Petty hires Jeff Meendering as Labonte's crew chief
Petty Enterprises officials have announced the hiring of Jeff Meendering as crew chief for Bobby Labonte's No. 43 Dodge team.
Meendering comes from Hendrick Motorsports, where he served as car chief for Jeff Gordon's team. He replaces Doug Randolph, who moved to Dale Earnhardt Inc.
"The opportunity to lead a team with the winning tradition of the 43 car and work for a legend in Richard Petty, felt like the perfect fit," Meendering said in a news release.
Meendering's first on-track appearance will come Dec. 11-12 when Labonte conducts a Goodyear tire test at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Meendering will also help the team move from its Randleman, N.C., shop to Mooresville, N.C., taking over a building previously used by Robert Yates Racing.
"We see Jeff as another very important piece in our process of growing Petty Enterprises back into a championship-contending team," Vice President of Race Operations Robbie Loomis said. "I've known Jeff for many years, and I realize how truly lucky we are to have someone of his caliber join our organization. He will be tremendously valuable in helping us with all of the transition we have this offseason, with the move and competing with the car of tomorrow at all of the tracks next year.
"With the knowledge, experience and leadership he brings to our team, I am confident he will be a cornerstone of our organization for years to come."
Meendering said he started at Hendrick as a teenager "sweeping floors" before Loomis - then crew chief for Gordon's No. 24 team - took him on the road in 2001.
"I learned from [Loomis] and [current Gordon crew chief] Steve Letarte how to prepare and execute at the track," Meendering said. "Bobby Labonte is a champion and a driver of the highest caliber. From what I have seen this team has all the pieces in place to compete for wins and make the Chase.
"I have been fortunate to visit victory lane several times with the 24 team, and I fully expect to be a part of getting Bobby and the 43 car there again."
