General Discussion » What is really wrong with Dale Jr
Only JR knows. He's always said he does not like the COT car. And I think that is stuck in his head. Eventually he will get it and accept it. ( I HOPE ).
Tony Gibson, Bobby Hutchens to leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. for Stewart-Haas Racing
By SceneDaily Staff
Friday, November 14, 2008
Stewart-Haas Racing announced Friday that Bobby Hutchens will serve as director of competition for the two-car team and named Tony Gibson to be Ryan Newman's crew chief for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
Both Hutchens and Gibson worked previously in similar capacities at Dale Earnhardt Inc. Hutchens was vice president of competition at DEI, while Gibson worked as crew chief on the No. 8 DEI entry.
“Stewart-Haas Racing has an incredible amount of potential, and to be an integral part of what we all believe can be a championship-winning organization was an opportunity I could not turn down,” Hutchens said.
“It’s important that a race team’s front office is in sync with what’s happening on the shop floor, and having lived in both worlds, I’m committed to making Stewart-Haas Racing a strong and efficient operation.”
Gibson has been a crew chief at NASCAR's top level since 2002 and has worked with drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Steve Park and Michael Waltrip.
Gibson also worked as a car chief at Hendrick Motorsports on Jeff Gordon's team from 1998 to 2001 and played an instrumental role in three of Gordon's four Cup championships. Gibson also worked as a car chief on Alan Kulwicki's 1992 Cup championship team and Bill Elliott's 1988 Cup championship team.
“I’ve known Tony [Stewart] a long time and have always respected him as a racer and as a person,” Gibson said. “He understands people, works well with them and genuinely wants to see them succeed. And he’s smart enough to know that their success is also his success. He’s building an impressive race team, and I’m very happy to be a part of it, and I look forward to working with him and Ryan.”
Newman, who will drive the No. 39 Chevrolet, is looking forward to having Gibson calling the shots in the pits for his team.
“Tony [Gibson] and I have talked as much about racing as we have about hunting and fishing,” said the defending Daytona 500 champion. “I feel like we’re already on the same page, so to speak. I’m not sure who’s more excited about next year – him or me.”
Mentioned Drivers: Ryan Newman
Popular News
Recent Headlines
-
7 reasons to watch the LifeLock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway: No. 1 - Ford
Comments (1) -
Lee Montgomery: Last-lap Daytona crash just one of them racing deals
Comments (16) -
Elliott Sadler somewhat satisfied with 10th-place Daytona finish
Post Comment -
Last-lap crash nixes solid run by Richard Petty Motorsports’ Kasey Kahne
Comments (4) -
Brian Vickers takes damaged car to seventh-place finish at Daytona
Comments (1)
Poll PositionView All
The race at which of these remaining tracks will have the largest impact on who makes the field for the Chase For The Sprint Cup?
Promotions
-
Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!
-
Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.
-
Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the Jeff Gordon Racing School.
-
Play our simulation racing fantasy game. Free with promo code "FREECRD".
Comments
5 responses to "Tony Gibson, Bobby Hutchens to leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. for Stewart-Haas Racing". Post a Comment.
Andrew Briscoe said:
Nov 14, 2008 at 4:26 PMNeither of these two announcements are surprising: the rumor of Gibson leaving DEI started up over two weeks ago, and this year almost all the rumors in NASCAR are coming true.
James Mogseth said:
Nov 14, 2008 at 6:10 PMLo and behold!! Let the exodus begin. DEI has lost its main driver in Jr., and now the people who are mainstays are leaving also. Does anyone wonder why these key players are leaving? May just be the rumors about the "top" management are true.
Pat Draper said:
Nov 14, 2008 at 7:00 PMJames i guessed the rumors were true when Jr. left DEI. I don't see how chip and therea are going to get along it will be worth watching. I am glad for Newman, he will be a great team mate for Tony. These two guys are from my state and newman from my hometown. I know they will do good. Tony has done good in everything he has done encluding owning of race tracks and making them good tracks. GO 14 & 39
Gladys Bedwell said:
Nov 14, 2008 at 7:45 PMWell the pieces are in place - let the 2009 season begin. Good luck Tony & Ryan!!!!
robert portano said:
Nov 14, 2008 at 8:07 PMGO TONY AND RYAN !!! I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL DAYTONA.