childress Racing power plant that put up the top lap of 189.151 mph. Burton deferred to the engine shop at RCR, saying he had little to do with the hot lap in his Monte Carlo. (Star-Telegram)
Feb. 11, 2006:
DirecTV signs with RCR: NASCAR partner DIRECTV has announced an official partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), one of NASCAR’s premier racing teams. Through the partnership, DIRECTV will be an associate sponsor of the #07 Jack Daniel’s Chevy and its driver, Clint Bowyer, during the 2006 Nextel Cup Series season. The association with RCR aligns DIRECTV with one of the sport’s most well-respected racing programs and one of the sport’s most exciting young drivers. DIRECTV also will be primary sponsor of the #07 Chevy at three Nextel Cup Series races this season at Martinsville (April 2), Pocono (June 11) and Talladega (October 8). As the nation’s leading digital TV service, DIRECTV has a long history with NASCAR, though this announcement marks the company’s first official sponsorship of a Nextel Cup team. The service has become an integral part of the sport by providing millions of fans the opportunity for the most enhanced, unique NASCAR viewing experience at home and trackside. DIRECTV has also become a critical piece of racing equipment for crew chiefs, as teams up and down pit road rely on the digital picture and sound to aid spotters and monitor car performance throughout the entire race. The partnership with RCR and Clint Bowyer will enable DIRECTV to create consumer marketing and retail promotions targeting NASCAR's loyal fan base. In addition, the relationship will provide DIRECTV the opportunity to increase awareness of its new DIRECTV Plus ® DVR among race fans and emphasize current and future features that will enhance their race viewing experience. (RCR Site)
Jan. 23, 2006:
RCR Racing News: Mike Brown has been named director of licensing for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), replacing Chuck Spicer who has assumed the new position of director of competition business operations. Brown is responsible for all aspects of RCR's licensing programs. He has been involved in the sales, marketing and licensing end of the NASCAR industry for more than a decade, most recently in a three-year stint as director of sales and marketing with Team Caliber. Prior to that, he spent more than four years as director of licensing for International Speedway Corporation (ISC), establishing and then supervising the sales, marketing, licensing and purchasing activities of its Charlotte office. Spicer's new responsibilities include RCR's driver development and diversity programs, team travel, engine department business opportunities, and to serve as the liaison between the competition and business sides of the company. He served as RCR's licensing director since moving from Bill Davis Racing in December 2000.(RCR PR)
Dec..15, 2005:
ESPN and RCR settle suit: RCR Enterprises Inc., the racing team of the late Dale Earnhardt, has settled its complaint with ESPN Inc. over the television network's use of a stylized No. 3. The dispute involved the marketing for ESPN's movie about Earnhardt in 2004. The network used a version of Earnhardt's racing number that RCR thought was too similar to their version, which is trademarked. RCR filed a lawsuit in federal court in March, charging trademark infringement, unfair competition and the dilution of Earnhardt's symbol. Attorneys notified the court on Nov. 28 that they were dismissing the complaint, and the parties said yesterday that they have settled. The terms have not been disclosed. "The matter has been resolved to our satisfaction, and the exact terms are confidential," said Heather Adams, an attorney for ESPN. David Hart, a spokesman for RCR, said that the company is satisfied, too. (Salem-Journal)
Nov. 20, 2005:
Tracy wants NEXTEL Cup series ride: Former Champ Car champion Paul Tracy of Toronto worked the garage area yesterday, talking to NASCAR owners about trying to secure a ride for the future. "I want to give this a try," said Tracy. "I've made no secret about that. "My ideal situation would be to run about 10 to 12 races next season, and I'm out here trying to make it happen. The biggest thing for me is to get into a good car. I can't waste my time with a bad ride." Tracy tested with Richard Childress Racing earlier this year with the possibility of racing for the team at Michigan in August. "There's just too much going on," Tracy said, explaining why it didn't work out. "There was just too much to work something out for me." (Edmonton Sun)
Nov. 4, 2005:
Earnhardt, Jr. still thinks about driving #3: Dale Earnhardt Jr. hasn’t given up on the idea of one day driving the No. 3 car that his dad made famous with Richard Childress Racing. The son of the late Dale Earnhardt, a four-time Nextel Cup champion, left the door open this past week during an appearance on Dave Despain’s “Wind Tunnel” television show. “That is something that is an opportunity for us, and it would be fun for me and Richard to do something like that in the future,” Earnhardt said. “We haven’t sat down and decided that is what we will do, but maybe the last one or two years in my career, that’s a possibility. “I look forward to it. That is just something we just leave laying out there and joke about it, but it is something that we want to do, and we will do.” (The State)
Nov. 2, 2005:
RCR makes crew chief changes: Moves Go Into Effect For Final Two Races of 2005 Season: Two of Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) NASCAR Cup Series teams will swap crew chiefs next week in preparation for the 2006 season. Scott Miller, current crew chief on the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s team, will assume the crew chief position on the No. 31 Cingular Wireless team with driver Jeff Burton for the final two races this season and next year. Kevin Hamlin, current crew chief on the No. 31 Cingular Wireless team, will move to the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s team for the rest of this season with driver Dave Blaney. He will be assisted by Gil Martin who, it was announced in October, will be the crew chief for the team next year with new driver Clint Bowyer. Hamlin has been offered another position within the RCR organization at the conclusion of this season. “We’re making these moves next week to get a head start on 2006,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. “We had already announced that Gil was going to be the Jack Daniel’s team crew chief for 2006 so it made sense to get him running as quickly as possible. We have put Scott Miller and Jeff Burton together on the Cingular Wireless team in an effort to take the success the team has had this season to the next level. Kevin Hamlin has been a valuable part of RCR for many years and we look forward to him continuing to contribute to our success in the future.” Martin will remain as the crew chief for Bowyer and the No. 2 ACDelco team in their quest for the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series championship. Jeremy Bullins, the team’s engineer who will also move to the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s team next season, will assist Hamlin and Martin for the balance of the season. “This in no way will take away from the effort Clint, Gil and the ACDelco team will give toward winning the Busch championship,” said Childress. “They’ve still got a good shot at it and Gil has great guys working for him on both teams so we won’t let him get overloaded from either direction (Richard Childress Racing PR)
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